Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

$600 -- $1500 2–5 weeks 7 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Boston / Suffolk County Requirements

3 requirements
1

City of Boston — Business Certificate (DBA)

If operating under a trade name in Boston, you must file a Business Certificate (DBA) with the Boston City Clerk's office. Required under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 110, Section 5. Must be renewed every 4 years.

$65 (filing fee)Same day to 1 week
Official government source
2

Boston Inspectional Services — Occupancy Permit (for commercial office)

If operating from a commercial office or storage location in Boston, a Certificate of Occupancy or Occupancy Permit from ISD may be required, confirming the space is approved for commercial use.

$100–$3002–4 weeks
Official government source
3

Boston Transportation Department — Parking/Vehicle Permits (if applicable)

Cleaning service vehicles that park regularly in Boston may need resident or commercial parking permits. The Boston Transportation Department issues commercial parking permits for vehicles used in daily business operations.

$40–$100/year per vehicle1–2 weeks
Official government source

Massachusetts State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Massachusetts Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

LLCs, corporations, and partnerships must register with the Massachusetts Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before operating. File a Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Organization (corporation) online through Corporations Online.

$500 (LLC Certificate of Organization); $275 (Corporation Articles)3–5 business days (online)
Official government source
2

Massachusetts Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

Janitorial and cleaning services provided to commercial clients in Massachusetts are subject to the 6.25% sales tax. Register through MassTaxConnect to collect and remit sales tax. Residential cleaning services are generally exempt.

FreeImmediate (online via MassTaxConnect)
Official government source
3

Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents — Workers' Compensation Insurance

Massachusetts law requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. Cleaning services with employees must obtain a policy from a licensed insurer and file proof with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). Sole proprietors with no employees may be exempt.

$500–$3,000/year (varies by number of employees and payroll)1–2 weeks (obtain policy through licensed insurer)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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