Is Running a Tarot Business Legal? What You Need to Know

Thinking about starting a tarot business? Before you set up shop, you need to know whether it’s legal in your state, county, or city. In some places, fortune-telling is completely illegal. Others require special licenses. And in many areas, how you label your business can make the difference between legal or not.

Here’s a breakdown of U.S. laws, plus how to legally protect yourself while running your tarot business.

1. Some States and Cities BAN Tarot Readings for Money

Some jurisdictions completely prohibit fortune-telling, classifying it as fraud or a misdemeanor. If you charge for readings in these areas, you could face fines or criminal charges.

🚫 Pennsylvania – State law prohibits charging for fortune-telling. It’s considered a third-degree misdemeanor under 18 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 7104.

🚫 New York – Fortune-telling for compensation is illegal unless it’s explicitly for entertainment (e.g., a stage performance). Violating this law can lead to fines or imprisonment under N.Y. Penal Law § 165.35.

🚫 Other Restricted Areas – Some cities and counties within otherwise permissive states still ban fortune-telling. For example:

• Anne Arundel County, Maryland prohibits fortune-telling under local fraud statutes.
• Several Illinois municipalities have local bans, even though the state doesn’t.

How to Protect Yourself: If you live in one of these areas, you cannot legally charge for tarot readings unless you frame them differently (see Section 4).

2. Some Places Require Licenses & Permits

Even if tarot reading isn’t outright banned, some states and cities regulate it by requiring special business licenses or permits.

📝 Massachusetts – Requires a fortune-telling license, which can only be granted to residents who have lived in the city for at least one year.

📝 Virginia – Some counties require tarot readers to pay an annual tax of up to $1,000 just to operate.

📝 California (Varies by City/County) – Some areas require permits and police background checks, while others limit advertising:

• San Francisco – You must obtain a police permit to perform tarot readings.
• Los Angeles – You cannot advertise yourself as a fortune-teller unless you meet certain conditions.
• Tulare County – Requires a specific business license for fortune-tellers.

📝 Other Cities with Regulations – Many towns and counties have their own local ordinances, which may require background checks, business inspections, or residency requirements.

How to Protect Yourself: If you live in a regulated area, apply for the necessary business license or permit before charging for readings.

Where Tarot Businesses Face the Least Restrictions

Some states and cities have little to no regulation regarding tarot readings.

✅ Connecticut – No specific laws regulating fortune-telling, but you must comply with general business regulations.

✅ Texas – No state laws prohibiting tarot readings, but local zoning laws may apply.

✅ Most of the Midwest – States like Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri have no specific laws targeting tarot businesses.

Even in places with fewer regulations, business laws still apply, including tax registration, liability protections, and advertising rules.

How to Avoid Legal Issues: Smart Business Labeling

If your area has restrictive laws but allows entertainment-based readings, reframing your business can help. Here’s how:

🔹 Use Disclaimers – Adding “For Entertainment Purposes Only” to your website, social media, and client contracts can help avoid legal trouble in places where fortune-telling is restricted.

🔹 Change Your Business Title – Instead of “Tarot Reader” or “Fortune Teller,” use alternative titles that focus on personal growth, intuition, or coaching:

• Spiritual Advisor
• Intuitive Consultant
• Life Path Coach
• Mindfulness Mentor
• Metaphysical Consultant

Clearly Define Your Scope – Explicitly state that your readings do not offer legal, medical, or financial advice, and do not predict the future with certainty.

🔹 Sell Your Readings as Part of a Broader Offering – Some practitioners bundle tarot readings into coaching services (e.g., “Tarot-Informed Life Coaching”), which may help in restrictive areas.

5. Protecting Yourself Legally

Even if tarot readings are legal where you live, you still need to protect your business from potential legal risks.

📌 Register Your Business – Choose a business structure like an LLC to protect your personal assets from lawsuits.

📌 Get a Business License – Even if your state doesn’t require a fortune-telling permit, a general business license may still be required.

📌 Consider Liability Insurance – Protect yourself from claims related to misrepresentation, emotional distress, or negligence.

📌 Understand Tax Obligations – The IRS requires all tarot business owners to report income. Use the correct NAICS code:

• 812990 – “All Other Personal Services”
• 711510 – “Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers”

📌 Secure Your Brand – If you create your own tarot deck, course, or written material, copyright your work to prevent theft or imitation.

Final Thoughts

Running a tarot business in the U.S. isn’t as simple as setting up a website and pulling cards. In some places, it’s outright illegal. In others, you need a special license or permit. And even where it’s allowed, how you label your business and present your services can determine whether you run into legal trouble.

Before You Start Your Business:

✅ Check your state and local laws – Some areas allow tarot reading freely, while others ban or heavily regulate it.
✅ Use disclaimers and adjust your branding – In restrictive areas, label your services as entertainment, coaching, or spiritual guidance to avoid legal issues.
✅ Stay compliant – Get the right permits, licenses, and legal protections to operate safely.

General Tarot Reader Disclaimer

Here is a general disclaimer you might consider using for Tarot readings. Note that I am not a legal professional, and advice you to get a disclaimer written by someone who practices business law in the state and county you live in.

All tarot readings and intuitive services provided by [Your Business Name] are for entertainment and personal growth purposes only. The insights and guidance offered during a reading are not a substitute for professional advice in any field, including but not limited to:

• Legal matters – If you require legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.
• Medical or psychological concerns – If you have health-related questions, please seek guidance from a qualified medical or mental health professional.
• Financial or investment decisions – If you need financial planning or investment advice, please contact a certified financial advisor.

By engaging in a reading, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own decisions and interpretations. [Your Business Name] assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or business advice. Laws vary by location—consult a qualified attorney or local authorities to ensure compliance.