How to Start a Cleaning Service in Georgia (2026)

Last updated: August 24, 2026

Starting a cleaning service in Georgia is one of the most accessible businesses you can launch. Georgia does not require a state-level cleaning license, startup costs are low, and demand for both residential and commercial cleaning is strong across Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, and every county in between.

But “no state license” doesn’t mean no requirements. You still need to form your business entity, get a local Occupation Tax Certificate, carry the right insurance, and understand Georgia’s specific tax rules. This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate a cleaning business in Georgia, whether you’re a solo residential cleaner or building a commercial janitorial crew.

Cleaning Service Requirements in Georgia at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Timeline
LLC Formation (Articles of Organization)	GA Secretary of State	$100	3-5 business days
Federal EIN	IRS	Free	Immediate (online)
Occupation Tax Certificate	City or County government	$50-$400	1-2 weeks
Annual Registration (Secretary of State)	GA Secretary of State	$50 + $10 service fee	Due April 1 each year
Sales Tax Registration	N/A	Not required (cleaning services exempt)	–
General Liability Insurance	Commercial insurer	$564-$732/year	Same day
Surety/Janitorial Bond (recommended)	Bonding company	$100-$350/year	Same day
Workers’ Comp Insurance (3+ employees)	Commercial insurer	Varies by payroll	Same day
State Cleaning License	N/A	Not required	–

How to Start a Cleaning Service in Georgia (Step by Step)

Step 1: Form Your Georgia LLC

File your Articles of Organization online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov. Total cost: $100 (online filing). Processing takes 3-5 business days.

Your LLC name must include “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from existing entities on file with the Georgia Secretary of State. You’ll need a Georgia Registered Agent with a physical street address in the state – you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Georgia address.

If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Peach State Cleaning” instead of “Peach State Cleaning LLC”), you can file a Trade Name Registration with the county clerk’s office.

Annual Registration: Georgia LLCs must file an annual registration with the Secretary of State by April 1 each year. Cost: $50 + $10 service fee. Missing this deadline can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Step 2: Get Your Federal EIN

Apply for a free Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You’ll receive it immediately when applying online. You need this to open a business bank account, and it’s required if you plan to hire employees.

Step 3: Get Your Occupation Tax Certificate

Georgia uses Occupation Tax Certificates (sometimes called business licenses) instead of the “business tax receipts” used in other states. You apply at your local city or county government office.

• Cost: $50-$400 depending on your jurisdiction and business classification
• City OR County: In Georgia, you apply in the jurisdiction where your business is physically located – either the city (if incorporated) or the county. You do not need both.
• SAVE Affidavit: Georgia law requires a Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Affidavit to be submitted with your Occupation Tax Certificate application. This is a signed form verifying your legal presence in the United States.
• Home-based: Most jurisdictions allow home-based cleaning businesses under their Occupation Tax Certificate framework, but verify your local zoning allows it
• Renewal: Annual renewal required

Some municipalities may also require a zoning compliance letter or home occupation permit before issuing the certificate.

Step 4: Understand Georgia Sales Tax Rules for Cleaning

This is a major advantage for cleaning businesses in Georgia:

• Residential cleaning is NOT subject to Georgia sales tax
• Commercial cleaning is NOT subject to Georgia sales tax

Georgia treats cleaning as a labor service, and labor services are generally exempt from sales tax. This applies to both residential and commercial/janitorial cleaning. You do not need to register for sales tax collection, and you do not need to charge your clients sales tax on cleaning services.

Important distinction: If you sell tangible goods alongside your cleaning services (e.g., selling cleaning products to clients separately), sales tax would apply to those product sales. But the cleaning service itself is exempt.

Step 5: Get Insurance and Bonding

General Liability Insurance

Not legally mandated, but practically essential. Most commercial clients, property managers, and government contracts require proof of coverage before hiring a cleaning service.

• Average cost in Georgia: ~$564-$732/year for a small cleaning business
• Typical coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
• What it covers: Property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury claims arising from your cleaning work

Janitorial Surety Bond

A bond protects your clients against employee theft and dishonesty. While not legally required in Georgia, being bonded is a competitive advantage – many commercial and government clients only hire bonded cleaning companies.

• Cost: $100-$350/year (most cleaning businesses pay $100-$150)
• Coverage amounts: $10,000-$100,000

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Required in Georgia for businesses with 3 or more employees (including LLC members and corporate officers). This is a lower threshold than many other states.

• NCCI Code 9014 (Commercial Janitorial): $2.43 per $100 of payroll
• NCCI Code 0917 (Residential Cleaning): $3.31 per $100 of payroll
• Example: A residential cleaning employee earning $30,000/year would cost approximately $993/year in workers’ comp premiums
• Penalties for non-compliance: $500-$5,000 civil fines and $1,000-$10,000 criminal penalties
• Officers and LLC members can apply for exemptions through the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation

Step 6: Set Up OSHA Compliance (If Hiring)

Georgia does not have its own state OSHA plan, so federal OSHA rules apply directly. If you have employees handling cleaning chemicals, you must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). This is one of OSHA’s most-cited violations nationally – take it seriously.

Required elements:

1. Written Hazard Communication Program – A documented plan describing how your business handles chemical safety
2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – Maintain an SDS for every cleaning chemical you use; must be accessible to all employees at all times
3. Chemical Inventory – Complete written list of all hazardous chemicals
4. Proper Labeling – All chemical containers must have GHS-compliant labels
5. Employee Training – Required at hire and whenever a new chemical is introduced. Must cover: how to read SDS/labels, hazards of chemicals used, required PPE, emergency procedures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): You must provide chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and appropriate footwear at no cost to employees.

Penalties for non-compliance: Up to $16,550 per serious violation and up to $165,514 for willful/repeated violations.

Step 7: Handle Employer Requirements (If Hiring)

If you hire employees beyond the OSHA and workers’ comp requirements above, you’ll also need to:

• Register for Georgia unemployment insurance tax with the Georgia Department of Labor – new employers pay 2.7% on the first $9,500 of wages per employee
• Register for Georgia income tax withholding with the Georgia Department of Revenue
• Complete Form I-9 for every employee
• Report new hires to the Georgia New Hire Reporting Center within 10 days

Cost to Start a Cleaning Service in Georgia

Solo / Small Residential Cleaning Business

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Formation (Secretary of State)	$100	One-time, online at ecorp.sos.ga.gov
Trade Name (DBA)	$0-$25	Optional, filed with county clerk
Federal EIN	Free	Online at IRS.gov
Occupation Tax Certificate	$50-$400	Annual renewal, city or county
Annual Registration (SOS)	$60	$50 + $10 fee, due April 1
General Liability Insurance	$564-$732/year	Strongly recommended
Janitorial Bond	$100-$250/year	Recommended
Cleaning Equipment & Supplies	$200-$800	Vacuum, mop, chemicals, etc.
Marketing / Website / Cards	$300-$1,500	Optional at start
Estimated total: $1,374-$3,867

Small Commercial Operation (1-5 Employees)

Item	Cost	Notes
LLC Formation + EIN	$100	One-time
Trade Name (DBA)	$0-$25	Optional
Occupation Tax Certificate	$50-$400	Annual
Annual Registration (SOS)	$60	Due April 1 each year
General Liability Insurance	$564-$732/year	Required by most clients
Workers’ Comp Insurance	$729-$1,986/year	Required at 3+ employees
Janitorial Bond	$150-$350/year	Recommended
Commercial Equipment & Supplies	$2,000-$10,000	Industrial grade
Commercial Auto Insurance	$1,200-$3,000/year	Required for business vehicles
Marketing / Website / Uniforms	$500-$3,000	Professional presence
Estimated total: $5,353-$19,553

Related Georgia Business Guides

• Starting a Business in Georgia: Complete Guide

← Back to all Georgia business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to start a cleaning business in Georgia?

Georgia does not require a state-level license for cleaning or janitorial services. You do need an Occupation Tax Certificate from your city or county government, which functions as your local business license. Cost is typically $50-$400 depending on your jurisdiction.

Is cleaning taxable in Georgia?

No. Cleaning services – both residential and commercial – are exempt from Georgia sales tax under the state’s labor service exemption. You do not need to collect or remit sales tax on cleaning services. However, if you separately sell tangible products (like cleaning supplies), those product sales are taxable.

Do I need insurance for a cleaning business in Georgia?

General liability insurance is not legally mandated for solo operators, but it’s practically required – most commercial clients and property managers expect proof of coverage. Workers’ comp is legally required once you have 3 or more employees, which is a lower threshold than many other states.

What’s the difference between bonded and insured?

Insurance (general liability) protects against accidents – property damage, bodily injury, etc. Bonding (a surety bond) protects clients against employee theft and dishonesty. Being “bonded and insured” is the gold standard that most commercial clients look for when hiring a cleaning company.

How much does it cost to start a cleaning business in Georgia?

A solo residential cleaning business can launch for approximately $1,374-$3,867, including LLC formation, occupation tax certificate, insurance, and basic equipment. A small commercial operation with employees typically costs $5,353-$19,553 due to additional insurance, equipment, and compliance requirements.

What is the SAVE Affidavit requirement in Georgia?

Georgia law requires a Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Affidavit when applying for an Occupation Tax Certificate. This is a signed form verifying your legal presence in the United States. You’ll submit it alongside your Occupation Tax Certificate application at your city or county government office.

Comparing states? See our cleaning business guides for all 50 states.