Starting a cleaning business in Montana 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 Montana, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in Montana?
Montana has the cheapest business filing fee in the nation. You can form a limited liability company for just $35. That is less than most states charge for a name reservation.
Montana has no sales tax. It is one of only five states with this advantage. You never collect or remit sales tax on cleaning services.
Tourism is booming near Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. Vacation rental owners need reliable turnover cleaning. This creates steady, high-paying work year-round.
This guide covers every Montana-specific step. You will learn about filing, taxes, insurance, and more.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This Montana guide adds the state-specific steps on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first decision is how to set up your business. Montana offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the simplest way to start. You begin doing business right away. No state filing is needed to operate.
If you want a different business name, file an assumed name. You do this through the Secretary of State. This lets you operate under a name other than your own.
The downside is no personal 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 protected.
File your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can do this online at sosmt.gov/business. The filing fee is just $35.
This is the cheapest filing fee in the entire country. You must also file an annual report each year for $20.
Choose a limited liability company. At just $35, it is the most affordable filing in the nation. You enter people's homes every day.
The liability shield protects your personal assets.
- sosmt.gov — Montana Secretary of State — business registration
- sosmt.gov/business — Business filing portal — file your Articles of Organization online
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 bank account and file taxes. Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website.
You get your number right away online.
No Sales Tax
Montana has no sales tax at all. This is a huge advantage for your business. You never need to collect, track, or remit sales tax.
Your clients pay exactly the price you quote. No extra charges at the end.
State Income Tax
Montana does have a state income tax. The rate is 4.7 percent on income up to $21,600. Above that, the rate is 5.9 percent.
There are only two brackets. This makes tax planning simple. There are no local income taxes in Montana.
No Franchise Tax
Montana does not charge a franchise tax. Some states charge this just for doing business. You avoid that extra cost here.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- revenue.mt.gov — Montana Department of Revenue — state income tax information
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
Montana keeps licensing simple. There is no state business license required. But most cities do require a local license.
No State Business License
Montana does not require a state-level business license. This is one less step to worry about. You can focus on getting your local permits instead.
Local Business Licenses
Most Montana cities require a local business license. Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and other cities each have their own rules. Check with your city clerk for fees and forms.
Fees vary by city. Apply before you start serving clients in that area.
No Special Cleaning License
Montana does not require a special cleaning or janitorial license. There is no state-level cleaning permit needed. This makes it easier to start than in some other states.
- commerce.mt.gov — Montana Department of Commerce — business development resources
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects your business from one bad day. Montana has flexible options for workers' compensation. Here is what you need.
- General liability insurance — Covers 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 if you have employees. Montana is a competitive state. You can buy from the Montana State Fund, a private carrier, or self-insure
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by law but highly recommended. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Get coverage that protects you while driving to client homes
The Montana State Fund is a nonprofit, publicly owned insurance carrier. It guarantees coverage for every employer in the state. If no private carrier will cover you, the State Fund must accept you.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- erd.dli.mt.gov — Montana workers' compensation regulations
- montanastatefund.com — Montana State Fund — nonprofit workers' compensation carrier
What Are Montana Labor Laws?
Montana has important rules for employers. If you plan to hire, you must follow these from day one.
Minimum Wage
The Montana minimum wage is $10.85 per hour. This rate goes up each year based on the consumer price index. The state calculates the new rate by September 30 each year.
Montana has no tip credit. You must pay the full minimum wage to all workers. This applies even to employees who receive tips.
Small Business Exception
Businesses with gross annual sales of $110,000 or less may qualify for a lower rate. This exception only applies if the business is not covered by federal labor law. Most cleaning businesses will exceed this amount quickly.
Unemployment Insurance
You must pay unemployment insurance for each employee. Register through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The rate depends on your industry and experience.
- dli.mt.gov — Montana Department of Labor and Industry — wage and employment rules
What Safety Rules Apply?
Federal workplace safety rules cover all private employers in Montana. Montana does not have its own private-sector safety program. The federal agency handles inspections and enforcement.
Montana Safety Culture Act
Montana has a unique Safety Culture Act. All employers must follow six core requirements. If you have five or more employees, three more rules apply.
The six core requirements cover safety training and workplace practices. Ask the Department of Labor and Industry for the full list. Following these rules can also lower your insurance costs.
Hazard Communication
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical. Train your workers on what chemicals they use. Show them how to handle products safely.
Explain what to do if there is a spill or skin contact.
Common Cleaning Hazards
Cleaning workers face specific risks every day. Slips, falls, and chemical burns are the most common. Provide gloves, eye protection, and proper footwear.
Make sure your team knows how to use chemicals safely.
- osha.gov — Federal workplace safety office for Montana — Billings area office
- erd.dli.mt.gov — Employment Relations Division — Safety Culture Act information
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Montana?
Montana has a lower cost of living than coastal states. This means lower prices but also lower expenses. Your startup costs will be much less here.
Typical pricing ranges in Montana:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $20 to $40 per hour per cleaner
- Standard cleaning (flat rate) — $91 to $306 per visit
- Deep cleaning — $150 to $400 depending on home size
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $200 to $450 or more
- Office cleaning — $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot
Prices are higher near tourist areas like Big Sky and Whitefish. Prices are lower in smaller towns and rural areas.
Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.
For detailed city-by-city pricing data, see our full Cleaning Business Prices in Montana guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Montana?
Montana has unique cleaning niches that do well here. The state's tourism and geography create special opportunities.
Vacation Rental Turnover Cleaning
Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Big Sky attract millions of visitors. Vacation rental hosts need fast, reliable turnover cleaning. This work pays premium rates.
Whitefish and West Yellowstone are hotspots for this niche.
Ski Resort and Lodge Cleaning
Big Sky Resort is one of the largest ski areas in the country. Ski lodges, condos, and cabins need regular cleaning. The winter season creates high demand for cleaning services.
Build relationships with property managers in resort towns.
Ranch and Rural Property Cleaning
Montana has many large ranch homes and rural properties. These homeowners often struggle to find cleaning services. You can charge higher rates in areas with less competition.
Serve a wider area to fill your schedule.
Post-Construction Cleaning
Montana's growing population brings new construction. Builders need the final clean before handing over keys. This work pays well and leads to repeat clients.
Connect with local builders and contractors.
Montana winters are long and harsh. Offer seasonal deep cleaning in spring when homeowners want to clear out winter dust and grime. This is your busiest marketing window.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Montana?
Getting clients in Montana follows many of the same steps. A few strategies work especially well in Big Sky Country.
Google Business Profile
This is your most important free marketing tool. Set it up with your city name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Most people search online before hiring a cleaning service.
Word of Mouth
Montana communities are tight-knit. Word spreads fast in smaller towns. Do great work and people will tell their neighbors.
Offer a referral bonus to speed this up.
Partner with Vacation Rental Hosts
Contact property managers in tourist areas directly. Offer them special rates or a referral bonus. One strong partnership can fill your schedule for months.
Check listings on popular rental websites to find hosts.
Local Facebook Groups
Montana residents are active on local Facebook groups. Join groups in your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips and answer questions.
When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up.
For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide. Also read How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start in Montana?
Montana is one of the cheapest states to start a cleaning business. Low fees and no sales tax keep your costs down.
- Limited liability company filing — $35 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
- Annual report — $20 per year
- Name reservation (optional) — $10
- Local business license — Varies by city
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation — Through the Montana State Fund or private carrier (only if you have employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your Montana Startup Checklist?
Follow each step in order to get your business running.
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sosmt.gov/business ($35)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at the Internal Revenue Service website
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Check for local licenses — Ask your city clerk about local requirements in Billings, Missoula, or your area
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Montana costs
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post in local groups, offer introductory rates
- Set up workers' compensation — Contact the Montana State Fund or a private carrier before hiring
- Follow the Safety Culture Act — Learn the six core requirements before hiring employees
What Are the Best Tips for Montana?
Here are practical tips from successful Montana cleaning businesses.
- The $35 filing fee is unbeatable — No other state lets you form a limited liability company this cheaply. Take advantage of it
- No sales tax simplifies billing — Your quotes are the final price. Clients love the simplicity
- Target vacation rental owners — Glacier, Yellowstone, and Big Sky bring millions of visitors. Property managers need reliable cleaners
- Serve rural areas others skip — Ranch owners outside cities struggle to find cleaning help. Charge premium rates for the drive
- Plan for long winters — Market spring deep cleaning services every March. Homeowners want to shake off the winter grime
- Build referral networks — Montana communities are small. One happy client can send you a dozen more
- Watch the minimum wage each year — It adjusts with the consumer price index. Plan for annual raises in your pricing
- Use MaidProfit from day one — Set up scheduling, invoicing, and profit tracking before your first client
Where Do You Find Montana Government Resources?
Here is every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these for easy access as your business grows.
- Montana Secretary of State — Register your business, file formation documents
- Secretary of State — Business Filing — File your limited liability company Articles of Organization ($35)
- Montana Department of Revenue — State income tax information and filing
- Department of Labor and Industry — Wage rules, employment law, and workplace safety
- Employment Relations Division — Workers' Compensation — Workers' compensation rules and requirements
- Montana State Fund — Nonprofit workers' compensation carrier — guaranteed coverage
- Montana Department of Commerce — Business development and local resources
- Federal Workplace Safety — Montana — Billings area office for private sector safety
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
If you serve clients near the Montana border, check our guides for nearby states.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Idaho — Idaho Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Wyoming — Wyoming Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Washington — Washington Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in North Dakota — North Dakota Guide
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in South Dakota — South Dakota Guide
- North Dakota Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for North Dakota
- South Dakota Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for South Dakota
- Wyoming Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Wyoming
- Idaho Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Idaho
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.
- How to Price Cleaning Services — Set profitable rates with flat-rate and hourly formulas
- Cleaning Business Insurance Guide — General liability, bonding, and the coverage you need
- How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast — Fill your schedule with paying clients
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business — Online and offline strategies that bring real results
- Cleaning Business Taxes and Deductions — Every deduction you can claim and how to file
- How to Get Cleaning Contracts — Find and win residential and commercial contracts
- How to Hire and Train Cleaning Staff — Where to find workers and how to keep them
Start Your Montana Cleaning Business Today
Montana is one of the best states for new cleaning business owners. The $35 filing fee is the cheapest in the nation. No sales tax keeps your billing simple.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Check your city for local license requirements. Get insured and set prices that cover your costs.
Every successful cleaning company in Montana started with one owner and one first client. Follow the steps in this guide. Take action today.