Nail Salon Permits & Licenses in Ann Arbor, MI

Required for all LLCs. Additional $25 for certified copy if needed.

Required if business uses a name different from LLC's official name. Renew every 5 years ($10).

Required for nail salons as they fall under cosmetology establishments. Must meet sanitation/inspection standards.

400 hours training + exam required. Salon owner may need if performing services. Natural hair, esthetician, or full cosmetology licenses may also apply based on services.

Nail services generally exempt, but product sales require registration. File returns monthly/quarterly.

Quarterly wage/tax reporting required.

Proof of coverage must be filed annually. Sole proprietors without employees exempt.

Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner’s SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for banking and vendor purposes. EIN is required for payroll tax reporting if hiring employees.

Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report income on Schedule C of Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (Partnership Return). LLCs electing corporate taxation file Form 1120. Self-employment tax (Schedule SE) applies to net earnings over $400.

Nail salons use chemicals (e.g., acetone, formaldehyde) requiring proper labeling, SDS access, and employee training under HCS. OSHA Form 300 (injury log) required only if business has 10+ employees or is in a high-risk industry (cosmetology is not currently exempt).

Applies to all public accommodations, including nail salons. Requires physical accessibility (e.g., entrances, restrooms, service counters) and policies allowing service animals. Existing buildings may qualify for 'readily achievable' barrier removal, but new construction or renovations must meet ADA Standards.

Most nail salons do not exceed thresholds (e.g., 55 gallons of flammable liquids), but must maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and report under Tier II if thresholds are met. Formaldehyde is reportable under EPCRA if present in significant amounts (e.g., in nail hardeners).

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week), and proper recordkeeping. Tip credits are not allowed in nail salons unless specific FLSA conditions are met (e.g., tip pooling, notice requirements).

Nail salon services (manicures, pedicures) are generally not subject to sales tax in Michigan. However, retail sales of tangible personal property (e.g., nail polish, tools) are taxable and require registration. Services involving tanning equipment may be taxable but do not apply to standard nail services.

Employers must withhold Michigan income tax from employee wages. Registration is done via the Michigan Treasury Online (MTO) system.

LLCs in Michigan are typically pass-through entities and do not pay corporate income tax. Instead, income flows to members who report it on personal returns. However, if the LLC elects corporate taxation, it must file Form 4838. Most nail salons operating as pass-through entities are not subject to MBT or corporate tax at the entity level.

All LLCs must obtain an EIN from the IRS regardless of employee status. This is required for federal tax reporting, even for single-member LLCs that are disregarded entities.

Many Michigan cities require a local business license or privilege tax. Examples: Detroit Business Privilege License, Grand Rapids Business Registration, Ann Arbor Business Tax. Contact local clerk’s office for specific requirements. Nail salons may also be subject to zoning or health department rules at the local level.

LLC owners must report business income on personal tax returns. Estimated tax payments are required if tax liability exceeds $1,000. Schedule C is used to report nail salon income and expenses.

Owners of LLCs taxed as disregarded entities must report business income on their Michigan individual income tax return (Form MI-1040). No separate entity-level tax is due, but income is subject to Michigan's 4.25% individual income tax rate.

Most nail salons operate as pass-through entities (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, single-member LLC) and are not subject to CIT at the entity level. Income is reported on owners' personal returns. However, if the LLC elects corporate taxation, it must file Form 4838 and pay CIT.

All nail salons must obtain a sanitation permit from the local health department. Inspections cover sterilization practices, ventilation, waste disposal, and safe use of instruments. Renewal may be required annually.

Contact city clerk. Examples: Detroit requires General Business License.

If threshold is met, employers must provide eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours in past 12 months) up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons (e.g., birth, serious health condition).

All U.S. employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. Employers must retain I-9 forms for 3 years after hire date or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. E-Verify is not federally required unless in a federal contract or certain states.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising laws. Nail salons must have evidence to support claims (e.g., 'lasts 2 weeks', 'hypoallergenic'). Misleading pricing (e.g., bait-and-switch) or failure to disclose material connections (e.g., influencer promotions) violates FTC Act. Applies even to small businesses.

Nail salons using or selling cosmetics (e.g., nail polish, removers) must comply with FDA labeling and safety rules. Products must be safe and properly labeled. Prohibited ingredients (e.g., chloroform, mercury) are banned. Formaldehyde in nail products must be labeled if above 0.05%. No pre-market approval required, but adverse events must be reported voluntarily.

All LLCs formed or registered in Michigan must file an Annual Report each year by February 15. The report updates ownership, management, and contact information. This is a state-level requirement for all LLCs, regardless of industry.

Nail salons operating as cosmetology suites must renew their facility license biennially. The license is required to operate legally. Fee is current as of 2023. Renewal occurs in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023, 2025).

All licensed professionals must renew their individual licenses every two years in odd-numbered years. The salon is responsible for ensuring staff maintain valid licenses. Renewal requires completion of 12 hours of continuing education per cycle.

Licensees must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years, including at least one hour in infection control. Courses must be from approved providers.

All nail salons collecting sales tax must file periodic returns. Frequency (monthly, quarterly, annual) is assigned by the Department of Treasury based on expected sales volume. No renewal fee, but license remains active as long as filings are current.

Employers must register for Michigan withholding tax, deposit employee income tax withholdings, and file periodic returns. Employers must also file Form W-2 or W-2C with the state by January 31 annually.

EIN is required for tax reporting. Employers must file Form 941 quarterly, Form 940 annually for FUTA, and Form W-2/W-3 by January 31. Self-employed owners without employees are not required to file these.

Businesses with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries), Form 300A, and Form 301. Form 300A must be posted from February 1 to April 30 each year. Most small businesses with fewer than 10 employees are exempt.

Employers must display current federal and state labor law posters, including Minimum Wage, OSHA Rights, EEO, and Michigan’s Whistleblower Protection. Posters must be visible to employees. Requirements vary slightly between federal and state.

Most local fire departments conduct periodic fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes, including exit signage, fire extinguishers, and storage of flammable materials. Frequency depends on local ordinance.

Nail salons typically require commercial zoning (B-1, C-1, etc.)

Cosmetology establishment license via county health dept. Required for nail services.

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code compliance

Required under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 418.1a for all employers with one or more employees. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt unless they elect coverage. Employers must either purchase from private insurer or self-insure through the state fund. Nail salon employees (e.g., nail technicians) are considered employees regardless of commission structure.

Not legally required by Michigan state law for nail salons. However, strongly recommended due to risk of slip-and-fall, property damage, or customer injury. Some local municipalities may require it as part of business licensing. Not enforced by a specific agency.

Not legally required in Michigan for nail salons. However, recommended to cover claims of negligence, infections, or allergic reactions due to services. No state agency enforces this. Often referred to as 'malpractice insurance' in personal care industries.

A $5,000 surety bond is required for the operation of a beauty establishment under the Michigan Beauty Salon Licensing Act (Act 255 of 1980, MCL 338.871). The bond ensures compliance with state laws and regulations. Enforced by the Bureau of Arts, Education, and Sciences within LARA. Applies to all licensed beauty establishments, including nail salons.

Required under Michigan's No-Fault Insurance Law (MCL 500.3102) for any vehicle used in business. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use. Applies if salon owns a vehicle for transporting supplies, mobile services, or employee transport.

Not legally required by Michigan. However, if a nail salon sells physical products (e.g., nail polishes, hand creams), it assumes some manufacturer/retailer liability. Recommended but not mandated. No specific agency enforces this for salons.

Only required if the nail salon holds a liquor license. Most nail salons do not serve alcohol. If alcohol is served (e.g., in a spa-lounge setting), the MLCC requires liquor liability coverage as part of licensing. Not applicable to standard nail salons.

Nail salons are subject to routine inspections by the local health department for compliance with sanitation, disinfection, ventilation, and waste disposal standards under Michigan’s Public Health Code. Inspection frequency varies by jurisdiction.

Most cities and townships in Michigan require a local business license or occupational tax certificate. Renewal deadlines and fees vary by jurisdiction. Salon owners must contact their local clerk for specific requirements.

Employers must ensure labor law posters are current. Updates occur when federal or state laws change (e.g., minimum wage adjustments). Employers should check annually for updates.

Federal law requires businesses to keep tax records for at least 3 years. Employment records (W-4s, time sheets, etc.) must be kept for at least 4 years. Michigan requires retention of sales tax records for 4 years. Records must be available for audit.

Requires a written exposure control plan, use of PPE, handwashing facilities, and employee training. Applies if salon provides services involving blood exposure.

Nail salons must comply with Michigan Public Health Code Part 127, which governs sanitation, disinfection, ventilation, and chemical storage. Inspections may occur unannounced.

Must display federal and state labor law posters, including OSHA, minimum wage, and anti-discrimination notices. Posters must be current and legible.