Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Cleaning and janitorial services are NOT subject to Arizona TPT — they are not among the taxable business classifications in ARS Title 42, chapter 5, article 2. A TPT license from ADOR (via AZTaxes.gov, $12 per location) is needed only if you sell taxable tangible goods (e.g., retailing cleaning products) or perform activities in a taxable classification. Some Arizona cities' privilege taxes follow the state classifications; confirm any city license with the city.

   Official government source

   $12 per location (only if a TPT license is actually needed)·1–2 weeks

   $12 per location (only if a TPT license is actually needed)

   1–2 weeks

2. Arizona Corporation Commission Business Registration

   Register your LLC or corporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Sole proprietors operating under a business name may optionally register a trade name with the Arizona Secretary of State ($10). LLC formation provides personal liability protection, which is particularly valuable for a service business operating in clients' homes.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

3. Arizona Contractor's License (if applicable)

   If your cleaning service expands into services like carpet cleaning with equipment, mold remediation, or restoration work valued over $1,000, you may need an Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) license. Standard janitorial and residential cleaning does not require this.

   Official government source

   Varies by license classification — see roc.az.gov/licensing-fees; plus a surety bond set by class and volume (ARS 32-1152)·4–8 weeks

   Varies by license classification — see roc.az.gov/licensing-fees; plus a surety bond set by class and volume (ARS 32-1152)

   4–8 weeks

1. Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)

   The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR·1 week

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR

   1 week

Official Sources

• phoenix.gov
• azdor.gov
• azcc.gov

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