New Hampshire does not require a special cleaning license for most house cleaning businesses. However, you do need a business license from your city or county. New Hampshire has no state sales tax, so you do not need a seller's permit for services. You also need an Employer Identification Number if you hire workers.
What Licenses Do You Need for a Cleaning Business in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire keeps it straightforward for cleaning businesses. You do not need a state-level cleaning license. But you do need a few basic permits to operate legally.
Here is a list of the most common requirements:
- City or county business license — required in most New Hampshire cities
- Trade Name registration — needed if you use a name other than your own legal name
- Employer Identification Number — required if you hire employees
- Workers' compensation insurance — required by New Hampshire law if you have employees
- General liability insurance — not required by law but expected by most clients
Required Versus Optional Permits
Not every permit applies to every cleaning business. The table below shows what you need based on your situation.
| Permit or License | Required? | Who Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| City business license | Yes | All cleaning businesses |
| Trade Name registration | Yes, if using a trade name | Anyone not using their legal name |
| Employer Identification Number | Yes, if hiring | Businesses with employees |
| Workers' compensation insurance | Yes, if hiring | Businesses with one or more employees |
| General liability insurance | No, but strongly recommended | All cleaning businesses |
| Surety bond | No, but recommended | Businesses that want extra client trust |
Need the full picture? Read our guide on how to start a cleaning business in New Hampshire for step-by-step instructions.
Do You Need a Business License in New Hampshire?
Yes. Most cities and counties in New Hampshire require a business license. This is true even if you work from home.
A business license gives you legal permission to operate. Without one, you may face fines or be shut down.
How to Get a City Business License
- Visit your city's website — find the business license section
- Fill out the application — you will need your name, address, and business type
- Pay the fee — most cities charge $25 to $100 per year
- Receive your license — some cities issue it the same day
Do You Need a Trade Name Registration?
If your business uses any name other than your legal name, yes. In New Hampshire, you file a trade name registration with your town or city clerk.
The fee is typically $50. Renewal is every 5 years.
Does New Hampshire Have Sales Tax on Cleaning Services?
New Hampshire has no state sales tax. This means you do not need a seller's permit or sales tax license for your cleaning business.
This is a significant advantage of operating in New Hampshire. You can keep your pricing simple without worrying about collecting and remitting sales tax.
Do You Still Need Any Tax Registrations?
Even without sales tax, you may need to register with the state for income tax withholding if you have employees. Check with New Hampshire's tax agency for current requirements.
What Insurance Is Required for Cleaning Businesses in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire law does not require general liability insurance for cleaning businesses. But most clients will not hire you without it. Insurance protects you from costly lawsuits and damage claims.
General Liability Insurance
This covers damage to a client's property. It also covers injuries that happen during a job. Most cleaning businesses pay $30 to $60 per month for this coverage.
A typical policy covers $1 million per incident and $2 million total. Read our full cleaning business insurance guide for more details.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
New Hampshire law requires workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. It covers medical bills and lost wages if a worker gets hurt on the job.
The cost depends on your payroll and the type of work. Most cleaning businesses pay $1 to $3 per $100 of payroll.
Surety Bond
A surety bond is not required by law. But it gives clients extra peace of mind. A bond protects clients if an employee steals or causes damage. Most bonds cost $100 to $300 per year.
Do You Need an Employer Identification Number in New Hampshire?
You need an Employer Identification Number if you hire workers. The Internal Revenue Service issues this number for free. You can apply online and get it right away.
You also need one if you form a limited liability company or a corporation. Sole owners who work alone can use their Social Security number instead.
How to Get an Employer Identification Number
- Go to the Internal Revenue Service website — find the online application
- Answer the questions — about your business type and structure
- Get your number instantly — it is issued right after you finish
There is no fee. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
What Are the Local Permit Requirements in Major New Hampshire Cities?
Each New Hampshire city has its own rules. Some cities are simple. Others have extra steps and higher fees.
The table below shows requirements for the largest cities.
| City | Business License Fee | Extra Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $25 to $100/yr | City business license required |
| Nashua | $25 to $75/yr | Business license required |
| Concord | $25 to $50/yr | Business license required |
| Derry | $25 to $50/yr | Town business license |
| Dover | $25 to $50/yr | General business license |
Tips for Local Permits
- Check your city's website first — requirements change often
- Call the city clerk's office — they can walk you through the steps
- Ask about home-based rules — some cities need a home occupation permit
- Keep copies of everything — store your permits in a safe place
How Much Do New Hampshire Cleaning Business Licenses Cost?
The total cost to get licensed depends on your city and business structure. Most cleaning businesses spend $200 to $800 to get fully set up.
Here is a breakdown of common costs:
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| City business license | $25 to $100 | Yearly |
| Trade Name registration | $50 | Every 5 years |
| Employer Identification Number | Free | One time |
| General liability insurance | $30 to $60 per month | Monthly or yearly |
| Workers' compensation insurance | $1 to $3 per $100 of payroll | Ongoing |
| Surety bond | $100 to $300 | Yearly |
Want to know what to charge clients? See our guide on cleaning business prices in New Hampshire to set the right rates for your area.
What Are the Renewal and Compliance Deadlines?
Most licenses and permits need regular renewal. Missing a deadline can lead to late fees or a lapsed license. Here is a timeline to follow.
| Task | When to Do It | What Happens If You Miss It |
|---|---|---|
| Renew city business license | Yearly, by your renewal date | Late fees of $25 to $100 or more |
| Renew trade name registration | Every 5 years | You lose the right to use that name |
| File state tax returns | Quarterly or yearly | Penalties and interest charges |
| Pay workers' compensation premiums | Monthly or quarterly | Fines and loss of coverage |
| Renew general liability insurance | Yearly | No coverage if a claim happens |
How to Stay on Track
- Set calendar reminders — add alerts 30 days before each deadline
- Keep a compliance folder — store all permits and renewal dates in one place
- Use business management software — tools like MaidProfit help you track deadlines
- Check with your city each year — rules and fees can change
Running a cleaning business means tracking permits, clients, and payments. Try MaidProfit to manage it all in one place.