Replies

1. 
   Hazlett | Dec 02, 2004 05:55pm | #1

    Pete,

     I currently belong to no organizations----not even the BBB in my area  the BBB was up to shenanigans they wouldn't tolerate it it's own business members!)

   I sympathise whith your multi jurisdiction /multiple licensing expenses. In Ohio there is a move to require a $250/year fee to the state to register contractors. that would be OK I guess if the state openly and vigoursly pursued non-registered contractors with severe punishments----but you know that won't happen.---so instead responsible contractors will be punished to the tune of $250/year in additional fees----and the riff-raff will continue" as-is".

   BTW---there is no licensing requirement for my trade plus no permits or inspections----in my trade. but several of the sub-urbs do require license ,permits,inspections etc.

   So I pay an average of $50/ license for each suburb I MIGHT have cause to work in each year. Each of those suburbs is now beginning to require income tax reports----even if you didn't work in them this year. It may take you longer to fill out the effen tax form than it took you to do the real billable work.

   The last few years one 'burb in particular has been especially persistent in trying to collect the income tax.

   Last year I sent them a note saying " I did one job in your town this year. I charged XXX amount, my material expenses were XX amount and my overhead charges were X amount. YOU figure out the tax forms"---they sent me back a note saying send us $14.

   the previous year I just scribbled " no work performed in your town this year" over the tax form and  mailed it back to 'em.

   good luck, stephen

1. 
   BillHartmann | Dec 02, 2004 06:55pm | #2

   "So I pay an average of $50/ license for each suburb I MIGHT have cause to work in each year. Each of those suburbs is now beginning to require income tax reports----even if you didn't work in them this year. It may take you longer to fill out the effen tax form than it took you to do the real billable work.The last few years one 'burb in particular has been especially persistent in trying to collect the income tax.Last year I sent them a note saying " I did one job in your town this year. I charged XXX amount, my material expenses were XX amount and my overhead charges were X amount. YOU figure out the tax forms"---they sent me back a note saying send us $14."That sounds like a business license. Does not have anything to do with contracting.You would have the same deal if say you ran a ice cream truck or most any business in that city.

2. 
   peteduffy | Dec 02, 2004 06:59pm | #3

   Stephen-

   What's your trade?  Also, where are you located, if you don't mind me asking.

   Also, my feeling is that just because someone gets a license and a permit does not make them a professional, and the flip side, someone who bypasses that system does not necessarily make them a hack.

   The problem I see is that there is nothing but $50 standing in the way of anybody getting an "official license."

   I would much rather do away with licenses, since licensing doesn't prevent poor workmanship nor guarantee good workmanship.  It is also impossible to enforce across the board.  The only enforcement I have seen is if there is a dumpster parked in the driveway and no permit stuck in the window, or a complaining neighbor.

   I would, however, readily accept intense and thorough inspections.  More than just the walk through (or even drive by, which has happened). But this would require more educated/experienced/trained inspectors, which generally isn't the case in a lot of municipal jurisdctions (just an observation from personal experience:  not meant to bash all inspectors.)

   This would certainly make sure that all work is in fact done to code, and help eliminate the hacks that just slap work together without regard for codes.

   But, I know I'm dreaming.

   Thanks for your input.  BTW, I like your response to the burb "YOU go figure it out!"  Good one!Pete Duffy, Handyman

1. 
   Hazlett | Dec 02, 2004 07:31pm | #4

    Bill and Pete,

    I am a roofing contractor in Akron ,Ohio

    I hold in my hand an example of what I am referring to

    " City of Talmadge 2005 contractor registration. : General B ( Roofing, Siding, Acc. buildings,fences,pools,decks etc.)

   $50 annual registration ( $100  initial registration for first time applicants or $100 if your annual registration recieved after 12-31-04)

   I pay something similar to Talmadge,Stow, and Cuyahoga Falls each year. Nothing similar in Akron where most of my  work comes from. also no permits or inspections in akron( I am gonna re-verrify that as it has been a couple years since I double checked)

   BTW  Bill, thanks for reminding me of those guys on icecream trucks. I hate those bastards with the white hot intensity of a thousand suns. I remember countless times when my wife or I would finally get a 18 month old kid put down for an afternoon nap----kids head no sooner hits the pillow than there is that  ' jingle scoot' parked out in front of the house with that horrrible music blaring, blocking traffic and waking up my screaming kid. Man o man I STILL hate those Effen icecream truck guys!

    My teenage sons Now call them " Crack houses  on wheels"-------Plus I notice that I NEVER see them in really affluent neighborhoods.

   Stephen

   Edited 12/2/2004 11:37 am ET by Stephen_Haz