HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTORS MUST
REGISTER WITH PA ATTORNEY GENERAL
BY JULY 1
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. This law requires businesses that own or operate a home improvement business, or who offer, perform or agree to perform home improvements in Pennsylvania to register with the Office of the Attorney General.
Businesses are required to register by July 1, 2009
Unregistered businesses are prohibited from performing home improvements in Pennsylvania after the July 1st deadline. Registrants will be issued a unique Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor number which must be included in all advertisements, contracts, estimates and proposals used in Pennsylvania. Additional information and online registration is provided by the PA Attorney General's Office.
The new law's definition of "home improvement' has been given a broad interpretation. The term can include repairs, replacement, remodeling, demolition, removal, renovation, installation, alteration, conversion, modernization, improvement, rehabilitation or sandblasting work in connection with land, a portion of land or a building which is a private residence. New home construction, or improvements associated with landscaping are not included.
What You Need To Do:
If you, currently or in the future, provide home improvement services in Pennsylvania, you are required to register with the Attorney General's Office. Failure to register can subject you to legal action, including civil penalties of $1,000 or more. You can register online through the PA Attorney General's Office, or call our office for assistance.
Please contact Hal Margolit, Tax Manager, at 215-675-8364 or hmargolit@wm-cpa.com with questions or if you require assistance implementing this process.
