Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

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. Illinois Department of Revenue — Retailers' Occupation Tax Registration (Sales Tax)

   Cleaning and janitorial services are generally NOT subject to Illinois sales tax — the Retailers' Occupation Tax applies to selling tangible personal property at retail (35 ILCS 120/2), not services. If your cleaning business also sells products at retail (supplies, equipment), register with the Illinois Department of Revenue via MyTax Illinois and collect the combined rate at your location (Chicago: 10.50% effective August 1, 2026, per IDOR's municipal rate file).

   Official government source

   Free·Registration is free via MyTax Illinois; allow a few business days for processing

   Free

   Registration is free via MyTax Illinois; allow a few business days for processing

2. Illinois Secretary of State - Business Entity Registration

   If you operate as an LLC or corporation, register with the Illinois Secretary of State by filing Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. Sole proprietors and general partnerships using a trade name must instead file an Assumed Business Name registration with the Cook County Clerk and publish a legal notice in a local newspaper; LLCs, LLPs, LPs, and corporations are exempt from that county filing.

   Official government source

   $150 Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation (Illinois Secretary of State); $50 flat Assumed Business Name registration with the Cook County Clerk, plus the newspaper's publication charge·10 business days for a standard Secretary of State online filing, or 24-hour service for $250 total. A Cook County assumed name notice must be published within 15 calendar days of registration, once a week for three consecutive weeks, with proof of publication filed within 50 days of the application date.

   $150 Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation (Illinois Secretary of State); $50 flat Assumed Business Name registration with the Cook County Clerk, plus the newspaper's publication charge

   10 business days for a standard Secretary of State online filing, or 24-hour service for $250 total. A Cook County assumed name notice must be published within 15 calendar days of registration, once a week for three consecutive weeks, with proof of publication filed within 50 days of the application date.

3. Illinois Workers' Compensation Insurance

   Illinois law requires employers, including cleaning businesses with even a single employee, to carry workers' compensation insurance. The system is administered by the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC), not the Illinois Department of Labor. Failing to maintain coverage can result in significant penalties, and coverage must be in force before your first employee starts work.

   Official government source

   No government fee. Premiums are quoted by private insurers based on your payroll, job classification codes, and claims history, so there is no standard published rate.·Obtain coverage before your first employee starts work

   No government fee. Premiums are quoted by private insurers based on your payroll, job classification codes, and claims history, so there is no standard published rate.

   Obtain coverage before your first employee starts work

1. Chicago Limited Business License

   BACP requires most businesses operating within city limits to obtain a business license. Cleaning businesses typically fall under the standard Limited Business License category. License must be posted at the place of business and renewed every 2 years.

   Official government source

   $500 for a two-year license (effective January 1, 2026)·2–4 weeks

   $500 for a two-year license (effective January 1, 2026)

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Chicago BACP — Business Licenses
• Illinois Department of Revenue — MyTax Illinois
• Illinois Department of Labor — Workers' Compensation FAQ

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