Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Akron, OH

Required for all LLCs; annual report required thereafter ($0 fee)

Applies to all LLCs formed in odd-numbered years or later

Requires 1,800 hours education or 2 years apprenticeship + exam

Requires 1,500 hours education + exam; barber/cosmetologist license covers both

Must have licensed manager-in-charge; health/safety inspections required

Required if using trade name/DBA; publish in county newspaper

Quarterly/annual returns required; registration via OH|TAX eServices

Federal EIN required first; register via OH|TAX

Barber and cosmetology services are generally exempt from Ohio sales tax. However, if the business sells tangible personal property (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, styling products), a sales tax permit is required. Registration is done via the Ohio Business Gateway.

Required for all employers in Ohio who withhold state income tax from employee wages. Must register through Ohio Business Gateway. Applies regardless of business type if employees are present.

All employers with employees in Ohio must register with ODJFS. New employers typically pay a standard rate for the first few years. Rate decreases or increases based on layoff history.

Ohio does not have a corporate income tax for LLCs, but the CAT applies to all businesses with taxable gross receipts over $150,000. Most barber shops with revenue under $150,000 are exempt. No registration required under $150k threshold, but must register once threshold is met or expected to be met.

Many Ohio cities (e.g., Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati) require a local business license or privilege tax. Requirements and fees vary significantly. For example, Columbus requires a $50 base fee plus additional fees based on business type. Check with city clerk or treasurer’s office. Not all municipalities impose this.

Although not a state tax, EIN is required for federal tax compliance and often needed to register for state taxes. Required even for single-member LLCs that elect corporate taxation or hire employees.

LLCs are pass-through entities; profits are reported on owner’s individual Ohio IT 1040 return. No separate entity-level income tax in Ohio. Owners must report their share of income and pay tax accordingly.

All barbers and cosmetologists must be individually licensed by the state. Businesses may employ only licensed practitioners. Licensing is separate from business registration and tax obligations.

Required for all businesses operating within Columbus city limits selling services. Specific to barber/cosmetology as a retail service operation.

Barber shops classified as "personal service" use (Columbus City Code Chapter 1113). Verify zoning district allows use.

Limited to 25% of home floor area; no external signage; Columbus City Code 1113.011.

Required for salon sinks, partitions, or ADA modifications. See Columbus Building Code.

Max size per Columbus City Code Chapter 1119; illuminated signs require electrical review.

Liquor liability insurance is required only if the business holds a liquor permit. Most barber shops do not serve alcohol. However, if the LLC operates a barbershop lounge that serves beer or wine, it must obtain a liquor permit and carry liquor liability insurance. This is enforced by the Ohio Division of Liquor Control.

While not required by Ohio state law, most landlords require proof of commercial property insurance. A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), which bundles property and general liability insurance, is commonly used by barbershops to protect against fire, theft, and equipment loss.

While not all single-member LLCs without employees need an EIN, it is required for banking, tax filings, and hiring. The IRS allows online application at no cost.

Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities by default and report income on owner’s Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Barber income is subject to self-employment tax.

Barbershops must maintain a hazard-free workplace. Specific requirements include access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals (e.g., hair dyes, disinfectants), proper labeling, and employee training under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). No requirement to file injury logs unless 10+ employees.

Barbershops are public accommodations under ADA Title III. Must ensure accessibility for clients with disabilities, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and service counters when readily achievable. New constructions or alterations must comply with ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Most barbershops generate only small amounts of waste and are exempt as Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESQG) if producing <220 lbs/month. Must still identify hazardous chemicals and dispose of them properly. EPA does not regulate typical salon products unless they meet RCRA criteria.

FTC enforces against deceptive advertising (e.g., false claims about hair restoration, "chemical-free" claims when untrue). Applies to all advertising, including websites and social media. Also requires clear disclosure of material connections (e.g., influencer promotions).

Specific to barber/cosmetology shops. Requires floor plan approval, equipment list, 2 sinks, and operator licenses. Inspected quarterly.

Requires extinguishers, exits, no storage blocking paths per Ohio Fire Code.

Combines zoning, building, fire approvals. Columbus City Code Chapter 1109.

Required for commercial spaces over 3,000 sq ft or assembly use.

*State license required separately (see Ohio Cosmetology Board). Local permit requires floor plan approval, 2 sinks, and operator licenses. Inspected quarterly.*

In Ohio, all employers with one or more employees (including part-time) must carry workers' comp coverage through the state fund. Sole proprietors and partners may elect out, but must file BWC Form U-3. LLC members without employees are not required to carry coverage unless they choose to be covered.

General liability insurance is not legally required by the State of Ohio for barbers or cosmetology businesses. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against third-party injury or property damage claims. Some landlords or leasing agreements may require proof of general liability insurance as a condition of tenancy.

Professional liability insurance (also known as malpractice or E&O insurance) is not mandated by the Ohio State Cosmetology Board for barbers or cosmetologists. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, such as skin burns or hair damage. Independent contractors may be advised to carry their own coverage.

Ohio does not require a surety bond for barber or cosmetology business licenses. The Ohio State Cosmetology Board requires individual licensure for practitioners but does not mandate a bond for the business entity or owner. This differs from some states that require bonds for salon operation.

If the LLC owns or leases a vehicle used for business purposes (e.g., mobile barber services), Ohio law requires commercial auto insurance meeting minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Personal policies do not cover commercial use.

Ohio does not legally require product liability insurance for businesses selling consumer products. However, if the barber shop sells physical goods (e.g., shampoos, pomades), this coverage protects against claims of defective or harmful products. It is strongly recommended but not mandated by state law.

Form I-9 must be completed for every employee, regardless of citizenship. E-Verify is not federally required unless state law mandates it (Ohio does not require it for most employers).

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and recordkeeping requirements. Barbers paid by commission or tips must still meet minimum wage. Independent contractor arrangements must meet FLSA criteria to avoid misclassification.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons (e.g., birth, serious health condition). Most small barbershops are exempt.

FDA regulates cosmetics (e.g., shampoos, dyes, conditioners) used in barbershops. Products must be safe, properly labeled, and not adulterated. No pre-market approval required, but businesses must not sell banned or misbranded products. Hair clippers and trimmers are considered medical devices only if marketed for medical use (e.g., treating skin conditions), otherwise not regulated by FDA.

Applies to consumer products sold or used in the business (e.g., hair dryers, flat irons). Must report defective or hazardous products to CPSC within 24 hours of knowledge under Section 15(b). Most salon equipment falls under general product safety rules.

Ohio LLCs must file an Annual Report each year to maintain active status. The report updates ownership and contact information. No filing fee is charged, but late filings incur a $50 penalty.

All licensed barbers must renew their license every two years. Renewal requires completion of 24 hours of continuing education during the biennium. The renewal deadline is the last day of the licensee’s birth month, based on their date of birth.

Barber and cosmetology licensees must complete 24 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours in infection control. Courses must be from an Ohio-approved provider.

Local health departments conduct routine inspections of barber shops for sanitation, sterilization, and compliance with Ohio Adm. Code 3717-1. Inspections typically occur annually or biannually. Contact your local health department for exact schedule.

Barber shops are subject to fire safety inspections under the Ohio Fire Code. Frequency depends on local enforcement. Inspections include checking exits, electrical systems, and flammable materials storage.

Employers must register for withholding tax account and file returns (Form IT 3LL) and remit taxes withheld from employee wages. Filing frequency is determined by the Department of Taxation based on payroll volume.

Barber shops may be liable for sales tax on retail sales (e.g., hair products). Services are generally exempt, but local taxes may apply. Registration required via Ohio Business Gateway. Filing frequency assigned by the Department.

An LLC taxed as an S-Corp must file Form 1120-S by March 15. A single-member LLC disregarded entity reports income on owner’s Form 1040 by April 15. Extensions available via Form 7004 or Form 4868.

Self-employed individuals and S-Corp shareholders may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments using Form 1040-ES. Due dates are not fixed to calendar quarters but are set by IRS.

Each licensed barber must display their current license in a visible location at the place of employment. The establishment must also display its current facility license.

Employers must display current Ohio workers’ compensation, anti-discrimination, and federal minimum wage posters. Required posters include Ohio BWC Notice, OSHA Job Safety, and EEO/FLSA notices. Posters must be visible to employees.

IRS recommends keeping tax records for at least 3 years. Ohio requires 4 years for sales and withholding tax records. Licensees should retain continuing education certificates for at least 2 renewal cycles (4 years).

Businesses registered with Ohio Business Gateway must update contact, ownership, or location changes within 20 days. Failure to update may disrupt tax filings or license renewals.