How to Start a Cleaning Service in Texas

Last updated: February 23, 2026

Starting a cleaning service in Texas is one of the most accessible businesses you can launch – no state professional license is required, startup costs are low, and demand is strong across the state’s rapidly growing metro areas. But “no state license” doesn’t mean no requirements. You still need to form your business entity, understand Texas’s specific sales tax rules for cleaning services, carry the right insurance, and comply with OSHA if you hire employees.

This guide covers every requirement, cost, and step to legally start and operate a cleaning business in Texas, whether you’re a solo residential cleaner or launching a commercial janitorial operation.

Cleaning Service Requirements in Texas at a Glance

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

Step 1: Form Your Texas LLC

File your Certificate of Formation online at SOSDirect. Total cost: $300. Processing takes 2-3 business days for online filings.

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

If you want to operate under a different name (e.g., “Lone Star Clean Co.” instead of “Lone Star Clean Co. LLC”), file an Assumed Name Certificate (Form 503) with the Secretary of State ($25) and with the county clerk.

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 file taxes.

Step 3: Register for Texas Sales Tax

This is a critical step that many Texas cleaning businesses miss. Cleaning services are taxable in Texas.

• State sales tax rate: 6.25% plus up to 2% local taxes (max 8.25% combined)
• Taxable services include: cleaning homes, offices, warehouses, restaurants, or any building; washing windows, floors, walls, ceilings; cleaning chimneys or air ducts; pressure washing; pool maintenance
• Key exception: A sole proprietor with no employees who provides traditional household services (housekeeping, babysitting, cooking) is exempt from collecting sales tax. Once you hire employees or independent contractors, you must collect sales tax on all cleaning services.
• Register at: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (free)

Important: Unlike Florida (where residential cleaning is exempt), Texas taxes both residential and commercial cleaning services (with the narrow exception above for sole proprietors doing household services). This is one of the most common compliance mistakes for Texas cleaning businesses.

Step 4: Get Local Business Permits

Texas doesn’t have a statewide business license, but many cities require local permits:

• City business permits: Check with your city clerk or licensing department. Some cities (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio) have their own permit requirements.
• Home occupation permits: If operating from home, many Texas cities require a home occupation permit ($0-$100).
• Cost: Typically $0-$200 depending on your city

Step 5: Get Insurance and Bonding

General Liability Insurance

Not legally mandated, but practically essential. Most commercial clients, property managers, and residential clients with valuable property expect proof of coverage before hiring a cleaning service.

• Average cost in Texas: $500-$2,000/year depending on revenue and services
• Typical coverage: $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate

Janitorial Surety Bond

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

• Cost: $100-$350/year
• Coverage amounts: $10,000-$100,000

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Texas is one of the few states where workers’ comp is optional for private employers. However, if you choose not to carry it (becoming a “non-subscriber”), you must:

• File DWC Form 005 with the Texas Department of Insurance annually (between February 1 and April 30)
• Notify each employee in writing that you don’t carry workers’ comp
• Post a notice at the workplace
• Warning: Non-subscribers lose key legal defenses in employee injury lawsuits. We strongly recommend carrying coverage even though it’s not required.

Step 6: Set Up OSHA Compliance (If Hiring)

Texas does not have a state OSHA plan for private sector employers, so federal OSHA standards apply. If you have employees handling cleaning chemicals, you must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).

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

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

Step 7: Handle Employer Requirements (If Hiring)

If you hire employees, you’ll also need to:

• Register for Texas Unemployment Tax with the Texas Workforce Commission – new employers pay 2.7% on the first $9,000 of wages per employee
• Complete Form I-9 for every employee
• Report new hires to the Texas New Hire Reporting Center within 20 days

Cost to Start a Cleaning Service in Texas

Solo / Small Residential Cleaning Business

Small Commercial Operation (1-5 Employees)

Related Texas Business Guides

• Starting a Business in Texas: Complete Guide

← Back to all Texas business guides

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Texas does not require a state-level professional license for cleaning or janitorial services. You do need to register your business entity with the Secretary of State, get a sales tax permit from the Comptroller, and check for local city permits.

Are cleaning services taxable in Texas?

Yes. Unlike some states, Texas taxes both residential and commercial cleaning services at 6.25% plus local taxes (up to 8.25% combined). The only exception is a sole proprietor with no employees providing traditional household services. If you hire anyone, you must collect and remit sales tax on all cleaning services.

Do I need insurance for a cleaning business in Texas?

General liability insurance is not legally mandated, but it’s practically required – most clients expect proof of coverage. Workers’ comp is optional in Texas, but non-subscribers must file DWC Form 005 with TDI and lose certain legal defenses in employee injury lawsuits.

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.

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

A solo residential cleaning business can launch for approximately $1,425-$4,075, including LLC formation, sales tax permit, insurance, and basic equipment. A small commercial operation with employees typically costs $5,443-$20,375 due to additional insurance, equipment, and compliance requirements.

Is workers’ compensation required for cleaning businesses in Texas?

No. Texas is one of the few states where workers’ comp is optional for private employers. However, non-subscribers must file annual paperwork with TDI, notify employees, and face greater legal exposure in injury lawsuits. We strongly recommend carrying coverage.