Start a Cleaning Business in Your State

Kentucky has the lowest filing fee at just $40 to form a limited liability company. Arizona is close behind at $50. Wyoming charges $100 but has no income tax at all. These states also have a low cost of living. That means your startup costs stay small while you grow your business.

Many states do tax cleaning services. These include Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Tennessee, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. States that do not tax cleaning include California, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Montana, and Oregon. Always check your state guide for the latest rules.

Most states do not require a special license for house cleaning. You usually just need a general business license and a tax registration. California and Oregon are exceptions. California requires a janitorial employer registration. Oregon requires a property services contractor license. Check your state guide for the full details.

Washington state has one of the highest minimum wages in the country. California, New York, and Massachusetts also pay high wages. Some cities set wages even higher than their state. Seattle and New York City are two examples. Higher wages mean higher labor costs, but they also mean wealthier clients who pay more for cleaning.

Yes, you can run a cleaning business in more than one state. You must register your business in each state where you work. Each state has its own filing fees, tax rules, and insurance needs. This is called foreign registration. Check our state guides for the specific steps in each location you plan to serve.