Trades and home services · LLC guide · updated
How to start an LLC for a roofing company
Roofing has one of the highest injury rates in construction and some of the highest workers' comp costs. Storm work brings fast growth and fast disputes with homeowners and insurers. An LLC holds the license, the crews and the contracts so a fall or a leak claim is the company's.
Our registered agent is optional: $74.25 a year, the same at renewal. Questions first? Ray or Vinny picks up at (954) 470-8356.
- EIN
- Roofing license
- Workers' comp
- Fall protection plan
- Permits
Roofing Company businesses in the U.S.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2022 (NAICS 238160), the latest U.S. totals.
Why roofing company owners form an LLC
Falls
Falls are the leading cause of death in construction, and roofers face them every day.
Leaks after the job
Workmanship claims after a storm are common.
Insurance claim disputes
Storm restoration work with homeowners' insurers brings payment disputes.
An LLC keeps the company's debts and claims away from your personal assets when you run it as its own business: its own bank account, contracts signed in its name, and no mixing of money. It does not cover your own negligence, and lenders often ask for a personal guarantee. Insurance comes first.
Licenses and registrations for a roofing company
Federal items link to the agency's own page. State and local rules vary, so pick your state at the top for your state's business portal. Tick items off as you go; the list remembers your progress on this device.
- We do thisForm the LLC and get its EINAlmost every registration above asks for the company's legal name and EIN, so this comes first. We file the LLC with your state for $123.75 plus the state fee, and can get the EIN for $41.25; the IRS also issues it free online.
Insurance and taxes to plan for
Insurance
- Workers' compensation
Required with employees and the largest cost for most roofers.
- General liability
Many policies exclude roofing unless written for it.
- Commercial auto
For trucks and trailers.
Taxes
- Subcontract crews
Using 1099 crews does not remove your workers' comp risk; if they lack coverage your insurer may charge you for them.
- Materials and sales tax
How sales tax applies to roofing materials varies by state.
Collect a current certificate of insurance and workers' comp proof from each sub before work starts. Uninsured subs are a top reason roofers get large bills at audit.
Forming the LLC itself: 7 steps in every state
- 1. Check the name
- 2. Name a registered agent
- 3. File with the state
- 4. Sign an operating agreement
- 5. Get an EIN
- 6. Open a bank account
- 7. Keep it in good standing
The filing office, fee and yearly report change by state. Open your state's step-by-step guide.
What it costs to form a roofing company LLC
| Cost | File it yourself | With Vermilion Vitez |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (paid to the state) | $35 to $520 | $35 to $520 |
| Filing service, operating agreement included | $0 | $123.75 |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | $0 yourself, or $41.25 if we get it |
| Registered agent, per year (optional) | $0 if you serve yourself | $74.25 |
State fees as charged at our checkout. Industry licenses, permits, bonds and insurance above are separate and set by each agency. Checkout shows the card processing fee before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Do roofers need a license?
Many states require one, either a roofing license or a general contractor license. Some leave it to local governments.
Why is roofing workers' comp so expensive?
Because the injury rate is high. Safety programs and fall protection can lower your rate over time.
Does an LLC protect me if someone falls on my job?
It keeps the claim with the company, and workers' comp covers employees. You can still face personal liability for your own negligence.
Can my roofing LLC do storm restoration?
Yes, but follow your state's rules on dealing with insurers and homeowners' deductibles.
How much does it cost to form an LLC for a roofing company?
Your state's filing fee ($35 to $520 depending on the state) plus $123.75 if we file it, with the operating agreement included. Industry licenses, bonds and insurance are extra and set by each agency.
Is this page legal or tax advice for my roofing company?
No. It summarizes public rules in general terms, with links to the agencies that set them. For your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or CPA, or book a free call with us.
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Ready when you are
Have us file your Roofing Company LLC
$123.75 plus your state's filing fee, with the operating agreement included. Checkout shows the full total, card processing fee and all, before you pay.
Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.