Montana Construction Contractor Registration : erd.dli.mt.gov

Organisation : Montana Department of Labor & Industry
Facility Name : Construction Contractor Registration
State : Montana, USA
Website : https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/construction-contractor-registration

What is Construction Contractor Registration?

Construction Contractor Registration (CR) helps level the playing field in the construction industry by assuring that all construction contractors are in compliance with the Montana Workers’ Compensation (WC) Act.

Who Can Apply For Construction Contractor Registration?

** All construction contractors with employees must register.
** A construction contractor is defined, simply, as anyone who adds to or takes away from a structure, project, development, or improvement attached to real estate (39-9-102, MCA).

How To Obtain A Construction Contractor Registration?

Read, complete, and submit Construction Contractor Registration application form with a non-refundable $70 fee to the Department of Labor and Industry.

Construction contractors can be fined up to $500 per violation for:
** Performing work without a CR if required to obtain one;
** Performing work with a suspended CR; or
** Transferring their CR to another person.

Make sure you:
** Have a written contract that states what is to be performed, materials used, start and completion dates, payment based on completed project, and liability for failure to complete the project.
** Obtain references and check them out to ensure they are experts in their field of work.
** Check periodically to confirm that they have valid CR and WC insurance on their employees.
** Ask for proof of their CR and verify it is in good standing by searchingon our website or calling our office at (406) 444-7734.

Advantages of Construction Contractor Registration

** Protection from Employee Liability – A person who hires a registered contractor is not liable as an employer for workers compensation coverage under 39-71-405, for unemployment insurance coverage, or for wages and fringe benefits for the registered contractor or its employees, or any subsequent subcontractors and their employees. Protections may not apply if the registration is found to be invalid.
** Credibility – Those who complete the paperwork and pay attention to the law may also be more likely to care about the quality of their work.
** Opportunity – Getting registered may make it easier to obtain work. Many will not hire unregistered construction contractors.

FAQ On Construction Contractor Registration

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ On Construction Contractor Registration

What is the risk of hiring a business without CR?
If a contractor hires an unregistered contractor, (even if that person has an ICEC), the contractor is taking a risk and assuming the liability for workers’ compensation should an individual be hurt on the job.

Can I be penalized if I do not obtain a CR?
Construction contractors can be fined up to $500 per violation for:
** Performing work without a CR if required to obtain one
** Performing work with a suspended CR
** Transferring their CR to another person

Is a test required to obtain a CR?
No test is required. The CR certificate is not a license and does not ensure quality of work.

What if my business has no employees?
The law exempts independent contractors in the construction industry that do not have employees from registering, although they can choose to register.

What is the difference between an ICEC and the CR?
** The ICEC exempts the owner of a business from being required to cover themselves under workers’ compensation insurance.
** The CR monitors workers’ compensation compliance and ensures a fair playing field for all businesses in the construction industry that are competing in Montana.

Can my spouse or child take over my CR?
** Yes, if the spouse or child was already listed on the CR application.
** No, if ownership of the business completely changes, the business must reapply for the CR.

How do I renew my CR?
** We will mail you a renewal application approximately 60 days before your CR expires to the last known address on file.
** The renewal application forms will be preprinted with the information you provided the last time you applied.
** Please cross out any errors, make the correction in ink, and initial the change.
** The application fee is $70 non-refundable.