Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a tattoo / piercing in Reading, PA. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
If the LLC elects corporate taxation, the corporate net income tax (PA‑112) applies instead.
Electing corporate status also requires filing the PA‑100 registration and may affect other tax obligations.
Philadelphia imposes the Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) on gross receipts from services, including tattooing and piercing.
Pittsburgh’s Business & Occupation Tax applies to all gross receipts, including tattoo and piercing services.
Tattoo and piercing services are not covered by Pennsylvania’s Gross Receipts Tax.
Specific to tattoo/piercing; requires plan review, inspections, and artist certification
Required for all LLCs. Annual Decennial Report also required every 10 years ($70 fee).
Individual tattoo artists must register. Requires completion of bloodborne pathogens training and submission of photo ID, training certificate, and criminal history check.
Required for any premises where tattooing is performed. Must comply with plan review, inspections, and standards under 28 Pa. Code Chapter 27. Requires proof all artists are registered.
Individual piercers must register. Requires bloodborne pathogens training, photo ID, training certificate, and criminal history. Piercing of genitalia requires additional consent protocols.
Required for premises performing body piercing. Subject to plan review, inspections per 28 Pa. Code Chapter 27. All piercers must be registered.
Required if using any name other than exact LLC name. Published in two county newspapers. No renewal required unless name changes.
Tattoo/piercing services are generally exempt from sales tax, but supplies sold to customers are taxable. Register via myPATH portal.
Tattooing and body‑piercing services are classified as taxable personal services under PA Sales Tax Regulation 61.1.1. Registration is completed via the PA‑100 Business Tax Registration form or online through the PA e‑Tax system.
PA‑100 is the general business tax registration that establishes a Pennsylvania Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for state income tax, sales tax, and employer withholding purposes.
Even if the LLC is a single‑member disregarded entity, any employees trigger this requirement.
UC tax is based on the employer’s experience rating; new employers start at the standard rate.
Tattoo/piercing classified as personal service; verify via Zoning Code §14-102
Philadelphia Building Code 2022 (IBC 2018 w/amendments)
Zoning Code Chapter 12-200; electrical signs require separate review
Required for Certificate of Occupancy; Philadelphia Fire Code (IFC 2018)
Verifies zoning, building, fire compliance
Administered under Philadelphia Code §A-800
Requires plan review, artist registration per Regulation 42
Pittsburgh Zoning Code Chapter 911
Zoning Code §921.04
Check specific municipality; Philadelphia requires Commercial Activity License
Typically prohibited for tattoo/piercing due to health/safety; limited to low-impact uses
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tattoo inks and equipment, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees advertising practices and consumer protection. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) handles tax obligations, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures workplace safety.
Some permits have associated fees, such as OSHA compliance which can range from $500 to $2000, and federal income tax obligations which vary depending on your income. Other requirements, like ADA Title III and FTC guidelines, may not have direct fees but require adherence to specific standards.
Many of these are one-time requirements, like ADA Title III compliance and obtaining an EIN from the IRS. However, federal income tax filing is an annual obligation, and some FDA regulations require ongoing adherence to standards.
ADA Title III requires your business to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including physical access to the premises and accessible services. Fees for compliance can vary significantly, potentially ranging from $1000 to $20,000 depending on necessary modifications.
The FTC can pursue enforcement actions against businesses that engage in deceptive advertising or unfair business practices. This can include cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, and requirements to provide refunds to consumers.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
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