Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a roofer in St Louis, MO. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Required for all businesses; roofing contractors must also register trade under Chapter 1005.100
All businesses over $3,000 gross receipts; contractors listed separately
Specific to roofing/general contractors; proof of insurance and workers' comp required per Ordinance 23063
Applies to roofing businesses; zoning approval may be additional
Required in most MO cities/counties (e.g., St. Louis Zoning Code Sec. 26.20); home occupation permit if from residence
Common requirement; roofing businesses often need for yard/storage areas
Required in urban areas per local sign ordinances (e.g., KC Code Chap 18)
Required for offices/warehouses storing roofing materials
False alarm reduction ordinances in major cities
Limited to no exterior storage/vehicles; common restriction for contractors
Required for all employers with one or more employees in Missouri, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors and LLC members are exempt from covering themselves unless they opt in. Roofers fall under construction classification (Code 5410), which carries higher premiums due to risk. Exemption available for sole proprietors without employees.
Not universally mandated by Missouri state law for all businesses, but frequently required by municipalities, clients, or general contractors. Strongly recommended for roofers due to high risk of property damage and bodily injury. Some cities may require proof for business licensing.
Missouri does not require a statewide contractor license or bond for roofers. However, many cities (e.g., St. Louis, Kansas City) require a surety bond (often $10,000) as part of local contractor registration. Bond protects consumers against fraud or failure to complete work. Check municipal requirements.
Required under Missouri's Financial Responsibility Law (Section 303.030 RSMo) for all vehicles used in business. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies even if vehicle is titled personally but used regularly for business (e.g., transporting tools, crew, or materials).
Not legally required by Missouri for roofers. However, recommended to cover claims of defective work, missed deadlines, or failure to meet contract terms. May be required by clients or general contractors on larger projects.
Not a standalone legal requirement in Missouri. However, if a roofer sells or warrants roofing materials (e.g., shingles, underlayment), they may be liable for product defects. Coverage typically included in general liability or umbrella policies. Recommended for businesses offering material warranties.
Only applicable if the roofer business hosts events where alcohol is served or sold. Missouri requires liquor liability insurance for businesses holding an alcohol license. Roofers not serving alcohol are exempt.
Required for all LLCs, including those with no employees. Even single-member LLCs must obtain an EIN if they have employees or elect to be taxed as a corporation. Roofing businesses structured as LLCs must have an EIN for tax reporting and compliance.
Required for all LLC formation. Annual report required separately.
All LLCs must file annually even if no changes.
Renewal not required unless name changes.
Most roofers need this for materials sales.
Required if paying wages subject to withholding.
Most businesses with employees qualify.
Prime contractors must verify subcontractors are registered before payment.
Construction/roofing businesses almost always required.
Missouri requires a sales tax permit if you sell or lease tangible personal property. Roofers who only provide labor may not need this, but most roofing jobs include materials. The combined state rate is 4.225%, plus local rates (varies by jurisdiction).
Employers must register to withhold Missouri income tax from employee wages. This is required even for a single employee, including part-time or seasonal workers common in roofing.
All employers in Missouri must pay unemployment insurance tax on the first $7,000 of wages per employee annually. Roofing businesses with employees must register even if only hiring seasonally.
LLCs taxed as corporations must file Form MO-10. Most LLCs are pass-through entities, so income flows to owners' personal returns. However, if the LLC has elected corporate taxation, it must file. All businesses must file a return even with no tax due.
This is not a tax per se but a mandatory annual filing with tax implications. Failure affects good standing and may impact ability to conduct business or claim tax deductions.
Many Missouri cities (e.g., Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield) require a local business tax or license. Roofers must check with each city where they operate. Some cities impose a gross receipts tax or license fee based on revenue.
Even single-member LLCs without employees may need an EIN for banking or contractor purposes. Roofing businesses often need EINs to open business accounts or bid on contracts.
Roofers are subject to fall protection standards (29 CFR 1926 Subpart M), ladder safety, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Even self-employed roofers with employees must comply. OSHA requires fall protection at heights of 6 feet or more. Specific roofing hazards include scaffolding, roofing equipment, and exposure to hazardous materials.
A Missouri LLC with no election defaults to pass-through taxation: single-member LLC files Schedule C with Form 1040; multi-member files Form 1065 (partnership). If taxed as a corporation, Form 1120 is required. Roofing income must be reported annually.
Applies to all U.S. employers, including roofing LLCs. Roofing contractors often hire seasonal or temporary laborers, increasing compliance risk. Employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9 and retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.
Roofing businesses must pay at least federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate) for hours over 40 in a workweek. Common violations include misclassifying employees as independent contractors and failing to pay for travel or cleanup time. Roofers often work long hours during peak season, increasing overtime exposure.
Most roofers using standard taxed fuel at pumps do not need to register. However, if operating under a fuel tax exemption program or using off-road fuel, registration may be required.
Applies to net profits of the LLC passed through to owners. Roofing business owners must pay self-employment tax regardless of LLC structure.
FMLA applies only if the roofing LLC employs 50 or more employees for at least 20 workweeks in the current or prior year. If met, eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours in past 12 months) may take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. Most small roofing contractors are exempt, but growth may trigger compliance.
Roofing work that disturbs painted surfaces (e.g., removing old siding, fascia, or soffits) on pre-1978 structures may release lead dust. Contractors must be EPA-certified, use lead-safe practices, and provide lead hazard information to owners and occupants. Applies even if only incidental paint removal occurs. Certification requires initial 8-hour training and firm registration.
Roofers must avoid deceptive advertising (e.g., fake reviews, false “free” estimates, misleading storm damage claims). Must disclose material connections (e.g., referral fees). Applies to websites, social media, and door-to-door solicitations. FTC enforces against “bait-and-switch” pricing and unsubstantiated claims (e.g., “best in state” without proof).
Roofing is a high-risk industry with frequent falls, lacerations, and heat stress. Employers with 11+ employees must record work-related injuries and illnesses. Even smaller firms may be required to report severe incidents (hospitalization, amputation, fatality) within 24 hours (hospitalization) or 8 hours (fatality).
Roofing contractors must report any employee fatality within 8 hours and any hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss within 24 hours by calling OSHA or using the online reporting system. Applies regardless of business size.
You will primarily interact with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax obligations and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for advertising and consumer protection compliance. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) confirms no federal business license is required, but you still need to follow other federal rules.
Yes, many federal requirements have associated fees, though some are $0.00. IRS tax obligations have varying fees based on your income, while FTC compliance can also incur costs depending on the specific rule. The SBA requirement has no fee.
The FTC regulates advertising practices and consumer protection, ensuring your marketing is truthful and doesn't mislead customers. This includes compliance with the FTC Act, Business Opportunity Rule, and advertising rules.
Renewal frequency varies; some requirements are one-time, while others, like federal income tax filing for certain LLC structures, are annual. The SBA’s confirmation of no federal license is a one-time verification.
You should retain records related to income, expenses, taxes, and business transactions. The IRS requires record retention for tax purposes, and maintaining these records will help you demonstrate compliance during an audit.
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