Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $150–$500 est. 1–3 weeks to obtain all licenses and registrations
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  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)

State of Maryland

2 stops

  1. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

  2. Maryland Workers' Compensation Insurance

    Maryland requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance for employees. Sole proprietors with no employees are generally exempt, but confirm with state requirements.

    Official government source

    Varies (typically $500–$2,000/year depending on payroll)Immediate to 1 week

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

2 stops

  1. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license. The Annapolis Department of Finance does not license businesses. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

  2. Annapolis Home Occupation Use Permit / Maryland Trade Name Registration

    If operating a cleaning service from your home in Annapolis, you may need a Use Permit for Home Occupation from the city's Department of Planning and Zoning. If using a trade name, you must register the trade name with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) — trade names are filed at the state level in Maryland, not with the county clerk.

    Official government source

    $25 state trade name filing; home occupation permit fees vary1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 1–3 weeks to obtain all licenses and registrations

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