When is a painting contractor in NYS suppose to charge sales and use tax? A legitimate painting company working in New York will be licensed, have a tax i.d number, have a federal employee i.d number, and have insurance. Ask your potential house painter if he can show you valid proof of all of these. If the painting company can not show you documentation that they are a legal company to work in NY, then do not hire them, as there can be problems down the road.