Electrical Firm Account Frequently Asked Questions

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Electrical Firm Account

What is an electrical firm account?

A firm account is a record that is used to post electrical application costs. Each business, corporation, or partnership account is assigned a firm number. A Master Electrician is responsible for all work performed under this account.

When are firm account balance payments due?

Any remaining balance for a permit fee must be paid after the scheduled inspection is completed or thirty (30) days after the completion date that is specified on the permit application. See RCNY Title 1 §35-02. Payments can be made at any time, including crediting a firm account. Please note that no electrical work will be marked as certified if the firm has a balance owed to the Department. Therefore, firms are encouraged to keep their balances up to date to avoid delays in certification.

The Department also mails account statements to electrical firms on a quarterly basis. For example, the November statement will include balances from August 1 through October 31.

How can I make an electrical firm account payment?

Electrical firm account payments can be made in one (1) of the following ways:

  • Online by logging-in to the NYC Electrical Firm Payment Portal. You may pay using eCheck, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, or PIN-less debit;
  • In-person using cash, check, or credit card at the Central Cashier located at 280 Broadway, 1st Floor in Manhattan;
  • Mail in by sending a company check or money order payable to the NYC Department of Buildings. The firm number and license number should be included on the check. Checks should be mailed to:

    NYC Department of Buildings
    ATTN: Electrical Division - Cashier
    280 Broadway, 1st Floor
    New York, NY 10007

     

How can I check my firm account balance online before the next statement?

To verify your firm account balance, access the Buildings Information System (BIS). You will need your licensee PIN number to access your balance.

  • Click on Buildings Information System (BIS)
  • Click on the blue button labeled Enter Buildings Information System
  • Click on the link labeled 'B' - Skilled Trades Licensees Search
  • Look up your firm, either by business name or license number, and select Electrical Firm as the license type
  • Enter your PIN in the location labeled "Enter PIN for Accounting Overview", and click on the submit button

What if I do not know my firm account PIN number?

For confirmation of a PIN number, the licensee must bring two forms of identification to the Electrical Licensing Unit at:

Department of Buildings - Licensing Unit
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

From: 9:00 am to 12:45 pm, Monday through Friday.

What should I do if I have a dispute with one (1) or more of the transactions on my account statement?

Fill out the Electrical Firm Adjustment Request Form (LIC37) and submit to the Electrical Division at:

NYC Department of Buildings
ATTN: Electrical Division - Cashier
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

The LIC37 must be submitted with supporting documentation including a brief description of the request, and be signed and sealed by the licensed electrician representing that firm. If your adjustment is approved, it will be reflected in BIS. If it is denied, you will be notified by mail.

What should I do if completion fees appear on my statement incorrectly?

Fill out the Electrical Firm Adjustment Request Form (LIC37) and submit it by mail to:

NYC Department of Buildings
ATTN: Electrical Division - Cashier
280 Broadway, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10007

Do I need a firm number and PIN to make an online payment?

Yes, responsible representatives will need to use their complete firm number, including any leading zeros, and PIN to access the Electrical Firm Online Payment Portal to make payments. Each firm has only one (1) responsible representative, only the responsible representative's PIN may be used to make a payment.

For additional questions about how to use the NYC Electrical Firm Payment Portal, please email the Department of Buildings at CashReceipts@buildings.nyc.gov.

Who do I contact with questions about electrical permits, applications, inspections, etc.?