This article provides three key state business start-up requirements for self-employed sole proprietors and general partners who run residential house cleaning businesses in Arizona.

Information from the Secretary of State, the Arizona Department of Revenue and selected city and county government sources were used to research this article.

Be aware that sole proprietor and general partner start-up requirements in this state are always changing. Some requirements even vary from county to county.  

It is important that you call or visit your local county or city government in person or online to find out local requirements for residential house cleaning businesses and home-based businesses.

This article is not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for qualified legal or tax advice.

Business Name Registration

Sole proprietors and general partners are not required to register a statewide trade name in Arizona.

Sole proprietors and general partners who want a business name that does not include the owner(s) full names (for example, Janice Smith’s Cleaning Service or Martha Harris’ and Tom Graham’s Maid Service) need to find out whether the name they want to use is available in the state of Arizona or their local county recorder’s office.

Start with a statewide business name search to avoid legal problems and customer confusion.

Search online for trade names, trade name application forms and fees at the Arizona Secretary of State’s site.

Do Your Own Search Online For Business Names

Then do an online search for names similar to the one you plan to use. For example, if you want to use the name, Crystal Clean Maid Service, do simple online searches for “Crystal Clean Maid Service+Arizona” plus Crystal Clean Maid Service+your county” and “Crystal Clean Maid Service+your town or city”.

Search beyond the first page of results. Go at least five pages deep into the search results to see if the name you want or similar names are being used in your state, county or city.

Name Registration Details

A DBA (doing business as) or “fictitious name” should be registered with the county recorder’s office where the business will be based.  

Find a county recorder’s office:

Name Rights

If you choose to register a trade name or “fictitious name”, the name should be different from any other name already registered with the state or county.

Business License Registration

Sole proprietors and general partners do not need a state business license in the State of Arizona.

Residential house cleaning service businesses should check with the local city or county clerk’s office for licensing requirements.

Note: The Arizona Commerce Authority has a simple checklist for start up businesses. The checklist directs sole proprietors and general partners to state and county license and tax information.

In Arizona, individuals and a husband and wife team can operate as a sole proprietorship.

Related: Get more details about licensing your cleaning business.

General Partner Licensing

In Arizona, a general partnership is created when two or more owners form an oral or written agreement to start a business together.

While general partners are not required to file any documents with the Secretary of State, it is advisable to file for a trade name and have a written partnership agreement drawn up by a lawyer. Partnership agreements do not have to be filed with the state.

👥 Start a solid partnership with help from the Business Partnership Portal.

How an EIN Helps

Sole proprietors and general partners may apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS even if they do not plan to hire employees.

Getting an EIN may make it easier to open a bank account and reduce your risk of identity theft. 

You can apply for an EIN online. 

In addition, some business registration forms will require a NAICS business classification number for the house cleaning industry.

Business Tax Registration

Residential house cleaning services are not taxable in Arizona. Cleaning services do not have to collect and send sales taxes to the Department of Revenue.

Sole proprietors and general partners who start residential house cleaning services do not need to register for a state transaction privilege sales tax.

Sole proprietors and general partners pay tax on business income to the state of Arizona through their personal state tax return.

Related: Get a deeper understanding of cleaning business taxes.

State Estimated Tax

Sole proprietors and general partners are responsible for paying estimated self-employment income taxes in Arizona (on Form 140ES) similar to the way self employment taxes are paid to the federal government.

Get more information about estimated tax requirements by calling the Arizona Department of Revenue at (602) 255-3381 from Phoenix or from area codes 520 and 928, toll-free (800) 352-4090.

State Partnership Tax

For Arizona general partnerships that file a Federal partnership information Form 1065:

As of the 2016 tax filing that occurs in 2017 and after, the Arizona Department of Revenue no longer requires business partnerships to send:

with their Arizona income tax return. Taxpayers are still required to provide these documents upon request.

Get more information from a CPA or qualified tax preparer to find out when your partnership must provide those documents.

Selected Arizona City Licenses

Avondale Business License: https://www.avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/finance-budget/business-license

Buckeye Business License: https://www.buckeyeaz.gov/business/business-licenses-267

Chandler Business License: https://www.chandleraz.gov/business/tax-and-license?pageid=399

Casa Grande Business License: https://casagrandeaz.gov/251/Finance

Flagstaff Business License:  https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/3513/Business-Licenses

Gilbert Business License: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/development-services/business-registration-and-licensing

Glendale Business License: https://www.glendaleaz.gov/Work/Licensing-Sales-Tax

Goodyear Business License:  https://www.goodyearaz.gov/government/departments/finance/business-registration

Lake Havasu City Business License: https://www.lhcaz.gov/business-license

Mesa Business License: The city of Mesa does not require a business license for house cleaning services.

Peoria Business License: https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/departments/finance/sales-tax-and-license/business-licenses#biz

Phoenix Business License: The city of Phoenix does not require a business license for residential house cleaning services.

Scottsdale Business License: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/licenses

Surprise Business License: https://www.surpriseaz.gov/402/Business-Licensing

Tempe Business License: The city of Tempe does not require a business license for residential house cleaning services.

Tucson Business License: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Business-Services-Department/Apply-for-a-Business-License

Yuma Business License: https://www.yumaaz.gov/business/business-license