How to Start a Cleaning Business in South Carolina: Complete Guide

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

Why Start a Cleaning Business in South Carolina?

South Carolina is a great state for new cleaning businesses. The cost of living is low. The state keeps rules simple for small business owners.

You can get started fast and keep more of what you earn.

Here are three reasons South Carolina stands out:

• No annual report for most limited liability companies — Once you file, you have very few ongoing state fees. This saves you time and money every year
• Tourism drives the coast — Millions of visitors come to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head each year. Vacation rentals need constant cleaning
• Cleaning services are not taxed — You do not collect sales tax from cleaning clients. This keeps your prices simple and competitive

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

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

Sole Proprietorship

This is the easiest way to start. You do not file anything with the state. South Carolina treats you as a sole proprietor when you begin working.

If you want a business name, register it with your county. This is called a "Doing Business As" name. The fee varies by county.

The downside is you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your 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 a client sues, your personal savings stay safe.

To form one in South Carolina, file Articles of Organization. You do this through the Secretary of State website.

The filing fee is $110 online. Processing takes 24 to 48 hours for online filings.

The best part is ongoing costs. South Carolina does not require an annual report for most limited liability companies. This saves you paperwork and fees every year.

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

South Carolina Income Tax

South Carolina has a progressive state income tax. Rates range from 0% to 6%. You pay more as you earn more.

This tax applies to your business profits.

You file your state taxes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The state uses the same filing deadline as the federal government.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

Good news for cleaning businesses. Janitorial and house cleaning services are not taxable in South Carolina. You do not collect sales tax from your cleaning clients.

You still pay sales tax when you buy your own supplies. The state rate is 6%. Local taxes can add up to 3% more.

The total can reach 9% in some areas. But you never charge your clients sales tax for cleaning work.

Note that laundry and dry cleaning services are taxable. Standard house and office cleaning are not.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

South Carolina does not require a state license for cleaning businesses. There is no statewide business license either. But most cities and counties do require a local business license.

Local Business Licenses

Most South Carolina cities require a local business license. The fee depends on where you work. Here are some key cities:

• Charleston — Get a business license through Revenue Collections. It expires on April 30 each year
• Myrtle Beach — Get a business license through the Business License Division. Renewal is due by April 30
• Greenville — Check with the city clerk for local license requirements
• Columbia — Check with the city for your specific requirements

You may need a license in each city where you serve clients. Check each city's rules before you start taking clients there.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. South Carolina has specific rules about 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 South Carolina law when you have four or more employees. The janitorial rate is about $3.43 per $100 of payroll. Sole proprietors and limited liability company members can exempt themselves
• Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by the state. 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. Get coverage that meets South Carolina's minimum requirements

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

What Are South Carolina Labor Laws?

South Carolina is a business-friendly state. Labor laws are simpler here than in many other states. But you still need to follow the rules.

Minimum Wage

South Carolina does not have its own minimum wage law. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour applies.

Tipped employees must earn at least $2.13 per hour in direct wages. Their tips must bring total pay to at least $7.25 per hour.

In practice, most cleaning businesses pay $10 to $14 per hour. You need to pay competitive wages to attract good workers. The state average for cleaners is well above the federal minimum.

Right-to-Work State

South Carolina is a right-to-work state. Workers cannot be forced to join a union. This gives you more flexibility in how you run your business.

Worker Classification

You must classify workers correctly. South Carolina follows federal guidelines for this. If you control when, where, and how someone works, they are an employee.

Do not call employees independent contractors to avoid paying taxes. The state checks for this and the penalties are steep.

What Safety Rules Apply in South Carolina?

South Carolina runs its own workplace safety program. It is called South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

South Carolina was the first state to get approval for its own safety plan. This happened in November 1972.

The program covers all private sector workers. It also covers state and local government workers. As a cleaning business owner, you must follow these rules.

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 there is a spill or skin contact.

Injury Prevention

Keep your workplace safe at all times. Report any serious injuries to South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Make sure your workers know how to lift heavy items safely. Provide proper gloves and masks when needed.

Slips and falls are common in cleaning work. Train your workers to watch for wet floors. Use "wet floor" signs when cleaning public areas.

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in South Carolina?

South Carolina prices vary a lot by location. Coastal and tourist areas charge much more than inland cities. Your prices must cover supplies, insurance, travel, and your profit.

Typical pricing ranges in South Carolina:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $25 to $50 per hour depending on your city
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $100 to $250 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $200 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
• Vacation rental turnover — $75 to $200 per turnover

Charleston and Hilton Head charge premium rates. Myrtle Beach rates spike during tourist season. Inland cities like Columbia and Greenville have lower rates but also lower costs.

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 South Carolina?

South Carolina has unique niches that do very well. The state's mix of tourism, military, and growth creates strong demand. Here are the top options:

Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental Cleaning

The Grand Strand has over 60 miles of coastline. Millions of tourists visit each year. Vacation rental owners need fast turnover cleaning between guests.

You can earn $75 to $200 per turnover. The work is steady from spring through fall. Build relationships with rental managers for year-round work.

Charleston Historic Home Cleaning

Charleston has a premium residential market. Historic homes, bed and breakfasts, and boutique hotels need careful cleaning. Clients in this area pay top rates.

They value quality and attention to detail. This niche lets you charge more per job.

Greenville Corporate Cleaning

Greenville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast. Major companies like BMW and Michelin have offices here. New construction creates demand for post-construction cleaning.

Corporate offices need regular janitorial services. This niche offers steady, contract-based income.

Military Base Move-In and Move-Out Cleaning

South Carolina has several major military bases. Fort Jackson is the Army's largest basic training site. Joint Base Charleston and Shaw Air Force Base also bring thousands of military families.

These families move often and need move-in and move-out cleaning. Build relationships with base housing offices for steady work.

Hilton Head Luxury Cleaning

Hilton Head Island is a luxury resort and retirement area. Residents and visitors expect premium service. Vacation rental owners need reliable cleaning.

You can charge top rates for high-end homes and condos. This market values trust and consistency.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in South Carolina?

Getting clients in South Carolina follows many of the same steps as anywhere else. A few strategies work especially well here.

Google Business Profile

This is your most important free marketing tool. Set up your Google Business Profile with your city name, services, and photos.

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

Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups

South Carolina residents are active on Nextdoor. Local Facebook groups are also popular. Join groups for your service area.

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

Partner with Vacation Rental Managers

This is huge in South Carolina's coastal areas. Reach out to vacation rental management companies.

Offer reliable turnover cleaning with fast turnaround times. One good partnership can keep you busy all season.

Partner with Real Estate Agents

South Carolina's real estate market stays active year-round. Real estate agents need move-out cleaning for listings.

Offer them special rates or a referral bonus. A few good partnerships bring steady work.

Military Community Outreach

Connect with military family support groups near bases. Post on military spouse Facebook groups.

Offer military discounts. Word of mouth spreads fast in military communities.

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 South Carolina?

South Carolina is one of the cheaper states to start a cleaning business. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

• Limited liability company filing — $110 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
• Annual report — $0 per year (not required for most limited liability companies)
• Local business license — $50 to $200 per year (varies by city)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — About $3.43 per $100 of payroll (only if you have four or more employees)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
• Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500

What Is on Your South Carolina 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 sos.sc.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. Use South Carolina Business One Stop — Find required permits at scbos.sc.gov
5. Get your local business license — Apply through your city or county
6. Register with the Department of Revenue — Set up your state tax account at dor.sc.gov
7. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
8. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
9. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in your local market
10. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
11. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, join local groups
12. Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your fourth employee starts work

What Are the Best Tips for South Carolina?

Here are tips from successful South Carolina cleaning business owners:

• Start solo to keep costs low — South Carolina's low startup costs let you begin with very little money. Work alone until you have enough clients to justify hiring
• Target vacation rentals early — Coastal areas have huge demand for turnover cleaning. Lock in rental manager contracts before tourist season starts
• Get to know your military community — Military families move often and need cleaning help. Build a reputation near bases for steady year-round work
• Plan for seasonal swings — Coastal business booms in summer and slows in winter. Save money during peak season to cover slower months
• Offer hurricane cleanup services — South Carolina faces hurricane risk from June through November. Add post-storm cleaning as a specialty for premium rates
• Keep mileage records — South Carolina is a big state. Track your driving miles for tax deductions. This adds up fast if you serve multiple cities
• Network with property managers — The rental market is strong across the state. One good property management relationship brings many recurring clients
• Use software from day one — Use MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. Good systems let you focus on growing your business

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.

Where Do You Find South Carolina 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 South Carolina Cleaning Business Today

South Carolina makes it easy to start a cleaning business. The filing fees are low. There is no annual report.

Cleaning services are not taxed. The state's tourism, military, and growth markets create strong demand.

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

Then focus on getting your first clients.

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