New York does not require a special state license for house cleaning businesses. You must register your business name with the county clerk. You also need a local business license and sales tax registration. New York City has extra requirements including a home occupation permit.
What Licenses Do You Need for a Cleaning Business in New York?
New York keeps it simple for cleaning businesses. There is no special state cleaning license. But you still need a few things to operate legally.
Here is what every New York cleaning business needs:
- Business name registration — file with your county clerk
- Local business license — get this from your city or town
- Sales tax registration — register with the Department of Taxation and Finance
- Employer Identification Number — get this from the Internal Revenue Service for free
If you hire workers, you also need these:
- Workers' compensation insurance — required by New York state law
- Disability insurance — also required when you have employees
- New York labor department registration — report new hires to the state
Want the full picture? Read our guide on how to start a cleaning business in New York. It covers everything from setup to getting your first clients.
How Do You Register Your Business Name in New York?
You have two main options. The right one depends on your business structure.
Sole Proprietorship or Partnership
File a Doing Business As certificate with your county clerk. This is also called a "d/b/a" filing. The fee is $20 to $25 in most counties.
You must publish the filing in two local newspapers. The publication cost runs $50 to $200. This is a New York state requirement.
Limited Liability Company
File your Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State. The filing fee is $200. You also need to publish in two newspapers. Publication costs $300 to $1,500 depending on the county.
A limited liability company protects your personal assets. Most cleaning business owners choose this structure.
Steps to Register Your Name
- Check if your name is available — search the New York Department of State business database
- Choose your business structure — sole proprietorship or limited liability company
- File the right paperwork — county clerk or Department of State
- Publish in two newspapers — required for both structures
- Get your Employer Identification Number — apply free on the Internal Revenue Service website
Does New York Charge Sales Tax on Cleaning Services?
Yes. New York charges sales tax on most cleaning services. This includes house cleaning, office cleaning, and janitorial work.
How Sales Tax Works
The state sales tax rate is 4 percent. Local taxes add 3 to 5 percent more. The total rate depends on your location.
For example, New York City charges a total of 8.875 percent. Buffalo charges 8 percent. Albany charges 8 percent.
How to Register for Sales Tax
Register with the New York Department of Taxation and Finance. You will get a Certificate of Authority. This is free to obtain.
You must collect sales tax from every client. Then you file returns with the state. Most small businesses file every quarter.
You must register for sales tax before you start charging clients. Operating without a Certificate of Authority can result in fines.
What Insurance Is Required for Cleaning Businesses in New York?
New York does not require insurance for solo cleaning businesses. But insurance is strongly recommended. It protects you from costly mistakes.
General Liability Insurance
This covers damage to a client's home or property. It also covers injuries that happen during a job. Most policies cost $300 to $600 per year.
Many clients will not hire you without it. Some buildings require proof of insurance.
Workers' Compensation Insurance
This is required if you hire any employees. It covers medical bills and lost wages for injured workers. The cost depends on your payroll size.
New York takes this requirement seriously. You can face heavy fines without it.
Disability Insurance
New York also requires disability insurance for employees. This covers non-work injuries or illnesses. It pays a portion of their wages while they recover.
Bonding
A surety bond protects clients from theft. It is not required by law. But it builds trust with clients. A bond costs $100 to $300 per year.
Learn more in our full cleaning business insurance guide.
What Are the Extra Requirements for Cleaning Businesses in New York City?
New York City has rules on top of state rules. Starting a cleaning business here takes a few extra steps.
Home Occupation Permit
If you run your business from home, you may need this permit. It comes from the city's Department of Buildings. The rules depend on your zoning district.
General Vendor License
Some cleaning businesses that sell products need this. Most house cleaners do not need it. Check with your local community board.
New York City Sales Tax
The city adds its own sales tax on top of the state rate. The total combined rate is 8.875 percent. You collect this from every client.
Commercial Waste Rules
If you clean commercial spaces in the city, there are waste removal rules. You must use a licensed private carter for commercial trash. This does not apply to house cleaning.
| Requirement | New York City | Upstate New York |
|---|---|---|
| Home occupation permit | Yes, in most cases | Varies by town |
| Sales tax rate | 8.875% | 7% – 8% |
| Business name publication | Required (high cost) | Required (lower cost) |
| Commercial waste rules | Yes, for commercial cleaning | Varies by city |
| Zoning restrictions | Strict | Less strict |
What Are Local Permit Requirements in Other New York Cities?
Each city and town in New York has its own rules. Here is what you need in the major cities.
| City | Local Business License | Home Occupation Permit | Sales Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | Required | Required | 8.875% |
| Buffalo | Required | Varies by zone | 8% |
| Albany | Required | Varies by zone | 8% |
| Rochester | Required | Varies by zone | 8% |
| Syracuse | Required | Varies by zone | 8% |
| Long Island | Varies by town | Varies by town | 8.625% |
Always check with your local city or town clerk. Rules change from place to place. A quick phone call can save you from fines later.
How Much Do New York Cleaning Business Licenses Cost?
Here is a breakdown of every cost you can expect. Most new cleaning businesses spend $200 to $800 total.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Doing Business As filing | $20 – $25 | Filed with county clerk |
| Limited liability company filing | $200 | Filed with Department of State |
| Newspaper publication (sole proprietorship) | $50 – $200 | Two newspapers required |
| Newspaper publication (limited liability company) | $300 – $1,500 | Higher in New York City area |
| Sales tax registration | Free | Certificate of Authority |
| Employer Identification Number | Free | From the Internal Revenue Service |
| Local business license | $50 – $200 | Varies by city or town |
| General liability insurance | $300 – $600 per year | Recommended, not required for solo |
| Surety bond | $100 – $300 per year | Builds client trust |
See our New York cleaning business pricing guide to learn how to set your rates and cover these costs.
What Are the Renewal and Compliance Deadlines?
Getting your licenses is only the first step. You must renew them on time. Missing a deadline can mean fines or losing your license.
Annual Renewals
- Local business license — renew every year with your city or town
- General liability insurance — renew your policy each year
- Workers' compensation insurance — renew each year if you have employees
- Surety bond — renew each year to keep coverage active
Quarterly Deadlines
- Sales tax returns — file every quarter with the Department of Taxation and Finance
- Estimated income tax — pay quarterly if you owe more than $300 per year
Biennial Filing
Limited liability companies must file a biennial statement with the Department of State. The fee is $9. This keeps your business in good standing.
Compliance Timeline
| Task | Frequency | Where to File |
|---|---|---|
| Sales tax return | Quarterly | Department of Taxation and Finance |
| Estimated income tax | Quarterly | Department of Taxation and Finance |
| Local business license renewal | Yearly | City or town clerk |
| Insurance policy renewal | Yearly | Your insurance provider |
| Limited liability company biennial statement | Every 2 years | Department of State |
Set calendar reminders for every deadline. Missing a renewal can lead to fines or a lapse in coverage. MaidProfit helps you track deadlines and manage your business in one place.