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

Information from the Secretary of State, the Wyoming 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 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 Wyoming.

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

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+Wyoming” 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

It is important to remember that the business name must be different from any other name already registered with the state.

If the company name is available, the Trade Name application can be filled online or the form can be printed and filled out by hand.

The application must be signed it ONLY in the presence of a notary public.

Only one originally signed and notarized filing can be filed with the state.

The signed paper filing must be sent to the Wyoming Secretary of State by mail, not online or by email.

Name Rights

In the state of Wyoming, registering a Trade Name does not guarantee a business sole rights to the use of that name.

While the state checks the name against other registered trade names filed with the state, other businesses in the state may also register the same Trade Name in other states or federally and use them in Wyoming.

Registered businesses are expected to legally defend their trade names.

Business License Registration

Sole proprietors and general partners do not have to apply for a state business license in Wyoming.

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

Local town or city contact information can be found in the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) Municipal Directory.

Related: Get more details about licensing your cleaning business.

General Partner Licensing

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

In Wyoming, general partnerships may own assets, contract in the partnership name or may sue and be sued in the partnership name.

While general partners are not required to file any documents with the Secretary of State, it is advisable to register a Trade Name.

A written partnership agreement drawn up by a lawyer is important for both or all partners. 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 the state of Wyoming. Cleaning businesses do not have to collect and send sales taxes to the Department of Revenue.

State Estimated Tax

Wyoming has no personal income tax or self-employment income tax.

Sole proprietors and general partners do not owe estimated income tax to the state on business earnings similar to the way self employment taxes are paid to the federal government.

Related: Get a deeper understanding of cleaning business taxes.

Get more information about tax requirements in Wyoming by calling the Wyoming Department of Revenue at (307) 777-5200.

State Partnership Tax

Wyoming general partnerships that file a Federal partnership information Form 1065, may need to file a state partnership return. Get more information from a CPA or qualified tax preparer to find out if your partnership must file those returns.

Selected Wyoming City Licenses

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

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

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

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