HVAC Permits & Licenses in Kenosha, WI

Required for all LLCs; annual report filing also required ($25 fee, due by end of anniversary month)

Ongoing requirement post-formation for all LLCs

LLC taxed as partnership files Form 1065; if electing corporate tax treatment, file Form 1120.

Not legally required by Wisconsin state law for HVAC businesses, but strongly recommended and often required by contracts, landlords, or municipalities for permits. May be mandated indirectly through local licensing or bonding requirements.

Not legally required by Wisconsin law for HVAC businesses. However, it is commonly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, faulty workmanship, or design errors. Some clients or general contractors may require it for project participation.

Includes Social Security, Medicare, and federal income tax withholding.

Required if business uses DBA; publish in newspaper within 60 days if not online filed

Required for individuals installing, altering, or repairing HVAC systems involving refrigerant piping or combustion venting; prerequisite: 5 years experience or approved apprenticeship + exam

One responsible master plumber license holder required per business location; prerequisite: journeyman license + 1 year experience as journeyman/supervisor + exam; Wis. Stat. § 145.17

Alternative to journeyman for HVAC-only contractors working on heating/cooling systems without drain/waste/vent piping; exam required; Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.37

Required for public building commissions; certifies compliance with licensing/insurance; held by business

Required to collect/remit WI sales tax (5% state + local); most HVAC businesses need this; Wis. Stat. § 77.52

HVAC businesses may be required to collect sales tax on parts and certain installations. Labor-only service calls are generally not taxable unless tied to a sale of equipment. Registration is done via the Wisconsin Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

LLCs are pass-through entities; income flows to owners who report on personal returns. However, the LLC must register with DOR if it has any tax obligations (e.g., withholding, sales tax). No separate entity-level income tax for single-member LLCs unless elected.

Registration required to withhold Wisconsin income tax from employee wages. Must be completed via Wisconsin TAP. Employers must also file Form WT-3 and annual Form W-2.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for HVAC contractors licensed by DSPS. This bond protects consumers from financial loss due to violations of Wisconsin HVAC regulations. Required under Wis. Admin. Code § DSPS 216.06. The bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in Wisconsin.

Required for all business-owned vehicles used in Wisconsin. Minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage. Applies to vans, trucks, or cars used for HVAC service calls.

Not legally required by Wisconsin for HVAC businesses, even if selling furnaces, air conditioners, or thermostats. However, manufacturers, distributors, or retailers may face liability under common law if defective products cause harm. Strongly recommended for risk management.

Not required for standard HVAC operations. Only applicable if the business hosts events where alcohol is served or sold. Most HVAC businesses do not need this coverage.

Employers must register with DWD even if only one employee is hired. Tax rate varies based on experience rating. New employers start at base rate.

Standard LLCs are not subject to corporate franchise tax. Wisconsin does not impose a franchise tax on LLCs unless they are classified as corporations for tax purposes. Most HVAC LLCs are pass-through entities and not subject to this tax.

Some Wisconsin municipalities (e.g., Madison, Milwaukee) impose a local business tax or privilege tax on gross receipts. HVAC businesses must check with city clerk or treasurer. Example: Madison Business Registration Fee is $150/year. No statewide privilege tax.

Even single-member LLCs should obtain an EIN for banking and contractor purposes. Obtained via IRS Form SS-4 or online application.

Required for all businesses; HVAC contractors must also hold state license

HVAC shops typically allowed in B3/B4 commercial zones; home occupation limited

Required per Milwaukee Code of Ordinances (MCO) 200-25

Governed by MCO 295-387; electronic signs restricted

HVAC businesses storing refrigerants may require HPM permit per MCO 333-61

Required under MCO 200-51 for commercial spaces

Per MCO 333-61-7; annual inspection may apply

All businesses; separate contractor registration for HVAC work

HVAC services often in CT commercial districts

Limited to 25% floor area, no outside storage (Dane County Ordinance 11.06)

Variance required for noisy equipment

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Wisconsin, including LLC members if they opt in. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt unless they elect coverage. HVAC contractors often have field technicians, making this nearly universal.

File electronically via the DWD UI portal.

Report total payroll and pay the assessed premium.

This is a specific requirement under Wis. Admin. Code § DSPS 216.06(2)(a) for all HVAC contractors. The $10,000 surety bond ensures compliance with state laws and protects consumers. Bond must be filed with DSPS before license is issued.

All LLCs that have employees or are required to file a federal tax return must obtain an EIN.

LLCs may also need to file Schedule C if a single‑member LLC is treated as a disregarded entity.

Employers must also complete Form W‑2 for each employee and submit Form W‑3 to the SSA.

HVAC work involves hazards covered by OSHA standards such as respiratory protection (1910.134), electrical safety (1910.331‑335), and fall protection (1926.501).

HVAC service calls must be provided in a manner accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Post in a conspicuous place where employees can see it.

Includes Minimum Wage, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and Anti‑Discrimination posters.

HVAC contractors often need a separate trade license from the city’s building department.

Include tax returns, payroll records, invoices, contracts, and licensing documentation.

Fire department may require annual inspection of commercial fire‑suppression systems integrated with HVAC.

Four types of certification (Type I, II, III, Universal) may be required depending on equipment serviced.

Reporting thresholds are based on the type and quantity of refrigerant handled.

All claims must be substantiated with competent evidence.

Includes minimum wage, overtime pay, and record‑keeping requirements.

Employers must retain I‑9 forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination, whichever is later.

Many small HVAC firms may fall below the 50‑employee threshold; still advisable to monitor.

Even small HVAC contractors who ship refrigerant cylinders to job sites may need this registration.

Manufacturers certify equipment; contractors must not misrepresent compliance.

Filing can be completed online via the Wisconsin Business Portal. Failure to file results in administrative dissolution.

Renewal must be submitted online with proof of required continuing education.

Minimum of 2 CE hours per year for HVAC contractor license; courses must be approved by DSPS.

File electronically via the Wisconsin Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).

Payments made through DOR’s TAP system.