Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a roofer in Minot, ND. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Required for LLCs formed outside ND to transact business in state. Domestic ND LLCs file Articles of Organization instead ($135 fee). Renewal via annual report.
All LLCs (domestic/foreign) must file annually online or by mail.
Optional for LLCs using protected series structure.
Required if using assumed name/DBA. Search availability first.
Applies to roofing as 'general contractor' if meeting thresholds. No exam required. Must carry liability insurance ($300k min) and workers comp if applicable. Roofing specifically listed under building construction.
Separate from general contractor license. Must show proof of insurance and bonding. Effective 2023 per House Bill 1389.
Roofers in North Dakota are generally required to collect sales tax on materials sold and installed as part of a roofing job. Labor for new construction is typically not taxable, but repairs and replacements may be taxable depending on materials. See NDCC §57-41-02. Confirm with the State Tax Department for specific project types.
Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is done through the Tax Department's online portal. Applies to all employers in North Dakota regardless of business type.
All employers with employees in North Dakota must register with Job Service. New employers pay a standard rate of 2.5% on the first $12,000 of wages per employee annually (as of 2024). Rate may change after experience rating is established.
All LLCs in North Dakota must file an annual franchise tax return (Form 40) regardless of income. Even if no tax is due, the return must be filed. The minimum tax is $25. This is not a franchise tax in the traditional sense but a corporate income tax that applies to pass-through entities like LLCs doing business in ND.
Roofing contractors must ensure hiring practices, workplace accessibility, and communication are ADA‑compliant.
Roofing contractors must avoid deceptive claims (e.g., “lifetime warranty” must be substantiated).
Roofers must track hours worked, pay at least $7.25/hour (or state minimum if higher), and pay overtime for >40 hours/week.
Electronic completion is allowed if the system meets USCIS requirements.
Most small roofing firms will be exempt unless they meet the employee threshold.
Roofing contractors must issue 1099‑NEC to any subcontractor paid $600+.
Although not a state tax, EIN is required for state tax registrations involving employees or corporate filings. Obtained online via IRS website. LLCs with employees or multiple members must have an EIN.
Some North Dakota cities (e.g., Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks) require a local business license or privilege tax. Roofers operating in multiple jurisdictions may need to register in each. The Department of Industry and Community Development maintains a list of local licensing contacts. Check with individual city clerks.
Roofing contractors specifically require a business license; apply online or in person
Must provide proof of state registration and liability insurance
Verify zoning district allows contractor businesses; home occupation limited
Roofing businesses often need permits for shop fabrication areas
Must comply with sign code height, illumination, and setback rules
Roofing supply storage often classified as hazardous
Required for commercial properties with alarm systems
Limited to administrative work only; no storage of materials or vehicles
Required for construction staging areas
Complements state registration; proof of insurance required
North Dakota law (ND Rev. Stat. § 38‑08‑01) requires any employer with employees to secure workers’ comp insurance or be approved for self‑insurance. The state does not set a minimum policy limit; insurers must meet statutory benefit limits.
North Dakota Home Improvement Contractor Act (ND Rev. Stat. §§ 47‑01‑01 through 47‑01‑13) mandates a $10,000 surety bond for registration. The bond protects consumers against non‑performance or fraud.
North Dakota law (ND Rev. Stat. § 39‑01‑01) requires all motor vehicles used for business to carry at least the state‑minimum liability coverage.
North Dakota does not impose a statutory general liability insurance requirement on roofing contractors, but it is strongly recommended to protect against third‑party bodily injury and property damage claims.
North Dakota does not require professional liability insurance for roofing contractors.
Most roofing jobs use non‑hazardous materials; verify material safety data sheets (MSDS) to determine if DOT regulations apply.
File online via the SOS portal; a confirmation receipt must be retained.
Renewal must be completed online; the registration certificate must be displayed at the business location.
Two hours of approved CE covering construction law and safety are required each renewal cycle.
Roofer services are taxable unless the contract is for repair of existing structures; verify with ND Dept. of Revenue.
Quarterly deposits must be made electronically via the ND Revenue Online system.
Report wages and UI contributions via the ND UI Online portal.
Submit via the ND Workers’ Compensation portal; retain proof of payment.
If an extension is filed, the filing deadline is extended to September 15 (partnership) or October 15 (corporation).
North Dakota does not impose a product liability insurance requirement on contractors; it is advisable when selling goods.
Only required for businesses that manufacture, sell, or serve alcoholic beverages. Not relevant to roofing.
All LLCs, even single‑member, must have an EIN to file federal taxes, hire employees, and open a business bank account.
LLC may elect corporate taxation by filing Form 8832; otherwise default classification applies.
Members report earnings on Schedule SE attached to their individual returns.
Even if no FUTA tax is due after state credit, a return (Form 940) must be filed.
Key standards include 1926.501(b)(13) (fall protection) and 1926.59 (hazard communication).
Roofing contractors with fewer than 10 employees are exempt, but may still keep records voluntarily.
All workers performing the work must be trained; the firm must be certified as a “Renovator.”
Many roofing jobs are small‑scale and may be exempt; verify with North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
Contractors must follow OSHA’s asbestos standards (29 CFR 1926.1101) and EPA’s NESHAP.
Form 941 is filed quarterly; the annual reconciliation (Form 944) may be used if eligible.
Posters must be placed in a conspicuous location where all employees can read them.
All required posters must be posted in a visible area accessible to all employees.
Proof of insurance must be kept on file and made available to the North Dakota Department of Labor upon request.
Include all sales tax returns, withholding reports, UI/Workers’ Comp reports, invoices, payroll records, and insurance certificates.
Certificate must be posted at the primary place of business where employees and the public can see it.
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique tax ID number assigned by the IRS to identify your business. Even as a sole proprietor or single-member LLC without employees, you generally need an EIN to open a business bank account and file federal taxes.
FTC compliance for roofers primarily involves truthful advertising and fair business practices. This means avoiding deceptive claims about your services, providing clear contracts, and honoring your commitments to customers.
The frequency of federal income tax filing depends on your business structure. Sole proprietors typically file annually with Schedule C, while LLCs may file as a partnership, S-corp, or disregarded entity, each with its own filing requirements.
While there isn’t a single federal license fee for roofers, you will encounter fees related to tax obligations and potentially EIN registration, which vary depending on your specific circumstances and income.
The IRS requires you to keep records documenting your income, expenses, and other financial transactions for at least three years, and potentially longer. This includes invoices, receipts, bank statements, and tax returns, to substantiate your tax filings.
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