Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   If you employ workers who handle cleaning chemicals, comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200): maintain Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals, proper labeling, and employee training.

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)·Ongoing compliance

   Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)

   Ongoing compliance

1. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Janitorial and cleaning SERVICE labor is generally NOT subject to Georgia sales tax — Georgia taxes services only in six enumerated categories, which does not include cleaning/janitorial work. If you sell tangible cleaning supplies separately, those sales are taxable and require Georgia DOR registration (free, via Georgia Tax Center) to collect the 4% state rate plus local option tax.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration via Georgia Tax Center)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration via Georgia Tax Center)

2. Georgia Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

   If operating as an LLC or corporation, register your business entity with the Georgia Secretary of State's Corporations Division. Sole proprietors using a trade name should file a Fictitious Name registration with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Fulton County.

   Official government source

   $110 total ($100 filing fee + $10 mandatory service charge)·5–7 business days (online)

   $110 total ($100 filing fee + $10 mandatory service charge)

   5–7 business days (online)

1. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

   Required for all cleaning businesses operating within Atlanta city limits. Issued by the Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue. Must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.·1–3 weeks

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.

   1–3 weeks

2. Fulton County Occupational Tax Certificate (unincorporated areas)

   This requirement does NOT apply to a cleaning business operating within the City of Atlanta. Fulton County issues Business Occupational Tax Certificates only to businesses located in the unincorporated Fulton Industrial District; all other businesses are licensed by their city. A cleaning business operating in Atlanta needs an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue (55 Trinity Ave SW, Suite 1350), not Fulton County.

   Official government source

   $75–$200/year·1–2 weeks

   $75–$200/year

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Atlanta — Occupational Tax Certificate
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Georgia Tax Center
• Georgia Secretary of State — Corporations Division

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