How to Start a Cleaning Business in Connecticut: Complete Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Connecticut typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in Connecticut, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.

Why Start a Cleaning Business in Connecticut?

Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states in the country. Its residents have high incomes and busy lives. They are willing to pay premium prices for cleaning services.

Fairfield County is home to some of the richest zip codes in America. Towns like Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, and Westport are filled with large homes. Many homeowners there commute to New York City for work.

They need reliable cleaners and will pay top dollar.

Hartford is known as the insurance capital of the world. Major companies fill the city with corporate offices. This creates strong demand for office and commercial cleaning.

The state also has Yale University and shoreline tourism. Luxury estates across Connecticut also need cleaning services.

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

Your business structure decides how you pay taxes and how much protection you have. Connecticut offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the easiest way to start. You do not need to file with the state. Connecticut treats you as a sole owner the moment you begin working.

If you want to use a business name, you must file a trade name certificate. File it with your town clerk. This is also called a Doing Business As filing.

The fee varies by town but is usually small.

The downside is that you have no personal protection. If a client sues you, your personal savings and property are at risk.

Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If something goes wrong, your personal assets stay safe.

To form one in Connecticut, file a Certificate of Organization. You do this through the Secretary of State website at business.ct.gov. The filing fee is $120.

You must also file an annual report each year. That costs $80 and is due by the end of your anniversary month.

You can reserve your business name ahead of time for $60. A Certificate of Good Standing costs $50 if you ever need one.

How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?

An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account, file taxes, and hire workers. Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website.

You get your number right away when you apply online.

Connecticut State Income Tax

Connecticut has a progressive state income tax. There are seven tax brackets. Rates range from 2 percent to 6.99 percent.

The more your business earns, the higher your rate. Plan for these taxes from day one so you are not caught off guard.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

This is a big one for Connecticut cleaning businesses. Cleaning and janitorial services are taxable in Connecticut. The sales tax rate is 6.35 percent.

This applies to all cleaning work. It covers homes, offices, and commercial buildings.

You must collect this tax from every client. Then you send it to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. Register for a sales tax permit before you start working.

There is no extra local sales tax in Connecticut. The rate is the same statewide at 6.35 percent.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

Connecticut does not require a special state license for general cleaning. You do not need a cleaning permit from the state. However, you do need to register your business with the Secretary of State.

Your city or town may require a local business license. Some towns also need a home occupation permit if you run your business from home. Check with your town clerk for the rules in your area.

Fees vary by town but are usually under $100.

Special Posting Requirements

Connecticut has special posting requirements for cleaning businesses. You must display certain notices in your workplace. These include wage and hour notices, safety rules, and workers' rights.

The Connecticut Department of Labor provides free copies of these posters.

Dry Cleaning

If you plan to offer dry cleaning services, be aware of extra rules. Dry cleaning businesses must pay a 1 percent surcharge on gross receipts. They also need separate licensing.

This guide focuses on general cleaning, not dry cleaning.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. Connecticut has strict rules about workers' compensation. Here is what you need:

• General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required by Connecticut law for all employers with one or more employees. This includes part-time workers. The fine for not having coverage is $100 per day. In extreme cases, you could face criminal charges
• Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by the state, but many clients will ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
• Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Protects you during travel between client locations

You can buy workers' compensation from private insurance carriers. You can also apply to self-insure through the Connecticut Workers' Compensation Commission.

For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.

What Are Connecticut Labor Laws?

Connecticut has strong worker protections. If you plan to hire employees, you must follow these rules from day one.

Minimum Wage

Connecticut has one of the highest minimum wages in the country. The rate adjusts each year based on the cost of living. This means your labor costs are higher than in most states.

You must factor this into every quote you give. Check the Connecticut Department of Labor website for the current rate. Plan your pricing around this number.

If you pay your cleaners more than minimum wage, you will attract better workers. You will also keep them longer.

Tipped Workers

Some cleaning clients leave tips. Connecticut has a lower minimum wage for tipped workers. However, tips plus the base wage must equal the full minimum wage.

If tips fall short, you must make up the difference. Most cleaning businesses pay the full minimum wage. They let workers keep tips on top of that.

Employer Taxes

When you hire employees in Connecticut, you must pay state unemployment insurance. This tax is paid to the Connecticut Department of Labor. You also withhold state income tax from employee paychecks.

Register with the Department of Revenue Services as a withholding agent. Do this before your first employee starts.

What Safety Rules Apply?

Connecticut has a partial state safety plan. The state agency covers only state and local government workers. If you run a private cleaning business, federal workplace safety rules apply to you instead.

Hazard Communication

You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on what chemicals they handle. Teach them how to use products safely.

Show them what to do if there is a spill or skin contact. This training must happen before they start using any product.

Personal Protective Equipment

Provide gloves, eye protection, and other safety gear to your workers. You must pay for this equipment. Workers should not have to buy their own safety gear.

Common items for cleaners include rubber gloves, safety glasses, and knee pads.

Injury Reporting

If a worker gets hurt on the job, you must report it. File a claim with your workers' compensation insurance carrier. You must also keep a record of all workplace injuries.

Good records protect you if there is ever a dispute.

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Connecticut?

Connecticut's wealthy market lets you charge more than in most states. But you also have higher costs to cover.

Factor in the high minimum wage and mandatory insurance. Also add the 6.35 percent sales tax on cleaning.

Typical pricing ranges in Connecticut:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $40 to $75 per hour depending on your area
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $150 to $400 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $250 to $600 depending on home size
• Move-in or move-out cleaning — $300 to $650 or more
• Office cleaning — $0.08 to $0.22 per square foot, or $35 to $80 per hour
• Luxury estate cleaning — $85 or more per hour in Fairfield County

Prices at the high end are common in Fairfield County, the shoreline, and Hartford. Prices at the lower end are more typical in smaller towns and rural areas.

Remember to add 6.35 percent sales tax on top of your price. Make sure clients know about the tax upfront. Show it as a separate line on your invoices.

Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.

What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Connecticut?

Connecticut has cleaning niches that do especially well because of its unique market. Here are the top five options:

Fairfield County and New York City Commuter Market

Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Westport, and New Canaan are gold mines for cleaners. These towns have some of the wealthiest families in America. Many residents commute to New York City for work.

They have large homes and busy schedules. They want top-quality cleaning and will pay premium rates for it.

Hartford Insurance and Corporate Corridor

Hartford is the state capital and the insurance capital of the world. Major companies like Aetna, The Hartford, and Travelers have offices there. This creates strong demand for office cleaning and corporate janitorial services.

Build relationships with property managers in the Hartford area for steady commercial work.

University and College Cleaning

Connecticut has Yale University in New Haven and the University of Connecticut in Storrs. There are also many other colleges throughout the state. Student housing needs regular cleaning.

The turnover each semester creates move-out cleaning demand. Medical centers connected to universities also need specialized cleaning.

Shoreline and Tourism Cleaning

The Long Island Sound shoreline brings tourists to Connecticut. Towns like Mystic draw visitors year-round. Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos attract millions of guests each year.

Vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts in these areas all need cleaning services. This niche stays busy during the summer and holiday seasons.

Luxury Estate Cleaning

Connecticut has many large estates and historic homes. These properties need regular deep cleaning from skilled teams. Luxury estate clients expect white-glove service.

They want the same team each visit. They pay top rates for trusted, reliable cleaners. Weekly or every-other-week service is common for these clients.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Connecticut?

Getting clients in Connecticut follows many of the same steps as anywhere else. But a few strategies work especially well here.

Google Business Profile

This is the most important free marketing step. Set up your Google Business Profile with your city, services, hours, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.

Most people in Connecticut search online before hiring any service.

Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups

Connecticut residents are active on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. Join groups for your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips.

When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up. Do not spam — focus on being helpful first.

Partner with Real Estate Agents and Property Managers

Connecticut has a busy real estate market. Real estate agents need move-out cleaning for listings. Property managers need cleaning between tenants.

Offer them special rates or a referral bonus. One good partnership can keep you busy for months.

Target Wealthy Neighborhoods

Fairfield County and shoreline towns have high demand. Flyers and door hangers work well in these areas. Make sure your marketing looks high-end.

Use quality paper and clean design. These homeowners expect professionalism from the first contact.

For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide and How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.

How Much Does It Cost to Start in Connecticut?

Connecticut is a moderate-cost state to start a cleaning business in. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

• Limited liability company filing — $120 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
• Annual report — $80 per year (due by end of anniversary month)
• Name reservation (optional) — $60
• Local business license — $50 to $200 per year (varies by town)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — Varies (only if you have employees)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
• Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
• Sales tax permit — Free (register at portal.ct.gov/drs)

What Is on Your Connecticut Startup Checklist?

Follow this step-by-step list. Complete each item before moving to the next:

1. Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at business.ct.gov ($120)
2. Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
3. Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
4. Register for a sales tax permit — Required because cleaning is taxable in Connecticut at 6.35 percent
5. Get your local business license — Check with your town clerk for local requirements
6. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
7. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
8. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Connecticut costs plus sales tax
9. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
10. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, partner with real estate agents
11. Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your first employee starts work ($100 per day fine without it)
12. Display required workplace posters — Get free posters from the Connecticut Department of Labor

What Are the Best Tips for Connecticut?

Here are practical tips from successful Connecticut cleaning business owners:

• Start solo to keep costs low — Work alone until you have enough clients to justify hiring. Connecticut's high minimum wage makes early hires expensive
• Add sales tax to every invoice — Connecticut charges 6.35 percent on cleaning services. Build this into your pricing from the start so clients are never surprised
• Target Fairfield County early — The wealthiest clients are there. One client in Greenwich can equal three clients in a smaller town
• Plan your routes carefully — Connecticut is small but has heavy traffic. Group clients by town and plan your drive times between jobs
• Build property manager relationships — Connecticut's rental market means steady work from property management companies. One contact can give you dozens of jobs
• Offer seasonal packages — Spring cleaning after winter and fall cleanup before holidays are popular. Summer vacation rental turnovers also create natural selling points
• Keep detailed records — Track every dollar from day one. You will need good records for sales tax filings and income tax returns
• Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. This lets you focus on cleaning and growing

Where Do You Find Connecticut Government Resources?

Here is a complete list of every government website you need. Bookmark these — you will use them as your business grows.

What Are the Guides for Nearby States?

Thinking about expanding to a nearby state? Each state has different rules and fees. Check our other guides below.

What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?

These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.

Start Your Connecticut Cleaning Business Today

Connecticut is a great state for cleaning businesses. High incomes, wealthy neighborhoods, and busy professionals create strong demand. The state has fewer special requirements than some others.

The main thing to remember is the 6.35 percent sales tax on cleaning services.

Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Register for your sales tax permit and get insured. Set prices that reflect Connecticut's premium market.

Then focus on getting your first clients through Google, Nextdoor, and local partnerships.

Every successful cleaning company in Connecticut started with one owner and one first client. The steps in this guide give you a clear path to follow. Take action today.