Massage Therapy Permits & Licenses in Springfield, MO

Required for all LLC formation in Missouri. Annual report also required ($0 fee online).

All LLCs must file annually regardless of activity status.

500 hours approved education + passing MBLEx exam required. All massage therapists must be licensed.

Required for any fixed location where massage therapy is performed. Must have licensed therapist as manager.

Required if LLC operates under assumed/fictitious name. Renews every 5 years ($7).

Massage services generally nontaxable, but required if selling retail products.

All employers must register for withholding tax account.

Quarterly wage reports and unemployment tax payments required.

Massage therapy services are generally not subject to sales tax in Missouri unless they include the sale of tangible personal property (e.g., lotions or oils sold separately). If only services are provided, this registration may not be required. However, if taxable items are sold, registration is mandatory.

Required for all Missouri employers to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies only if the LLC hires staff.

All employers with one or more employees must register. New employers pay 3.0% tax rate on first $7,000 of each employee's wages annually until experience rating is established.

Missouri does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs. Instead, LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State. The report includes a $70 fee and is required every year regardless of business activity.

Many Missouri cities (e.g., St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield) require a local business license or impose a privilege tax. Requirements vary. For example, St. Louis City imposes a Business License Tax; Kansas City requires a Business Tax Registration. Check with the city or county clerk where the business operates.

Even single-member LLCs should obtain an EIN for banking and tax purposes. Required for federal tax reporting, including employment taxes and excise taxes.

Services such as massage therapy are not taxable in Missouri. However, if tangible personal property is sold separately, it may be subject to sales tax. Filing frequency is assigned by DOR based on expected sales.

Employers must file Form MO-941 quarterly or monthly to report withheld state income taxes. Frequency determined by DOR based on liability.

While not all sole proprietorship LLCs without employees need an EIN, it is recommended for banking and credibility. Massage therapy LLCs with employees or future hiring plans must obtain an EIN.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C (Form 1040). Multi-member LLCs file as a partnership (Form 1065). All self-employed individuals must pay self-employment tax under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).

Massage therapy businesses with employees must comply with OSHA’s General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), which requires a workplace free from recognized hazards. This includes ergonomics, bloodborne pathogens (if exposure is possible), and safe handling of cleaning chemicals. No specific OSHA standard for massage therapy exists, but general standards apply.

Under ADA Title III, massage therapy businesses with a physical location must ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and treatment rooms. "Readily achievable" modifications must be made; new construction must meet ADA Standards.

Standard massage therapy (without acupuncture or invasive procedures) typically does not produce federally regulated medical waste. If lancets, needles, or blood-soaked materials are used, compliance with EPA and DOT rules for storage, labeling, and disposal is required.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Massage therapy businesses must avoid false claims (e.g., "cures disease"), disclose material connections (e.g., paid endorsements), and not misrepresent services. Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials.

Applies to employers meeting federal thresholds. Most LLCs with employees are subject to FUTA.

Single-member LLCs report income on Schedule C of owner's Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Corporations file Form 1120. Deadline follows federal individual or corporate due dates.

All businesses, including home-based LLCs, must report and pay tax on owned business assets. Massage tables, chairs, computers, and other equipment are included. File Form 511 (if applicable) or report on state tax return.

Required for all businesses; massage therapy falls under general commercial license

Requires premises inspection; separate therapist certification needed

Must verify zoning district allows massage therapy use

Inspection covers sanitation, plumbing, lighting standards

Required for massage establishments as commercial occupancy

All businesses require; massage has additional health requirements

Requires criminal background check, premises approval

Massage parlors prohibited in certain residential zones

Massage businesses typically require basic commercial inspection

Does NOT apply within Kansas City limits

General requirement; massage therapy specifically listed

Requires state certification plus local approval

Required when modifying commercial space for massage therapy

All U.S. employers, including LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. E-Verify is not federally mandated unless in a federal contract or certain states.

FLSA requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week) unless employee is exempt. Most massage therapists are non-exempt. Independent contractor status must meet strict DOL criteria to avoid misclassification.

FMLA requires eligible employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small massage therapy LLCs do not meet the 50-employee threshold.

Massage therapy is regulated at the state level (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services). No federal license (e.g., from FDA, DEA, ATF, FCC, DOT) is required to operate a massage therapy business. FDA does not regulate massage as a medical treatment unless making disease claims.

All massage therapists employed by the LLC must hold a current, active Missouri massage therapy license. The business must verify licensure status before hiring.

Most massage services are exempt from sales tax in Missouri, but retail sales of products are taxable. Must register even if no tax is currently due.

Required by Missouri law for all employers. Class code for massage therapy is typically 9102 (Therapeutic Massage).

Many Missouri counties do not require a city license, but spas, salons, and wellness centers often do. Check with local city hall or county clerk.

Size, lighting, placement restrictions apply

Exempt if sole proprietor with no employees. Missouri law requires workers' comp coverage for employers with five or more employees (RSMo 287.800), but all employers in hazardous occupations (including personal services like massage therapy) must carry coverage regardless of number of employees. Massage therapy is classified as a hazardous occupation under Missouri law.

Not mandated by Missouri state law for massage therapy businesses. However, landlords, professional associations, or third-party platforms may require it as a condition of leasing or membership. Strongly recommended due to risk of client injury or property damage.

Not legally required by Missouri state law or the Missouri Board of Healing Arts for licensed massage therapists. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, improper technique, or client injury. Required by many employers, landlords, and professional associations.

Missouri does not require a surety bond for licensure as a massage therapist or for operating a massage therapy business. The application for licensure by the Missouri Board of Healing Arts does not list a bond requirement. Federal or local bonding requirements do not apply to this profession in Missouri.

Required under Missouri's Financial Responsibility Law (RSMo 303.020) for any vehicle registered to the business or used for business purposes. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage. Personal auto policies do not cover business use.

Not mandated by Missouri law. However, if the business sells tangible goods, it may be held liable for product defects or injuries. While not required, it is strongly recommended. General or professional liability policies may offer limited product liability coverage; a separate policy may be needed for broader protection.

Only required if the business holds a liquor license and serves alcohol. This is highly uncommon for massage therapy businesses. Missouri law requires businesses with liquor licenses to carry liquor liability insurance or post a bond (RSMo 311.200). Not applicable to standard massage therapy operations.

Standard massage therapy is generally exempt from health department oversight, but if the business offers additional spa services involving lotions, exfoliants, or steam, local health department permitting and inspection may be required. Confirm with local jurisdiction.

EIN itself does not require renewal, but businesses with employees must file regular tax returns. EIN remains active indefinitely.

Employers must file Form MO-941 (quarterly) or MO-941-ES (monthly) and Form MO-W3 annually. Frequency based on withholding amount. No requirement if no employees.

LLC owners subject to self-employment tax must make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES. Applies to sole proprietors and partners in multi-member LLCs.

Required for LLC owners who are Missouri residents and expect to owe state tax. Paid using MO-1040ES form.

IRS recommends keeping business records (e.g., receipts, invoices, tax returns) for at least 3 years. Employment tax records must be kept for at least 4 years. Missouri Board of Healing Arts may require retention of client records for 7 years for disciplinary purposes.

Each licensed massage therapist must display their current license in a visible location at the place of practice. Applies to all individuals providing services.

All Missouri LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State. The report updates business information and maintains good standing. Filing can be done online via the Missouri Secretary of State website.

Massage therapy services are generally not subject to Missouri sales tax unless tangible goods are sold. However, if the business later sells products or employs staff, payroll/sales tax registration may be required. Registration remains active unless canceled, but changes must be reported.

All licensed massage therapists must renew their license every two years. Renewal requires completion of 24 hours of approved continuing education (see separate requirement). The business itself does not hold this license, but all practicing individuals must.

Required for all licensed massage therapists. Includes 2 hours in ethics, 2 hours in infection control, and 2 hours in Missouri law. Courses must be approved by the Board or a nationally recognized provider (e.g., NCBTMB).

Required under Missouri Fire Safety Code. Most cities (e.g., Kansas City, St. Louis) require annual fire inspections for commercial occupancies. Contact local fire department for scheduling. The Missouri Division of Fire Safety oversees compliance but local authorities conduct inspections.

Most Missouri cities (e.g., Columbia, Springfield, St. Louis) require businesses to obtain a local license and display it prominently. Fees and requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with city clerk.

Employers must display the 'Job Safety and Health Protection' poster (OSHA 3165) in a conspicuous location. Available for free download from OSHA website.

Employers must display the Missouri Minimum Wage and Labor Standards poster. Available from the Division of Labor Standards. Required for all employers with employees in Missouri.

Massage therapy services are not taxable in Missouri, but if tangible personal property is sold, a sales tax permit is required. No annual renewal, but returns must be filed monthly or quarterly.

Employers must register and file quarterly unemployment tax returns. New employers pay 3.8% tax rate.