Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a painter in St Louis, MO. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Missouri does not require a statewide contractor license for painters. However, cities like St. Louis require a $10,000 surety bond for contractor registration. Bond protects consumers against fraud or failure to perform. Not required in unincorporated areas or smaller jurisdictions.
All vehicles used for business purposes in Missouri must carry minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies even if vehicle is personally owned but used for business (e.g., transporting paint supplies).
Not legally required in Missouri for painters. However, recommended for claims related to poor workmanship, missed deadlines, or client disputes not covered under general liability. Not mandated by any state agency.
Not mandated by Missouri law. However, if a painting business manufactures or resells paint products (not just application), product liability exposure exists. General liability policies may cover this, but specialized coverage may be needed. CPSC enforces federal product safety standards.
Only applicable if the painter business hosts events where alcohol is served. Not relevant for standard painting operations. Required under Missouri dram shop laws if alcohol is sold or furnished.
Must be filed online via the SOS portal. Includes updating the principal office address and registered agent.
If annual taxable sales are <$100,000 you may elect to file quarterly.
Required for all LLC formation in Missouri. Annual report required separately (see below).
All active LLCs must file annually to maintain good standing.
Registration valid for 5 years; renewal required thereafter.
Painters typically sell taxable supplies (paint) requiring sales tax permit. Withholding tax ID if employees.
Quarterly reporting and contributions required after registration.
Members must also file Missouri individual income tax returns (Form MO‑1040) by April 15.
Payments made using Form MO‑1040‑ES.
File electronically via the Missouri UI Online portal.
Maintain a valid Workers’ Comp policy at all times; report any changes in payroll or classification.
Application requires proof of Workers’ Comp, liability insurance, and a copy of the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
Requires proof of liability insurance ($1 M) and Workers’ Comp.
Maintain a copy of the certification on site and provide homeowners with the EPA pamphlet.
Most small painting contractors do not need this permit unless handling bulk hazardous materials.
Include the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It’s the Law poster.
Required for any employer with 1+ employees.
Includes the Missouri Minimum Wage poster and the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Notice.
Include sales tax returns, income tax returns, payroll tax filings, and supporting documentation.
Applies if the business has employees.
Construction trades like painting classified as higher risk. Must carry or obtain certificate of self-insurance.
Painters may be required to collect sales tax on materials sold to customers. Labor for residential painting is generally not taxable in Missouri unless materials are included. Commercial painting services that include materials may be partially taxable. See Mo. Rev. Stat. § 144.020(1)(a).
Required for all employers who pay wages to employees in Missouri. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the state.
Employers must register even if they expect to hire only one employee. The tax rate varies based on experience rating after the first few years.
As an LLC, the business itself does not pay Missouri income tax unless it elects corporate taxation. However, owners must report their share of profits on personal Missouri tax returns (Form MO-1040). This is a pass-through entity obligation.
Missouri does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on LLCs. This is not required for a painter operating as an LLC.
Examples: Kansas City requires a Business Tax Registration ($100/year); St. Louis imposes a 1.5% earnings tax on businesses operating within city limits. Check with local city clerk or county collector. No statewide uniform rule.
Required for all LLCs with employees or those electing corporate taxation. Also recommended even for single-member LLCs for banking and contractor purposes. Can be obtained online at no cost.
Required even if the business has no income, no employees, or no state taxes due. Failure to file may result in loss of limited liability protection.
Required for all businesses including painters; LLC must register with Missouri Secretary of State first
Painters must verify zoning allows contractor operations; home occupation permit needed for residences
Applies to service businesses like painting; not required in municipalities with own licensing
Limits signage, traffic, storage of materials; no employees allowed typically
Painters classified under general contractor/services; zoning verification required
Required for wall, freestanding, or temporary signs advertising painting services
General requirement; painters must also comply with zoning for storage/operations
Contractor businesses like painters may need conditional use permit in certain zones
Applies county-wide; painters modifying shops for paint mixing/storage need inspections
Painters storing hazardous materials require fire code compliance
Not statutorily mandated at the state level for all businesses in Missouri, but strongly required by clients, property owners, and subcontracting agreements. Considered essential for risk management in painting trade due to property damage and bodily injury exposure.
As a painter, you'll likely need to pay federal income tax and self-employment tax, with the amount varying based on your profits. You may also be required to make estimated tax payments quarterly to avoid penalties.
No, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) indicates that there is no industry-specific federal license required for painting services, but you still need to comply with other federal regulations.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires you to adhere to truth-in-advertising and consumer protection rules, ensuring your marketing is honest and doesn't mislead customers.
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is issued by the IRS and is essentially a Social Security number for your business. You'll need one if you operate as an LLC or plan to hire employees.
The IRS requires you to retain records related to your taxes and business operations, though the specific length of time varies depending on the record type; keeping good records is crucial for compliance.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
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