What are the licenses needed to start your own cleaning business?

From a Federal Government standpoint you do not have to file for a Janitorial Service license but you may have to on a state or city level depending on where you are performing your work. You will need a Federal Government tax ID number for tax reporting purposes of your business. Again you may have to file for a license in the state or cities that you work in for tax purposes.

When starting your business you should always carry liability insurance and you may also want to secure a Surety Bond. The liability insurance will protect your business in the event that you or your employees cause any property or bodily injury damage while working. The Surety Bond protects you as an owner from theft of customer's property caused by your employees. These policies are relatively inexpensive and require an arrest and conviction before they will pay. However, you can use the Surety Bond as a selling tool to customers by letting them know that your company is bonded.

The Surety Bond is acquired through an insurance agent. Not all companies handle bonds and if yours does not, he/she should be able to recommend someone to you.

When you hire employees, you will need to provide Workers Compensation Insurance. Again, you may be able to get this through your insurance agent or from the state.