Handyman License Requirements in Ardmore, PA
Ardmore is an unincorporated CDP split between Lower Merion Twp (Montgomery Co.) and Haverford Twp (Delaware Co.). Lower Merion: Contractor License under Code Ch. 69 from Building & Planning for anyone doing construction/repair work in the Township, plus business license/registration and Business Privilege/Mercantile Tax via Finance Dept Business Tax Division. Haverford: Business Privilege Tax (1.5 mills) applies to contractors conducting business in the Township even without an office there.
Ardmore requirements
Ardmore is an unincorporated CDP split between Lower Merion Twp (Montgomery Co.) and Haverford Twp (Delaware Co.). Lower Merion: Contractor License under Code Ch. 69 from Building & Planning for anyone doing construction/repair work in the Township, plus business license/registration and Business Privilege/Mercantile Tax via Finance Dept Business Tax Division. Haverford: Business Privilege Tax (1.5 mills) applies to contractors conducting business in the Township even without an office there.
Source link: ecode360.com · lowermerion.org · lowermerion.org · checked November 2, 2026
Local business license
Depends
- Name: Lower Merion business license/registration + Business Privilege/Mercantile Tax; Haverford Business Privilege Tax / Mercantile Tax (+ business license)
- Applies when: CONDITIONAL
- Office: Lower Merion Township Finance Dept - Business Tax Division; Haverford Township Finance Department (610-270-9520)
- Fee: Haverford BPT 1.5 mills on gross receipts; Lower Merion fees not captured
"Lower Merion: 'Business license/registration fees and Local Services Tax returns must be completed, signed and mailed to the Township building ... Business Privilege/Mercantile Tax Returns should be mailed to: Township of Lower Merion MBP Tax Collector 75 E Lancaster Ave Ardmore, PA 19003'. Haverford regs: 'Contractors and subcontractors with no office in the Township may still be subject to Tax if they are Conductin"
Source: lowermerion.org · checked November 2, 2026
Local contractor or handyman license
Depends
- Name: Lower Merion Township Contractor License (Code Chapter 69)
- Applies when: CONDITIONAL
- Trigger: Any person (other than owner's employee) undertaking construction, repair, reroofing, remodeling, rehabilitation, demolition, paving or home improvement work in the Township; no dollar threshold stated
"No person shall act as a contractor in the Township except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. ... every person desiring ... to engage in the business of acting as a contractor in the Township shall ... make application for a license to act as a contractor in the Township."
Source: ecode360.com · checked November 2, 2026
The Pennsylvania rule
Regulator: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (PA-HICRS, hic.attorneygeneral.gov). LLC formation: PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.
Not a home improvement contractor (no registration needed) if 'the total cash value of all of that person's home improvements is less than $5,000 during the previous taxable year' (strictly under $5,000; at $5,000 or more registration is required). FAQ elsewhere phrases it as 'less than $5,000 of work in a calendar year'. Separately, a job only counts as a 'home improvement' when the total cash price agreed is more than $500. Other exemption: home improvement retailers with net worth over $50,000,000. Written contracts are required for home improvements over $500; deposit limits apply to projects over $5,000.
What counts toward it: other: total cash value of all of the person's home improvements in the previous taxable year (annual business volume, not per job); a 'home improvement' itself is only work where total cash price agreed is more than $500
"A person for whom the total cash value of all of that person’s home improvements is less than $5,000 during the previous taxable year."
Source: attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
State registration
HICPA registration with the OAG: $100 non-refundable fee every two years (raised from $50 via a Fiscal Code change, 72 P.S. 1603-U; online card payments add $2). Proof of commercial general liability insurance: at least $50,000 personal injury and $50,000 property damage (self-insurance allowed with certificate). PA registration number (e.g., PA123456) must appear on all ads, contracts, estimates and proposals. Updates within 30 days of changes. Unregistered work: civil penalties of $1,000 or more; contracts may be unenforceable. Licensed electricians, master plumbers etc. must also register if doing home improvements.
Source: attorneygeneral.gov · hic.attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Insurance and bond
HICPA registrants: CGL at least $50,000 personal injury liability and $50,000 property damage. No state bond required (none found on OAG pages).
Source: hic.attorneygeneral.gov · checked November 2, 2026
Forming an LLC in Pennsylvania
State filing fee: $125.
Source: pa.gov · checked November 2, 2026
What to do, in order
- Read the Pennsylvania rule and confirm with Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection - Home Improvement Contractor Registration (PA-HICRS, hic.attorneygeneral.gov). LLC formation: PA Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations..
- Line up the Ardmore items listed on this page.
- Get your insurance and rate in place before the first paid job.
Nearby places
Rules change. This page shows what official sources said on the dates above. It is not legal advice.
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