State License

• A state license to conduct business is normally a license authorizing you to practice massage therapy as a profession. This license permits you to advertise as a massage therapist. Your state will determine whether this license is necessary or not. Each state provides guidance on what licenses are necessary, and you must contact your state's department of commerce to determine what's required of you.
  
  

County License

• Your local county may require a license. You must contact your county's revenue department or licensing bureau to discover what, if any, licenses or permits are required. Some counties assess property tax on all business property you maintain. You must have a permit before accepting customers at your massage parlor and pay a tax based on the county's requirements. Finally, you must register with the register of deeds to conduct business. A "Doing Business As" (or DBA) is required, at a minimum, in most counties in the United States.
  
  

Local License

• If you conduct your massage business out of your home, your county may impose a permit, so you must contact the local zoning department. Additionally, you may be required to contact the revenue department in your city to obtain a permit for tax if your city charges local taxes for sales or business property.
  
  

Consideration

• Some states offer a website where information is centralized so that you don't have to hunt for it. You should visit your state's department of commerce website on the Internet to see if your state offers such a feature. All of the forms for state, county and local governments should be assembled in one place. That way, you simply download the appropriate forms and submit them.