“Do I Need A License To Clean Houses?”

The Long Answer

The answer to this common question depends on your goals. If you plan to clean houses for free as an act of giving to family, friends or charity, you don’t need a business license.

However, if you plan to start a house cleaning, housekeeping, maid service or commercial cleaning business, you will need to get a license in most parts of the US.

That is true whether you plan to clean full-time or on the side.

The License and Tax Connection

Also, once you earn $400 or more a year you have to file federal taxes and declare the income you earn from cleaning houses to the IRS.

Once you file federal taxes, most states and cities also expect you to file (and pay) taxes with them.

Plus, many states, counties and cities also require you to be licensed if you earn money from the sale of services like cleaning.

5 Business License Benefits

Five ways a business license helps a self-employed house cleaner are:

Related: Self-Employed House Cleaner’s Guide to Car (and Bus) Tax Deductions

Do I Need A License To Clean In My State?

Tap on the the map or the links below to find out how to get licensed in your state.

Each state page also includes how to get a legal business name and register for taxes.

The Short Answer

The short answer to this question is yes. If you want to earn money as a professional house cleaner, housekeeper, maid service, or commercial cleaning business, you need a business license.

Having a license can give your house cleaning business a trust edge with future customers.

A licensed cleaning service is seen as more solid and dependable. In the cleaning business, reputation really matters.