License & permits · Texas
Starting a cleaning business in Texas
The big one in Texas: cleaning is a taxable service. You collect state and local sales tax on what you charge to clean a home, office, warehouse, garage, restaurant or any other building, so you need a sales tax permit before you start.[1]
What you need in Texas
- Choose your structure and register itSole proprietors don't register an entity; an LLC registers with the Texas Secretary of State. If you use a business name that isn't your own, register it as a DBA.[2]
- Get your free EINOnline from the IRS in minutes.[3]
- Apply for a Texas sales and use tax permitThrough the Texas Comptroller. Cleaning homes and buildings is taxable.[1]
- Check your city and countyLocal rules, including zoning for a home-based business, are set locally.[2]
How sales tax works for Texas cleaners
| Situation | Texas rule |
|---|---|
| You clean a client's home | Taxable: collect state + local sales tax on your charge.[1] |
| You clean offices, restaurants, warehouses | Taxable.[1] |
| A household employs a housekeeper directly | Not taxable, but only if the person is the household's employee, not a subcontractor for a maid service.[1] |
| Soap, chemicals, mops, vacuums you use | You pay tax when you buy them.[4] |
| Toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap you leave for the client | Can be bought tax-free with a resale certificate when they're part of a taxable service.[4] |
Price with tax in mind. If your price is $150 per clean, the sales tax is added on top. Show it on your quote and invoice so clients aren't surprised. Our price calculator gives the price before sales tax.
Free: the Cleaning Business Starter Kit
A one-page launch checklist and a room-by-room cleaning checklist you can hand to clients. PDF, no signup needed.
Questions people ask
Is residential cleaning taxable in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Comptroller says tax is due on the charge to clean a home, office, warehouse, garage, restaurant or any other building.[1]
Do I pay sales tax on my cleaning supplies in Texas?
Yes, on soap, cleaners, chemicals, supplies and equipment you use. Items you leave for the customer as part of a taxable service can be bought with a resale certificate.[2]