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State packet

District of Columbia Contractor Packet

What you need to start and run a trade business in District of Columbia, in one printable PDF: a first 30 days checklist, everyday forms, the rules in plain English, and a calendar of what’s due.

$17

Instant PDF download · 42 pages · Digital product, all sales final (policy)

What’s inside

Getting set up

  • First-30-days checklist
  • Which trades need a state license, and who to call
  • The workers’ comp decision, and what you have to file

Pricing and taxes

  • Who pays sales tax on your materials, and on your labor
  • A yearly calendar of filings and due dates

Forms and checklists

  • Business setup sheet and a before-your-first-job checklist
  • New job sheet, estimate, invoice and change order forms
  • Sub information sheet and a home contract checklist

If a customer doesn’t pay

  • What to collect on day one of every job
  • Your lien rights and deadlines, for when you need them
  • Printable job tracker

Where to check

  • The agencies and statutes behind the rules, with links
  • Checked November 2, 2026

What you won’t get from a quick search

  • A first 30 days checklist for District of Columbia, in the order to do it
  • Everyday forms you can copy and use: a new job sheet, estimate, invoice, change order and sub information sheet
  • Which trades need a home improvement contractor license, which need a Board of Industrial Trades license, and what each costs
  • The written-contract rules for work on a home: triplicate copies, license number, receipts, and when you can take a payment
  • DC sales tax at 7% from October 1, 2026, and why supply-house purchases for a building are taxed
  • Workers’ comp with no minimum headcount, plus the unincorporated business franchise tax that can hit an LLC owner
  • What to do this week when somebody isn’t paying, with the 90-day notice of intent and 180-day suit clocks worked out on real 2027 dates

Informational only. This packet should not be considered legal, financial, tax or business advice. Check with a licensed professional in your state before you rely on it.