Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Provo, UT

Annual monitoring fees apply

Required for all LLCs; annual report renewal required separately (see below)

Maintains good standing for all LLCs

Prerequisites: 1,200 hours approved education or apprenticeship + UBAR exam (written 70% pass, practical 75% pass). License required per practitioner, not per business.

Prerequisites: 1,600 hours approved education or apprenticeship + UBAR exam (written 70% pass, practical 75% pass). Required if offering cosmetology beyond basic barbering.

Requires pre-operation inspection; at least one licensed barber/cosmetologist on staff; comply with health/safety standards (Utah Admin. Code R156-11-302).

Renew every 5 years ($22); required if DBA differs from LLC legal name.

Site plan approval required for parking lots

Free online registration for sales tax account if selling shampoo/products; withholding tax if employees.

Barber and cosmetology services are generally exempt from sales tax in Utah. However, the sale of retail products (e.g., hair care products, shampoos, conditioners) is subject to sales tax. A sales tax license is required if selling taxable goods. Registration is done online via the Utah Tax Portal.

Required for all Utah employers. Applies if the LLC hires employees. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the Utah State Tax Commission.

All employers in Utah must register for Unemployment Insurance tax. The account number issued is used for quarterly wage reporting and tax payments. New employer tax rate is 2.7% (2024 rate).

LLCs are pass-through entities. While the business itself does not pay state income tax, owners report income on personal returns. If the LLC has Utah-sourced income and owners are non-residents, the LLC may have withholding obligations. This is rare for sole proprietors but applies to multi-member LLCs with non-resident members. Consult Utah Code § 59-10-108.

This is a combined annual report and renewal fee for the LLC. While not a tax per se, it is a recurring financial obligation tied to business registration. Fee is based on capital employed in Utah. As of 2024, the rate is $18 plus $0.00025 per dollar of capital over $10,000.

Most cities in Utah (e.g., Salt Lake City, Provo, West Valley City) require a local business license or privilege tax for operating within city limits. Requirements and fees vary. For example, Salt Lake City requires a Business License Application at slc.gov. Barber shops may also need zoning or health department approval depending on location.

Utah does not impose a franchise tax or gross receipts tax on businesses. The primary business tax obligations are sales tax (if applicable), withholding tax, and unemployment tax.

Utah does not impose a specific excise, tourism, or occupation tax on barbers or cosmetology services. Services are exempt from sales tax. Retail product sales are subject to standard sales tax, but no additional industry-specific tax exists.

All individuals providing barbering or cosmetology services in Utah must be licensed. Facilities must meet sanitation and safety standards. Businesses operating as salons must ensure all practitioners are licensed. This is separate from tax obligations but essential for legal operation.

Specific counties like Salt Lake require business licenses for all commercial operations; check county clerk for barber shops

Required in most cities (e.g., SLC Code 5.68, Provo Code 3.04); barber/cosmetology specifically listed in some

Barber shops typically allowed in C-2/C-3 zones; verify with local zoning map (e.g., SLC Zoning Map)

Limited clients, no signage/employees; restricted in most residential zones (e.g., SLC Code 21A.58)

Required for salon remodels, plumbing/electrical changes

Size, lighting restrictions per zoning code (e.g., SLC Code 21A.26)

Sanitation, wastewater, infection control inspections required (Salt Lake County Health Code)

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Utah, including part-time and minor employees. Sole proprietors and partners may elect out by filing a waiver. LLC members may be exempt if they file a written election with the Labor Commission. Exemptions do not apply to hired employees.

Not statutorily required by Utah state law for barbers or cosmetologists. However, strongly recommended due to risk of client injury or property damage. Often required by commercial landlords or shopping center leases. Not enforced by DOPL or state agencies.

Not required by Utah law or DOPL regulations for barbers or cosmetology businesses. However, highly recommended to cover claims of negligence, hair damage, or allergic reactions. Not a condition of licensure or operation.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all cosmetology establishments, including barber shops, under Utah Admin. Code R156-2f-302. The bond protects clients against financial loss due to violations of state cosmetology laws. The bond must be filed with DOPL and renewed annually with the license. Sole proprietors and LLCs are both subject to this requirement.

Required under Utah's Financial Responsibility Law for any vehicle registered to the business. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use; commercial policy required.

Utah does not require product liability insurance by law. However, businesses selling retail products (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, styling products) assume liability for product defects. While not mandated, it is strongly recommended and often included in broader liability policies. No enforcement by state agencies.

Fire extinguishers, exits, sprinklers per IFC codes

Confirms zoning/building code compliance

SLC Code 12.88; rarely requires pre-permit

Barber shops using or selling cosmetics must ensure products are not adulterated or misbranded. No pre-market approval required, but labeling must be accurate and follow FDA guidelines. Devices (e.g., clippers, razors) are generally low-risk and exempt from registration unless modified. FDA does not regulate the practice of barbering, but does regulate products used.

All Utah LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Division of Corporations to remain in good standing. The report can be filed online via the Utah Secretary of State’s website. This is a requirement for all LLCs, regardless of business type.

Barber and cosmetology licenses in Utah are renewed biennially. The renewal includes completing required continuing education. This applies to all individual practitioners, not the business entity itself.

Licensed barbers and cosmetologists must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours in infection control and 2 hours in chemical safety. Courses must be approved by DOPL.

Most cities in Utah (e.g., Salt Lake City, West Valley City) require an annual business license for all businesses operating within their jurisdiction. Requirements and deadlines vary. For example, Salt Lake City issues licenses on a calendar-year basis (due by January 31).

All businesses selling taxable goods or services must register for a Sales Tax License. While the license does not expire, periodic returns must be filed. The Utah State Tax Commission assigns filing frequency based on expected sales volume.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file periodic returns. Employers must also file annual reconciliation forms. Registration is one-time, but filings are ongoing.

While obtaining an EIN is a one-time requirement, businesses with employees must file federal employment tax returns regularly. Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (annually), and W-2/W-3 (by January 31) are required.

All licensed barbers and cosmetologists must display their current license in a visible location at the place of business. The salon must also display the business license issued by DOPL.

Employers must display current federal and state labor law posters, including Utah Minimum Wage, OSHA Safety, and Equal Employment Opportunity. Posters must be visible to employees.

Most cities in Utah require annual fire inspections for commercial businesses. The fire department issues a Certificate of Occupancy or Inspection Certificate. Frequency and requirements vary by municipality.

Some local health departments require periodic inspections for salons offering waxing or other skin treatments. Not all cities require this, but Salt Lake County does for certain service types.

Licensed professionals must retain proof of continuing education (certificates, transcripts) for at least four years and provide them upon request by DOPL.

Barber shops and cosmetology establishments in Utah are not permitted to serve alcohol unless they obtain a special license from the Utah DABC. If alcohol is served, liquor liability insurance is typically required as part of the licensing process. However, standard barber/cosmetology licenses do not authorize alcohol service. Most barber shops do not serve alcohol, so this does not apply in the vast majority of cases.

Even single-member LLCs without employees may need an EIN to open a business bank account or if they elect corporate taxation. This is a federal requirement for tax administration.

By default, a single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C (Form 1040). Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. Owners pay self-employment tax on net profits.

Barber shops must comply with general industry standards including bloodborne pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030), hazard communication (29 CFR 1910.1200), and provision of personal protective equipment. Exposure to chemicals (e.g., hair dyes, disinfectants) and sharps (razors, clippers) triggers specific requirements.

Barber shops are considered 'public accommodations' under Title III of the ADA. Must ensure accessibility for customers with disabilities, including physical access (if in a building), communication access, and service policies. Does not require full structural retrofit if 'readily achievable' barrier removal is not feasible, but must make reasonable modifications.

Most barber shops are conditionally exempt small quantity generators (CESQG) under RCRA if they produce less than 220 lbs/month of hazardous waste. Must still dispose of chemicals properly and avoid dumping regulated substances down drains. EPA FIFRA also regulates use of antimicrobial products (e.g., disinfectants) — must follow label instructions.

Applies to all businesses. Barber shops must ensure advertising (e.g., social media, signage) is truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Includes claims about services, pricing, and 'organic' or 'chemical-free' product claims. Also subject to 'Cooling-Off Rule' for door-to-door sales (if applicable).

Federal law requires businesses to keep tax records for at least 3 years from the date filed. Records related to employment taxes should be kept for at least 4 years. Utah follows federal guidelines unless otherwise specified.

Employers must file quarterly wage reports and pay state unemployment insurance (SUI) tax. New employers are assigned a standard rate; rates may change annually based on claims history.

Self-employed individuals and LLC owners with pass-through income must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes.

Individuals with Utah-source income must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in state tax after withholdings.

While not universally required by state law, many landlals and local jurisdictions require barbershops and salons to carry general liability insurance (typically $1M per occurrence). Proof may be required during licensing or inspection.

Some local health departments require salons to maintain logs of tool sterilization (e.g., autoclave records) and single-use item usage. Records must be available during inspections.

Barber shops with employees must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), overtime pay (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and proper recordkeeping. Tipped employees (if any) are not typical in barbering, but wages must still meet minimum thresholds. Independent contractor classifications must meet FLSA criteria to avoid misclassification penalties.

Most small barber shop LLCs are exempt due to employee count. If threshold is met, must provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical or family reasons and maintain health benefits.

All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee hired after November 6, 1986. Form must be retained for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. E-Verify is not federally mandated unless contracting with federal agencies.