Landscaping Business Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

   Official government source for Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online via bFile)

   Free

   Immediate (online via bFile)

2. Maryland Pesticide Applicator License

   If you apply pesticides or herbicides as part of landscaping services in Maryland, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from the state department of agriculture.

   Official government source for Maryland Pesticide Applicator License (opens in a new tab)

   $75/year commercial applicator certification (initial category; $25 each additional); the business also needs a $150/year MDA Pesticide Business License·2–4 weeks

   $75/year commercial applicator certification (initial category; $25 each additional); the business also needs a $150/year MDA Pesticide Business License

   2–4 weeks

1. Montgomery County — No General Business License (activity-specific licenses only)

   Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, so all local permits come from the county. Neither Maryland nor Montgomery County requires a general business license. Only specific activities are licensed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court License Department — e.g., retail sales require a Trader's License; garages, vending machines, and construction have their own licenses. Most service businesses need no county business license; confirm any activity-specific license with the Clerk's License Department (licenses expire April 30 annually).

   Official government source for Montgomery County — No General Business License (activity-specific licenses only) (opens in a new tab)

   $0 for most businesses; Trader's License (retail only) fee varies by inventory value·Not applicable for most businesses; Trader's License typically issued within days

   $0 for most businesses; Trader's License (retail only) fee varies by inventory value

   Not applicable for most businesses; Trader's License typically issued within days

2. Maryland MHIC License (landscaping) — no separate county/city contractor registration

   Neither Montgomery County nor Silver Spring (an unincorporated community with no city government) registers landscaping contractors. Landscape installation, hardscape, drainage, and irrigation work on residential property requires a state Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) contractor license; lawn mowing alone does not. Lawn maintenance services based at a county residence must register as a home occupation with Montgomery County DPS.

   Official government source for Maryland MHIC License (landscaping) — no separate county/city contractor registration (opens in a new tab)

   No county/city registration fee; state MHIC license fees apply·Not applicable locally; MHIC licensing timeline applies

   No county/city registration fee; state MHIC license fees apply

   Not applicable locally; MHIC licensing timeline applies

Official Sources

• Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
• Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

Related Guides