Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $100–$450 est. 1–3 weeks for all registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (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

State of Georgia

2 stops

  1. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

    Janitorial and cleaning services in Georgia are subject to sales tax. You must register with the Georgia Department of Revenue (via Georgia Tax Center) to collect and remit the 4% state sales tax plus applicable Fulton County local option sales tax (total ~8.9%) before accepting your first commercial client.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (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 Fulton County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC filing fee)5–7 business days (online)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  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

    $75–$250 depending on gross revenue1–3 weeks

  2. Fulton County Occupational Tax Certificate (unincorporated areas)

    Cleaning businesses operating in unincorporated Fulton County (outside Atlanta and other incorporated cities) need an Occupational Tax Certificate from Fulton County.

    Official government source

    $75–$200/year1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $100–$450 · 1–3 weeks for all registrations

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Official Sources

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