How to Start a Cleaning Business in Georgia: Complete Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Georgia 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 Georgia, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.

Why Start a Cleaning Business in Georgia?

Georgia is one of the fastest growing states. The Atlanta metro area alone has over 6 million people. That means huge demand for home and office cleaning.

Georgia is also very friendly to small businesses. The rules are simple and the costs are low. You can start a cleaning company here for less than most states.

Here are three big reasons Georgia stands out:

• Low cost of living — Your startup costs stay small. Supplies, gas, and insurance cost less here than in many other states
• Booming film industry — Atlanta is the "Hollywood of the South." Studios like Trilith and Tyler Perry Studios need cleaning services all year long
• Cleaning is not taxed — Georgia does not charge sales tax on cleaning services. This keeps your prices lower for clients

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

Your first decision is how to set up your business. Georgia offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the easiest way to start. You do not file anything with the state. Georgia treats you as a sole owner right away.

If you want a business name, file a trade name. You do this with your county clerk.

The fee varies by county. You renew it every few years.

The downside is you have no protection. Your personal savings are at risk if something goes wrong.

Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company is the better choice. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay safe.

To form one in Georgia, file Articles of Organization. You do this through the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $110.

You must also file an annual registration each year. That costs $60 and is due by April 1.

Georgia does not require an operating agreement. But you should write one to protect yourself.

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. You also need it to file taxes and hire workers.

Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away online.

Georgia Income Tax

Georgia has a flat state income tax. The current rate is 5.19 percent. The state is lowering this rate each year.

It will drop to 4.99 percent over the next few years. You report your business income on your personal state tax return.

Georgia has no franchise tax for businesses. This saves you money compared to states like California. You only pay income tax on what you earn.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

Great news for Georgia cleaning businesses. Cleaning services are not subject to sales tax. Georgia only taxes physical products, not services.

You do not collect sales tax from your clients.

You do pay sales tax when you buy supplies. The state rate is 4 percent. Local taxes can add up to 5 percent more.

But you never charge sales tax to your cleaning clients.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

Georgia does not require a state license for cleaning businesses. There is no special permit at the state level. This makes Georgia one of the easiest states to get started in.

However, most cities and counties require a local permit. This is called an occupational tax certificate. It works like a local business license.

Occupational Tax Certificate

In Atlanta, you get this from the Office of Revenue. Other cities have their own offices. The fee varies by city.

It usually costs $50 to $150 per year. You renew it each year.

Call your local city hall to find out the exact steps. They will tell you what forms to fill out. The process is usually quick and simple.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. Georgia has specific rules about some types of coverage. 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 Georgia law when you have three or more employees. This includes part-time workers. Sole owners can exempt themselves from coverage
• Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by the state. But many clients and property managers ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
• Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Georgia requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries. It also requires $25,000 for property damage

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

What Are Georgia Labor Laws?

Georgia has fewer labor rules than many states. But you still need to follow both state and federal laws. Here is what matters for your cleaning business.

Minimum Wage

Georgia's state minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. This is one of the lowest in the country. But the federal rate of $7.25 per hour applies to most businesses.

If your business earns over $500,000 per year, you must pay the federal rate. This applies to almost all cleaning companies. Georgia does not allow cities to set higher local rates.

In practice, most cleaning businesses pay $10 to $16 per hour. This is what it takes to attract good workers. The Atlanta area typically pays at the higher end.

Tipped Employees

If your cleaners receive tips, the direct wage can be $2.13 per hour. But their tips plus the direct wage must equal at least $7.25 per hour. If tips fall short, you must make up the difference.

Employer Taxes

When you hire employees in Georgia, you pay state unemployment tax. This is called the State Unemployment Tax.

New employers pay about 2.7 percent. The rate applies to the first $9,500 each employee earns per year.

You also withhold state income tax from your workers' pay. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue. Use the Georgia Tax Center to file and pay.

What Safety Rules Apply in Georgia?

Georgia does not have its own state safety agency. Instead, federal rules apply. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration covers all private businesses in Georgia.

Hazard Communication

You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on what chemicals they handle.

Show them how to use products safely. Explain what to do if a spill or skin contact happens.

Worker Safety Training

Teach your workers to use chemicals the right way. Show them how to lift heavy items safely.

Make sure they wear gloves when using strong products. Keep a simple written safety plan on file.

Federal rules say you must record any work injuries. Use the Occupational Safety and Health Administration forms to track incidents. Post the annual summary each February.

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Georgia?

Georgia's lower cost of living means your costs stay down. But you also face lower price expectations. Set prices that cover your costs and leave room for profit.

Typical pricing ranges in Georgia:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $25 to $50 per hour depending on your city
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $120 to $300 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $200 to $450 depending on home size and condition
• Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $500 or more
• Office cleaning — $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot, or $25 to $60 per hour
• Vacation rental turnover — $60 to $130 or more per turnover

Prices at the high end are common in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. Prices at the lower end are more typical in smaller cities and rural areas.

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 Georgia?

Georgia has cleaning niches that do especially well. The state's unique market creates special demand. Here are the top options:

Film and Television Studio Cleaning

Atlanta is called the "Hollywood of the South." Major studios operate here year-round. Trilith Studios, Tyler Perry Studios, and others need regular cleaning.

Soundstage prep and post-filming cleanup pay premium rates. This niche has less competition than home cleaning.

Atlanta Corporate Office Cleaning

The Atlanta metro has over 6 million people. Major companies and technology firms call it home. Corporate offices need daily or weekly cleaning.

One big contract can replace dozens of house calls. Build relationships with office managers to land these jobs.

New Construction Cleaning

Georgia is one of the fastest growing states. New homes and offices go up all the time. Builders need thorough cleaning before owners move in.

This niche pays $200 to $500 per job. It needs extra skills but has less competition.

Military Base Cleaning

Georgia has several large military bases. Fort Eisenhower, Robins Air Force Base, and Fort Stewart are just a few.

Base housing and offices need regular cleaning. Government contracts provide steady, reliable income.

University and College Cleaning

Georgia has major schools like Georgia Tech, Emory, and the University of Georgia. Campus buildings and off-campus housing need cleaning. Student move-out season brings a rush of work each spring and summer.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Georgia?

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

Google Business Profile

This is the most important free marketing step. Set up your profile with your city, services, and photos.

Ask every happy client for a Google review. Most people search online before hiring a cleaner.

Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups

Georgia residents are active on Nextdoor and Facebook groups. Join groups for your service area.

Share helpful cleaning tips. When someone asks for a recommendation, your name will come up.

Partner with Property Managers

Georgia's growing rental market means steady work. Property managers need cleaning between tenants.

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

Connect with Real Estate Agents

Agents need move-out cleaning for their listings. A clean home sells faster and for more money.

Offer agents a reliable, fast service. They will refer you to their clients again and again.

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

How Much Does It Cost to Start in Georgia?

Georgia is one of the cheapest states to start a cleaning business. There is no franchise tax and no special state registration. Here is what to expect:

• Limited liability company filing — $110 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
• Annual registration — $60 per year (due by April 1)
• Occupational tax certificate — $50 to $150 per year (varies by city)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — About $2.43 to $3.31 per $100 of payroll (only with 3 or more employees)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
• Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500

What Is on Your Georgia Startup Checklist?

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

1. Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sos.ga.gov ($110)
2. Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
3. Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
4. Get your occupational tax certificate — Apply through your city or county office
5. Register with the Georgia Department of Revenue — Set up your state tax account at gtc.dor.ga.gov
6. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
7. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and add more as you grow
8. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Georgia costs
9. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
10. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, join local Facebook groups
11. Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your third employee starts work
12. File your annual registration — Due by April 1 each year at sos.ga.gov ($60)

What Are the Best Tips for Georgia?

Here are tips from successful Georgia cleaning business owners:

• Start solo to keep costs low — Georgia's low fees make it easy to begin. Work alone until you have enough clients to justify hiring
• Target the Atlanta metro first — Over 6 million people live here. The demand for cleaning is massive. You will find clients faster in a big market
• Reach out to film studios — Studios need cleaning year-round. One contract with a studio can bring steady, well-paying work
• Build relationships with military families — Georgia's military bases mean constant move-in and move-out cleaning. These clients often refer you to friends
• Use the no-sales-tax advantage — Your prices look lower to clients. Highlight this in your marketing to stand out
• Plan routes around Atlanta traffic — Traffic can eat into your profits fast. Group clients by neighborhood. Avoid rush hour drives
• Tap into the Savannah tourist market — Vacation rentals need turnover cleaning. Contact hosts before tourist season starts
• Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices so you can focus on growing

What Are the Guides for Nearby States?

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

Where Do You Find Georgia Government Resources?

Here is a complete list of every government website in this guide. Bookmark these for easy access as your business grows.

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 Georgia Cleaning Business Today

Georgia makes it easy to start a cleaning business. The fees are low. The rules are simple.

And the demand keeps growing every year.

Start by forming your limited liability company. Get your Employer Identification Number. Buy insurance and get your local permit.

Then set prices that cover your costs and leave room for profit.

Every successful cleaning company in Georgia started with one owner and one first client. This guide gives you a clear path. Take action today.