How to Register a Cleaning Business: Business Structure, EIN, Licences and Insurance

To register a cleaning business: choose a name and check availability, pick a business structure (sole proprietorship or LLC are most common), register with your state (and file a DBA if needed), get an EIN, obtain a local business licence, register for sales tax if your state taxes cleaning, open a business bank account, and get insurance and bonding.

Step by step

1. Choose a name: check state business records, trademarks, domain and social handles
2. Choose a structure:
   • Sole proprietorship: simplest, no liability separation
   • LLC: liability protection, flexible taxes, modest fees
   • Corporation: for larger growth plans
3. Register with your state: file LLC articles of organisation, or a DBA for a sole proprietor using a trade name
4. Get an EIN from the IRS (free) for taxes, hiring and banking
5. Local business licence: city or county
6. Sales tax permit if cleaning services are taxable in your state
7. Business bank account to separate finances
8. Insurance and bonding: general liability, janitorial bond, workers' comp when hiring
9. Bookkeeping: track income and expenses; plan for quarterly estimated taxes
10. Contracts: service agreements and cancellation policies

After registering

Set up a professional website, Google Business Profile and online booking, then start marketing (see How to start a house cleaning business and How to get clients for a cleaning business).

(Licences: What licenses are needed to start a cleaning business?.)

Frequently asked questions

How do I register a cleaning business?

Choose a name and structure, register with your state, get an EIN, local licence and any sales tax permit, open a bank account and get insured.

Should my cleaning business be an LLC?

An LLC offers liability protection and is a popular choice; sole proprietorship is simpler but offers no separation.

Do I need an EIN for a cleaning business?

It's required if you hire employees or form certain entities and useful for banking even when solo.

Do I need a licence to clean houses?

Usually a general business licence; specialised licences are rare for basic cleaning.

How much does it cost to register a cleaning business?

State filing and local licence fees vary; sole proprietorships are cheapest.

Do cleaning businesses charge sales tax?

In some states; check your state's rules.