Painter Permits & Licenses in Houston, Texas

Required for all LLCs. Online filing via SOSDirect. No annual report required for LLCs.

File with SOS for statewide use or county clerk for local. Renew every 10 years ($25).

Painters often charge tax on materials. No fee to apply online via Webfile.

All LLCs must file annual franchise tax report (No Tax Due if revenue <$2.47M in 2024).

Register online via eSystems. Rates 0.23%-6.23% on first $9,000 wages/employee.

All Texas LLCs must file Form 05-158 (No Tax Due Report) annually, even if under the $2.47 million revenue threshold (as of 2024). The franchise tax is based on 'margin' and applies to most entities doing business in Texas.

Required to withhold Texas state income tax equivalents (Texas has no personal income tax, but federal withholding still applies via IRS). This registration is for reporting wages and remitting withheld federal income tax to the IRS, but Texas does not impose a state income tax on individuals.

Required for LLCs with employees or those that elect corporate taxation. Even single-member LLCs often obtain an EIN for banking and vendor purposes.

Employers must register with TWC and pay state unemployment taxes (SUTA) if they pay $1,500 or more in wages in a calendar quarter or employ someone for at least part of a day in 20 different weeks during the year.

Many Texas cities (e.g., Houston, Austin, Dallas) require a city business license or franchise tax. For example, Dallas imposes a 1.25% franchise tax on gross receipts for certain businesses. Check with city clerk or finance department for local requirements.

Required for most businesses including painters; painters classified under general services

Applies to service businesses like painting contractors

Painters must ensure no exterior storage of materials/equipment; limited client visits

Confirm painting business allowed in zone; use Austin's Land Development Code Chapter 25-2

Required for interior improvements exceeding minor repairs

Comply with Land Development Code Chapter 25-11

Painters storing flammable materials (paint, solvents) may need special review

Required for monitored systems

Issued after zoning, building, fire approvals

Workers' comp is not mandatory for all employers in Texas. Employers may choose to be non-subscribers, but must file a DWC-001 form. However, if an LLC elects to subscribe, they must cover all employees. Public employers and contractors on public works projects are required to subscribe. Most private employers are exempt from mandatory enrollment but face significant legal and financial risks if non-subscribed.

Not legally required by Texas state law for painters, but strongly recommended. Often required by contracts, landlords, or municipalities for job access. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

Required for any vehicle used in business operations. Minimum liability limits: $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Applies to trucks over 4,000 lbs GVWR used commercially.

TDLR does not require a surety bond for general painting contractors. However, some local jurisdictions (e.g., cities or counties) may require a bond for business licensing. Statewide, no statutory bond requirement exists for painters unless performing specialty trades like asbestos abatement or lead-based paint removal (regulated separately).

Not legally required in Texas for painters. However, recommended to cover claims of negligence, poor workmanship, or failure to complete work. May be required by clients or general contractors on larger projects.

Not required by Texas law unless the business manufactures or sells tangible goods that could cause harm. Most painters providing only services do not need this. Recommended if selling materials or finished products.

Only applies if the painter hosts events where alcohol is served. Not relevant for typical painting operations. Required for businesses holding a TABC permit.

While single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN, obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability separation and banking purposes. All multi-member LLCs must have an EIN.

As an LLC, painters are typically taxed as sole proprietorships (single-member) or partnerships (multi-member). Profits/losses reported on Schedule C (Form 1040). Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) applies to net earnings over $400.

Painters must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) due to use of flammable/chemical products (e.g., solvents, primers, paints). Requires SDS access, employee training, and proper labeling. No requirement for self-employed individuals without employees.

Under 40 CFR Part 63 Subpart M, facilities using methylene chloride for paint removal must comply with engineering controls, work practices, and recordkeeping. Most small residential/commercial painting contractors do not exceed thresholds. No general federal permit required for typical painting operations.

Applies to all advertising (websites, social media, flyers). Painters must avoid false claims (e.g., “lowest price,” “best quality”) without substantiation. Required to disclose material connections (e.g., paid endorsements). Applies regardless of business size or structure.

All employers in the U.S., including LLCs, must verify identity and work eligibility of employees using Form I-9. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire date or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Painters with employees must pay at least federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Independent contractor misclassification is a common risk; DOL evaluates actual work relationship, not just contract labels.

Requires up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical/family reasons. Most small painting businesses do not meet the 50-employee threshold; thus, not typically applicable.

ADA Title III applies to "places of public accommodation." While painters typically operate at client sites, if they maintain a public office or website offering services, digital accessibility (e.g., WCAG compliance) may be required. DOJ has increasingly enforced website accessibility under ADA.

There is no general federal license required for painting contractors. Licensing for painters is handled at the state or local level. This includes no requirement from FCC, FDA, ATF, DOT, or other federal agencies for standard residential/commercial painting services.

All Texas LLCs must file a Public Information Report annually with the Comptroller, even if no franchise tax is owed. Due May 15 each year. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution.

Texas LLCs must file amendments to their Certificate of Formation if certain business details change. This is not an annual requirement but must be done promptly after a triggering event.

Painters who sell materials (not just labor) must collect and remit Texas sales tax. The permit does not expire but requires ongoing compliance with filing and remittance schedules (monthly, quarterly, or annually based on volume).

Frequency determined by Comptroller based on sales volume. Most small businesses file quarterly. Due by the 20th of the month following the reporting period.

While not a formal "renewal," businesses must notify IRS of changes using Form 8822-B. No annual filing required unless changes occur.

Self-employed individuals and LLCs with pass-through income must make quarterly estimated tax payments for federal income and self-employment tax.

Texas LLCs must file franchise tax return annually. Businesses under the "no tax due threshold" still file a zero report. Threshold adjusted periodically.

Required for businesses with 11+ employees. Form 300A must be posted from February 1 to April 30 each year. Painters with employees must maintain logs of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Employers must display federal and state labor law posters (e.g., Minimum Wage, OSHA, EEO, Family and Medical Leave). Texas-specific posters also required. Failure to post may result in fines.

Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional for private employers. However, if a business opts in, it must maintain continuous coverage. Employers who do not carry coverage must file a DWC-001 form annually.

Texas LLCs must continuously maintain a registered agent. While no formal "renewal," the agent must be kept current. Failure to do so may result in loss of good standing.

Many Texas cities require annual local business licenses. Painters must check with city clerk. Example: City of Houston requires annual renewal by December 31. Source: https://www.houstontx.gov/business/license.html

Required under EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. Firms must be certified and use certified renovators. Certification must be renewed every 3 years. Applies to interior and exterior painting if disturbing painted surfaces.

IRS requires retention of employment tax records for at least 4 years. Income tax records should be kept for 3 years. OSHA injury logs must be kept for 5 years. Sales tax records must be kept for 4 years in Texas.

Texas requires retention of sales tax records (invoices, returns, exemption certificates) for 4 years from the due date or filing date.