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Licensing Requirements For Concrete Contractors In Montana

You have plenty of experience in construction and building projects, and now you’ve decided to embark on your career as a concrete contractor. However, before you can get your business up and running, you will need to undergo the licensing process. We want to help you secure the proper information and materials ahead of time before you apply. Why? You will need to meet certain requirements before the state of Montana can approve and issue your license. Here’s what you need to know:

Why You Need

Your License

You might be wondering if it’s absolutely necessary to have a contractor’s license in the state of Montana. The answer is yes because without one, you are going to encounter a lot of trouble finding meaningful work. Also, the state will fine you $500 each time you provide services as a concrete contractor without a license.

There are plenty of benefits to having your contractor’s license. Don’t believe us? Here’s why it’s good for your business:

It proves that you are trustworthy and professional – Clients are much more likely to do business with you when you possess your license. Montana requires you to provide information regarding your experience and training when registering your business with the state. This will greatly improve your credibility and reputation.
It paves the way for higher-paying projects – Contractors have the potential to make a lot of money depending on the size and scope of their projects. The state of Montana will also feature you in their database of licensed professionals, which essentially services as free advertising.
It allows you to apply for business insurance – As a concrete contractor, you will need business insurance for several reasons. This includes general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. They protect you from potential accidents, injuries, and damages that can occur while working on a project.

What You Need To

Know When Applying

You will submit your application to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry – they handle the process of reviewing and approving your license. The Department issues two primary classifications when it comes to your contractor’s license:

Construction Contractor’s License – You will need to apply for this license if you’re a contractor or subcontractor with employees who either own or work for a business.
Independent Contractor’s License – This license is ideal for contractors who plan on undergoing projects independently. In other words, you are working for yourself and electing not to obtain workers’ compensation insurance.

General

Requirements

Construction Contractor’s License:

Register and obtain your business license through the Montana Secretary of State’s office.
You will also need a Montana Tax Identification Number issued by the Montana Department of Revenue.
You must possess workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. We recommend that you shop around and contact different insurance providers.
Fill out the application form and submit it to the Department of Labor and Industry (this includes an application fee).

Independent Contractor’s License:

Show proof that you are running an independent business entity.
Apply for a Montana Tax Identification Number with the Montana Department of Revenue.
Fill out the independent contractor exemption certification. This way you can choose to bypass any entitlement to workers’ compensation insurance.
Fill out the application form and submit it to the Department of Labor and Industry (along with paying the submission fee)

It is worth noting that the application fee for construction contractors is $70 and $125 for independent contractors.

Additional

Information

Most states will require concrete contractors to complete several exams to receive their license. However, you won’t need to take an exam in Montana. Only certain specialty trades will require you to do this (e.g., electricians and plumbers).

Also, it’s going to take some time to complete the entire licensing process. In the meantime, you should begin researching business insurance, including general liability insurance and workers’ compensation plans. In the world of contracting, there are plenty of unknowns. That is why it’s always better to prepare yourself for any potential disasters.

Conclusion

We understand that the entire process can be tedious and time-consuming, but it will be worth it in the end. Your business is not going to make it very far without a license, so you might as well begin assembling all the necessary information and materials to apply. Montana’s licensing process is a lot simpler than many other states, and we can assure you that you’ll get through it with ease.