Starting a cleaning business in North Carolina 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 North Carolina, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in North Carolina?
North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states. Millions of people live in Charlotte, Raleigh, and the surrounding areas. That growth means more homes and offices need cleaning every day.
North Carolina offers real advantages for new business owners. Here are the top three reasons to start here:
- Low flat income tax — The state charges a flat 4.25% income tax. This rate drops to 3.99% soon. That means you keep more of what you earn
- Cleaning services are not taxed — You do not collect sales tax on cleaning. This keeps your prices lower and billing simple
- Strong local demand — The Research Triangle technology hub and large military bases create steady cleaning work year-round
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This North Carolina guide adds the state-specific steps you need on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your business structure decides how you pay taxes. It also decides how much personal protection you get. North Carolina offers two main choices.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the easiest way to start. You do not file anything with the state. North Carolina treats you as a sole proprietor as soon as you start working.
If you want a business name, file an Assumed Name Certificate. You file this with your county Register of Deeds. The fee is small and varies by county.
The downside is you have no personal protection. If a client sues, your personal savings are at risk.
Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company is the better choice. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If something goes wrong, your personal savings stay protected.
To form one in North Carolina, file Articles of Organization. You do this through the Secretary of State website at sosnc.gov. The filing fee is $125.
You must also file an annual report each year by April 15. The annual report costs $200 by mail or $203 online.
North Carolina does not require an operating agreement. But you should write one anyway. It protects you if a dispute ever comes up.
Choose a limited liability company. The $125 filing fee is a small price for protecting your personal assets. You go into people's homes every day — the liability protection is worth it.
- sosnc.gov — File your limited liability company or search existing business names
- sosnc.gov/divisions — Compare business types in North Carolina
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.
North Carolina Income Tax
North Carolina has a flat income tax rate. The current rate is 4.25%. This rate is dropping to 3.99% soon.
A flat tax means you pay the same rate no matter how much you earn. This is simpler than states with multiple tax brackets.
There is no franchise tax in North Carolina. California charges $800 per year in franchise tax. North Carolina charges nothing.
This saves you real money every year.
Cleaning Services and Sales Tax
Great news for your cleaning business. Cleaning and janitorial services are not taxable in North Carolina. Services are generally exempt from the state sales tax.
You do not collect sales tax on house cleaning or office cleaning.
The state sales tax rate is 4.75%. Local taxes add up to 2.75% more. But this only applies to products, not services.
If you sell cleaning products to clients, you must collect sales tax on those products. One exception: dry cleaning and laundry services are taxed in most counties.
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
North Carolina makes this step easy. There is no state license needed for cleaning businesses. The state does not require a state-level business license either.
The old privilege license was repealed in 2015.
However, your city or county may require a local business license. Fees vary by location. Check with your local government office.
Most local licenses cost $25 to $100 per year.
You do not need a special cleaning or janitorial permit. This is different from states like California. There is no special registration for cleaning employers.
Just get your local permit and you are ready to work.
The state does not require a license. But always check your city and county rules. Charlotte, Raleigh, and other cities may require a local business permit before you start working.
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. North Carolina has specific rules about certain types. 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 North Carolina law when you have three or more employees. This includes part-time and seasonal workers. Failure to carry coverage is a misdemeanor
- 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. North Carolina requires $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries. You also need $25,000 for property damage
Sole proprietors and limited liability company members can exempt themselves from workers' compensation. But your employees must be covered once you reach three workers.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- ic.nc.gov — North Carolina Industrial Commission — workers' compensation requirements
What Are North Carolina Labor Laws?
North Carolina is a right-to-work state. Labor laws here are simpler than in many other states. But you still need to follow the rules from day one.
Minimum Wage
North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage. The rate is $7.25 per hour. The state does not set a higher rate.
North Carolina also blocks cities from setting their own minimum wages. This means the rate is the same across the entire state.
The tipped employee rate is $2.13 per hour. But tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25 per hour. If they do not, you must make up the difference.
In practice, most cleaning businesses pay $10 to $15 per hour. You need competitive wages to attract good workers. The federal minimum is a legal floor, not a hiring target.
Employee Classification
North Carolina uses the common law test for worker classification. This test looks at how much control you have over the worker. If you set their schedule, provide supplies, and direct their work, they are an employee.
Most cleaners who work for a cleaning company are employees. Do not call them independent contractors to avoid taxes. The North Carolina Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service both audit this closely.
Employer Taxes
When you hire employees in North Carolina, you pay state unemployment insurance. The rate ranges from 0.06% to 5.76%. It applies to the first $31,400 each employee earns per year.
New employers pay a set rate that varies by industry.
- labor.nc.gov — North Carolina Department of Labor — wage and hour rules
- ncdor.gov — North Carolina Department of Revenue — employer tax accounts
What Safety Rules Apply in North Carolina?
North Carolina runs its own workplace safety program. It is called the Occupational Safety and Health Division. It operates under the North Carolina Department of Labor.
The rules are similar to the federal version but include some state additions.
Hazard Communication Program
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 there is a spill or skin contact. This training must happen before they use any product.
Injury and Illness Prevention
North Carolina expects employers to maintain safe workplaces. Keep records of any workplace injuries. Train your workers on safe lifting, ladder use, and chemical handling.
Post required workplace safety notices where workers can see them.
Common Cleaning Hazards
Cleaning work has specific safety risks. Wet floors cause slips and falls. Mixing certain chemicals creates toxic fumes.
Repetitive motions cause strain injuries over time. Train your team on these hazards before they start working.
- labor.nc.gov/safety-and-health — North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Division
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a lower cost of living than many states. But prices vary a lot by region. Charlotte and the Research Triangle command higher rates.
Rural areas and smaller towns are lower.
Typical pricing ranges in North Carolina:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $25 to $50 per hour depending on your area
- Home cleaning (flat rate) — $100 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 — $75 to $175 per turnover at the Outer Banks
Prices at the high end are common in Charlotte and the Research Triangle. Prices at the low end are typical in smaller cities and rural areas. Outer Banks vacation rentals pay premium rates during summer.
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 North Carolina guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in North Carolina?
North Carolina has cleaning niches that do very well. The state's mix of technology, military, and tourism creates strong demand. Here are the top options:
Research Triangle Technology Offices
The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area is a major technology hub. Research Triangle Park has over 60,000 workers. Biotechnology labs, clean rooms, and corporate offices all need cleaning.
This niche pays well and provides steady contracts. Build relationships with office managers in the park.
Military Base Housing
North Carolina has some of the largest military bases in the country. Fort Liberty is one of the largest military sites in the world. Camp Lejeune is the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast.
Military families move often and need cleaning services. Move-in and move-out cleaning stays busy year-round near these bases.
Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
The Outer Banks is a top coastal tourist spot. Vacation homes need turnover cleaning between guests. Summer is the peak season with the highest demand.
You can earn $75 to $175 per turnover. Many rental companies hire local cleaning teams. Build relationships with property managers early.
Charlotte Corporate Cleaning
Charlotte is the second-largest banking center in the country. Bank of America and Wells Fargo have major offices here. Corporate office cleaning is a big business in this market.
The demand for professional janitorial services keeps growing as Charlotte expands.
Asheville Mountain Tourism
Asheville draws tourists to the Blue Ridge Parkway and mountain views. Vacation cabins and short-term rentals fill the area. Turnover cleaning for these properties pays well.
The tourism market grows every year as more visitors discover the mountains.
Summer is peak season for Outer Banks vacation rentals. Build your rental client list in early spring. By June, most property managers already have their cleaning teams set for the season.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in North Carolina?
Getting clients in North Carolina 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 name. Add your services, hours, and photos.
Ask every happy client for a Google review. Most people search online before hiring any service.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
North Carolina residents are very active on Nextdoor. Local Facebook groups are popular in every city. Join groups for your service area.
Share helpful cleaning tips. When someone asks for a cleaner, your name comes up.
Do not spam. Focus on being helpful first.
Partner with Military Housing Offices
Contact the housing offices at Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune. Military families need cleaning when they move in and out. Post flyers at on-base community boards.
Word of mouth spreads fast in military communities.
Connect with Property Managers
North Carolina has a large rental market. Property managers need cleaning between tenants. Vacation rental managers at the Outer Banks need turnover teams.
Offer them special rates or a referral bonus. One good partnership keeps you busy for months.
Thumbtack and Yelp
Both platforms work well in North Carolina cities. Thumbtack lets homeowners request quotes. Yelp reviews carry weight, especially in Charlotte and Raleigh.
Claim your profile and respond to every review.
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina is one of the more affordable states to start a cleaning business. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Limited liability company filing — $125 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
- Annual report — $200 by mail or $203 online (every year by April 15)
- Local business license — $25 to $100 per year (varies by city)
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation insurance — Varies by payroll (only with 3 or more employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
North Carolina has no franchise tax and no janitorial registration fee. This saves you over $1,300 per year compared to California. The flat income tax keeps your tax planning simple too.
What Is on Your North Carolina Startup Checklist?
Follow this step-by-step list. Complete each item before moving to the next:
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sosnc.gov ($125)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Check local license needs — Contact your city or county clerk for permit rules
- Get your local business license — Apply through your city or county if needed
- 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 research your local market
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, join Thumbtack
- Get workers' compensation insurance — Required once you reach three employees
- File your annual report — Due every April 15 at sosnc.gov ($200 to $203)
What Are the Best Tips for North Carolina?
Here are practical tips from successful North Carolina cleaning business owners:
- Start solo to keep costs low — North Carolina's low startup costs let you begin with very little money. Work alone until you have enough clients to justify hiring
- Target military families early — Military moves happen year-round near Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune. These families need reliable cleaning services and refer others quickly
- Build vacation rental relationships in spring — Outer Banks property managers pick their cleaning teams before summer. Reach out early to lock in seasonal work
- Pay above minimum wage — The $7.25 minimum will not attract good workers. Pay $12 to $15 per hour to build a reliable team
- Take advantage of the low tax rate — The flat income tax means more money in your pocket. Reinvest those savings into marketing and better equipment
- Network with real estate agents — North Carolina's housing market is booming. Agents need move-out cleaning for listings and will refer you to clients
- Learn your regional market — Pricing in Charlotte is very different from Fayetteville. Research what competitors charge in your specific city
- Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. This lets you focus on cleaning and 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 southeastern state guides below.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Georgia — $100 filing fee, Atlanta metro demand, no janitorial registration
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in South Carolina — $110 filing fee, Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, growing market
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Tennessee — No state income tax, Nashville growth, low startup costs
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Virginia — $100 filing fee, Washington D.C. suburb market, military niches
- South Carolina Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for South Carolina
- Virginia Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Virginia
- Tennessee Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Tennessee
- Georgia Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Georgia
Where Do You Find North Carolina Government Resources?
Here is a complete list of every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these. You will need them as your business grows.
- North Carolina Secretary of State — Register your business, file articles, search names
- North Carolina Department of Revenue — State taxes, income tax, sales tax information
- North Carolina Industrial Commission — Workers' compensation requirements and information
- North Carolina Department of Labor — Wage and hour rules, workplace safety
- Occupational Safety and Health Division — Workplace safety rules and hazard communication
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
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 North Carolina Cleaning Business Today
North Carolina makes it easy to start a cleaning business. The low flat income tax and simple licensing save you time. There is no franchise tax either.
The state's growing cities create strong demand for cleaning services.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Get insured, check your local permit needs, and set prices for your market. Then focus on getting your first clients through Google, Nextdoor, and local partnerships.
Every successful cleaning company in North Carolina started with one owner and one first client. The steps in this guide give you a clear path to follow. Take action today.