Massage Therapy Permits & Licenses in Kenosha, WI

Required for all LLCs formed in Wisconsin. Annual report required separately.

Applies to all Wisconsin LLCs; maintains good standing.

Prerequisites: 500 hours approved education or 600 hours apprenticeship; pass MBLEx exam; background check. Required for all practicing massage therapists in WI.

Required if business uses a name different from registered LLC name. Publish in newspaper within 40 days of filing.

Massage services themselves are generally not taxable in WI, but verify if any retail sales occur.

All Wisconsin businesses, including LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities, must obtain a WTAN to file state income, sales, and withholding taxes.

Massage therapy services themselves are not subject to Wisconsin sales tax, but any sale of taxable goods requires this permit.

Registration provides a Wisconsin Withholding Account Number used on quarterly WT‑2 filings.

Even if no tax is due for a quarter, a zero return must be filed.

After registration, the employer receives a UI account number used on quarterly UI filings.

Employers must also remit UI contributions with each filing.

LLCs taxed as partnerships file on members’ returns; LLCs electing corporate tax file Form 4.

Payments are made using Form WT‑5.

Most Wisconsin municipalities require a business license; fees and due dates vary. Verify with the specific city where the massage practice is located.

Other Wisconsin cities and towns have similar licensing requirements; check the local municipality’s website for exact fees and deadlines.

Massage therapy falls under "Personal Services" category. Specific massage license required separately via state but city license also needed.

Massage parlors restricted to certain zoning districts (e.g., C-M, B4). See Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Sec. 295-907.

Required for compliance with public health standards (sanitation, wastewater). Milwaukee Code Ch. 290.

NFPA 1 compliant; inspection required.

Required for all commercial spaces.

Requires state-licensed therapist; zoning compliance. Dane County Ordinance 11.15.

Limited to 25% of home floor area; no external signage. Madison General Ordinance Sec. 28.030.

Sanitation standards for massage (linen, disinfectants). Requires state credentials.

Universal local requirement; submit plans for review.

Size/location restrictions per local zoning code.

Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. §§ 103.01‑103.30) requires all employers with at least one employee to carry workers’ compensation insurance, unless the employer is a sole proprietor with no employees.

DSPS does not mandate general liability insurance for massage therapists, but it is strongly recommended to protect against third‑party bodily injury or property damage claims.

While Wisconsin does not require professional liability insurance for massage therapists, many clients, spas, and employers require therapists to carry it. DSPS lists it as a recommended best practice.

Surety bonds are generally required for contractors, auto dealers, and certain regulated professions, but there is no statutory bond requirement for massage‑therapy businesses in Wisconsin.

WisDOT requires minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Product liability insurance is not mandated for massage‑therapy businesses, but it may be advisable if the LLC sells retail products to clients.

Liquor liability insurance is only required for establishments that hold a Wisconsin liquor license; a massage‑therapy LLC without such a license has no obligation.

All LLCs, even single‑member, must obtain an EIN if they have employees, elect to be taxed as a corporation, or need to open a bank account.

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Most small massage‑therapy businesses have fewer than 10 employees, but the rule applies once the threshold is met.

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File electronically via the DFI portal. No separate state tax filing is required for the report.

License is valid for 2 years. Renewal must be completed online through the DSPS portal.

12 CEUs required every 2 years, including at least 2 CEUs in ethics. CEUs can be earned through approved providers listed on the DSPS website.

Most Wisconsin counties (e.g., Milwaukee, Dane) require a permit for massage therapy facilities. Inspection is typically performed annually by the county health inspector.

The local fire marshal conducts an annual safety inspection to verify egress, fire extinguishers, and occupancy limits.

File Wisconsin Form 3 (Partnership) by the federal deadline. Estimated tax payments are due quarterly (see quarterly estimated tax entry).

LLC members receive Schedule K‑1. Estimated tax payments are required if the members expect to owe $1,000 or more.

Both federal and Wisconsin estimated tax payments are due on the same dates. Use Form 1040‑ES (federal) and Form 1‑ES (Wisconsin).

Most massage therapy services are exempt, but retail of products (e.g., oils, equipment) is taxable.

Report wages and pay UI contributions electronically via the DWD UI portal.

Proof of coverage must be posted in a conspicuous location.

Postings include FLSA, OSHA, Minimum Wage, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, and state-specific notices.

Records must be legible, securely stored, and available for inspection upon request.

Include payroll records, expense receipts, and bank statements.

Update can be completed online through the DSPS portal.

Check the specific city’s website for exact renewal dates and fees.