Bulletproof Handyman

What Can a Handyman Do Without a License in Georgetown, Scott County, Kentucky?

By , Founder of Bulletproof Handyman · Last reviewed July 2026

Georgetown, Kentucky does not require a state-issued general contractor license for handymen and most construction trades. However, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work require state licenses from the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. All businesses operating in Georgetown must register with the Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission and pay an occupational tax (rate varies by business type—contact GSCRC for current rate). Building permits are typically required for most projects regardless of licensing status. There is no dollar threshold exemption for general contracting work in Kentucky.

✅ What You Can Do Without a License

Common Jobs Handymen Take in Georgetown

Based on the KY threshold, handymen in Georgetown commonly take on:

⚠️ What Requires a License

Business License — Georgetown

Required. Occupational License (administered by Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission) — Every person, partnership, or corporation doing business in Georgetown must obtain an occupational license. Registration is completed by submitting the GSCRC BQ100 Business Registration Form/Questionnaire. You will need a federal EIN and state business registration before applying. Renewal is by filing the annual Net Profit License Tax Return. Home-based businesses must comply with local zoning laws and may require a home-occupation permit—contact Georgetown Planning & Zoning at https://www.georgetownky.gov or (502) 863-9800.

Setting Up Your Business in KY

To get paid professionally and protect yourself, register your business. LLC filing fee in KY: $40 (one-time). You'll also need a free EIN from the IRS and a business checking account.

Your Next Steps to Operating Legally in Georgetown

  1. Step 1: Register your business entity. Form an LLC with the Kentucky Secretary of State ($40 filing fee) or register as a sole proprietor with the county clerk. Obtain a federal EIN from the IRS (free).
  2. Step 2: Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Use the Kentucky One Stop Business Portal (https://onestop.ky.gov) to obtain a Commonwealth Business Identifier (CBI) and sales/use tax account (free).
  3. Step 3: Register with the Georgetown/Scott County Revenue Commission. Submit the BQ100 Business Registration Form to obtain an occupational license. Contact GSCRC at (502) 603-5860 or visit https://www.gscrevenueky.gov for the current occupational tax rate and any regulated business fees.
  4. Step 4: Obtain general liability insurance. Carry at least $1–$2 million in coverage. If you have employees, obtain workers' compensation insurance.
  5. Step 5: If performing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work, apply for the appropriate state trade license through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (https://hbc.ky.gov). Provide proof of experience, pass the required examination, and pay the license fee.
  6. Step 6: Verify building permit requirements with Scott County Building Department before starting any project. Contact the county at (502) 863-7875 or check https://www.georgetownky.gov for permit procedures.
  7. Step 7: If working in the Georgetown Historic District, contact the Planning Department at (502) 863-9800 to determine if a Certificate of Appropriateness is required for your project.
  8. Step 8: If working on federal property or military installations, register in SAM.gov (https://sam.gov) and contact the base contracting office for additional requirements.

Licensing rules and fees change over time, so this information may be out of date. Verify all requirements with your local licensing authority before making business decisions.