Chiropractic Permits & Licenses in Albuquerque, NM

Allowed in residential zones with limits (no on-site patients, 25% home use max per Sec. 14-3-3 ROA).

Required for all LLCs. Domestic LLC filing. Expedited filing available for additional $100.

Standard for-profit LLCs are not required to file annual reports per NM Stat § 53-19-48. Confirmed via official guidance.

Required for all practicing chiropractors. Prerequisites: Graduation from CCE-accredited chiropractic college, pass NBCE Parts I-IV exams, 120-hour NM jurisprudence course, background check, and affidavit of eligibility. LLC itself does not hold license; licensed individual owns/operates.

All chiropractic practice locations must be registered. Submit form with proof of ownership/lease, practitioner license number, and compliance with standards (e.g., equipment, sanitation). Effective for all facilities as of current rules.

Trade names are registered for 5 years, renewable. Search availability first via SOS database.

All businesses in New Mexico that make sales or provide services must register for Gross Receipts Tax (GRT), including chiropractic practices. Chiropractic services are generally subject to GRT unless specifically exempt. Registration is done via Form ACD-31001 through the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) system.

Required if the LLC employs staff. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the state. Registration is completed through the TAP portal. Chiropractors who are sole proprietors or partners without employees are not required to register.

All employers in New Mexico must register for Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax. This applies even if the employer is the sole owner and does not draw a salary. Registration is completed via Form DWS-1, Employer Registration, available online.

All LLCs doing business in New Mexico must file an annual franchise tax return (Form FID 403) regardless of income. The minimum tax is $50. Chiropractic LLCs are not exempt. The franchise tax is not based on gross receipts but on net income apportioned to the state.

Many cities and counties in New Mexico (e.g., Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces) require a local business tax or privilege license. For example, Albuquerque requires registration with the City Auditor’s Office. Fees and requirements vary. Chiropractic offices located in unincorporated areas may not need a local license, but most urban practices do. Check with the specific city or county clerk.

While not a state tax, an EIN is required for federal tax purposes. An LLC with employees or that files as a corporation must obtain an EIN. Even single-member LLCs may need one for banking or licensing. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4 online.

Employers must file Form WH-101 or WH-102 (depending on frequency) to report and remit withheld state income taxes. Filing frequency is determined by the department based on annual withholding amount.

All businesses registered for GRT must file periodic returns (Form CRS-1) even if no receipts were earned. Chiropractic services are generally taxable unless specifically exempted. Most new businesses start with monthly filing; may switch to quarterly if receipts are low.

Employers must file Form DWS-10 (Quarterly Report and Tax Payment) each quarter. The form reports wages and remits unemployment tax. Failure to file may result in overcharges or loss of experience rating benefits.

All LLCs registered in New Mexico must file an Annual (Biennial) Report with the Secretary of State. This is not a tax but a mandatory compliance filing. The report updates ownership and contact information. First report due two years after formation.

Required for all businesses operating within Albuquerque city limits; separate from state GRT license. Chiropractic services subject to local GRT.

Applies if business located outside city limits but in county; chiropractic services taxable.

Required to verify property zoned for professional medical office use (e.g., C-1, C-2 zones allow chiropractic clinics). Verify via 311 or Planning portal.

Chiropractic offices permitted in AG, R, C-1 zones with approval; home occupation possible with limits.

Required for structural changes; chiropractic clinics often need ADA-compliant exam rooms.

Max size 1.5 sq ft per linear foot of building frontage; illuminated signs allowed in commercial zones.

Required for all commercial occupancies; chiropractic clinics classified as B-1 (business) occupancy. Annual re-inspection may apply.

Required per 2021 IFC for commercial buildings; chiropractic clinics often trigger if over threshold.

Ensures sanitation compliance; chiropractic clinics with public access may require plumbing/ventilation approval. No food handling involved.

All LLCs formed or registered in New Mexico must file an Annual Report each year on the anniversary of the formation date. The report can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website.

All licensed chiropractors must renew their license biennially. The renewal is tied to the individual’s birth month. The next renewal cycle begins January 1, 2025, for licenses expiring December 31, 2024.

Chiropractors must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours in ethics or jurisprudence. Documentation must be retained for at least 3 years.

LLCs with employees must file Form 941 quarterly. Form 940 (FUTA) is due annually. If the LLC elects S-corp status, Form 1120-S is due March 15. Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity LLCs without employees have fewer filing obligations.

All businesses in New Mexico that make taxable sales must register for GRT. Chiropractic services are generally exempt from GRT unless ancillary products (e.g., braces, supplements) are sold. If selling taxable goods, GRT filings are required. Frequency depends on liability level.

Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time and full-time workers. Sole proprietors and partners may elect exemption by filing an Affidavit of Exemption. Chiropractors employing staff must carry coverage. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or by qualifying for self-insurance.

Not legally required by the State of New Mexico for all businesses, including chiropractic practices. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. May be required by landlords or professional associations as a condition of leasing or membership.

Required for all licensed chiropractors in New Mexico. Minimum coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate. Proof of coverage must be submitted to the Board upon initial licensure and renewal. Mandated under NMAC 16.35.2.9 (2023). Applies to individual practitioners and business entities providing chiropractic services.

Employers with 11 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries), Form 301 (Incident Report), and post Form 300A annually. Chiropractic offices are generally low-risk but still subject to recordkeeping if threshold is met.

The current, active chiropractic license of the practicing doctor must be displayed in a conspicuous location. Additionally, the Board requires posting of approved signage regarding scope of practice and patient rights if applicable.

Employers must display current labor law posters, including those related to minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and anti-discrimination laws. Posters can be obtained from the Department of Workforce Solutions.

Commercial occupancies, including healthcare facilities, are subject to periodic fire inspections. Frequency is determined by the local fire department or fire marshal. Compliance with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code is required.

Many cities and counties in New Mexico require an annual local business license. Requirements and fees vary. For example, Albuquerque requires a Business Registration Certificate renewed annually.

Chiropractors must maintain accurate patient records for a minimum of 7 years. Records must be available for inspection by the Board upon request. HIPAA also applies if handling electronic protected health information.

All chiropractic practices that transmit health information electronically (e.g., billing) must comply with HIPAA. Requires annual risk analysis, staff training, and documentation of policies and procedures. Applies regardless of practice size.

New Mexico law requires all employers with employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Exemptions exist only for sole proprietors without employees. Coverage must be obtained through a licensed insurer or self-insurance program.

Chiropractors must limit use and disclosure of PHI to the minimum necessary to accomplish intended purpose. Policies must reflect this standard.

Any vendor that performs functions involving PHI (e.g., email hosting, cloud backup, telehealth platforms) must sign a BAA. This includes many software-as-a-service (SaaS) providers.

Examples: Albuquerque requires annual Business Registration Certificate ($35); Santa Fe requires annual gross receipts-based fee. Must check with local government.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all chiropractors applying for initial licensure or renewal in New Mexico. This bond protects the public against fraudulent or unlawful acts. The bond must be issued by a surety company authorized in New Mexico. The requirement applies to both individual practitioners and LLCs where the licensed chiropractor is the responsible party.

Required for any vehicle registered to the business. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage (25/50/10). Applies to all motor vehicles used for business purposes, including patient transport or mobile services. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use.

Not legally required by New Mexico law. However, if a chiropractic business sells or distributes physical goods (e.g., orthotics, nutritional supplements), product liability coverage is strongly recommended. May be required by suppliers or distributors. Not enforced by any state agency.

Not applicable to standard chiropractic practices. Only relevant if the business hosts events where alcohol is served or sold, which would also require an alcohol license from the New Mexico Alcohol and Gaming Division. No chiropractic-specific mandate exists.

While single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's SSN, obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability protection and banking purposes. All chiropractic LLCs should obtain an EIN if they have any employees or plan to hire.

Chiropractic offices must comply with OSHA’s General Duty Clause and applicable standards (e.g., bloodborne pathogens if performing minor procedures involving blood, hazard communication). Most routine chiropractic adjustments do not involve OSHA-reportable exposures, but any exposure to bodily fluids (e.g., from minor bleeding during therapy) triggers compliance.

All chiropractic practices open to patients must comply with Title III of the ADA, including physical access (e.g., ramps, door widths), accessible restrooms, and communication access (e.g., auxiliary aids for hearing-impaired patients). Websites must also be accessible under current enforcement guidance.

All employers, including chiropractic practices, must complete Form I-9 for every employee to verify identity and work authorization. Electronic versions are permitted with compliant systems.

FLSA requires payment of federal minimum wage and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Chiropractors are typically exempt from overtime, but non-exempt employees (e.g., receptionists, assistants) must be paid accordingly.

FMLA mandates up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying medical or family reasons. Most small chiropractic practices do not meet the 50-employee threshold.

Chiropractic clinics must ensure all advertising (websites, social media, flyers) is truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Claims about treatment efficacy must be supported by scientific evidence. The FTC actively enforces against deceptive health claims.

The FDA requires registration of facilities that use electronic radiation-emitting products, including diagnostic X-ray systems. While FDA delegates much oversight to states, federal registration is still required under 21 CFR 1000–1050. New Mexico does not have an agreement with FDA for delegated control, so federal rules apply directly.

If the practice uses or disposes of mercury-containing medical devices, it must comply with EPA’s Universal Waste Rule for proper handling and recycling. Most modern chiropractic offices do not use such devices, making this conditionally applicable.

Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships and must file Form 1065; single-member LLCs taxed as disregarded entities report on Schedule C. If the LLC elects S-corp status, Form 1120-S is required. Chiropractic income flows through to owners’ personal returns.