Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Verified 2026-09-03 4 stops $150–$500 est. 2–4 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Minnesota

2 stops

  1. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

    All formal business entities (LLC, corporation) operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. Filing as an LLC costs approximately $155 and provides personal liability protection. Sole proprietors using only their legal name are not required to register.

    Official government source

    $155 (LLC filing fee)Immediate (online or in-person); 4-7 business days if filed by mail

  2. Minnesota Sales Tax Registration (Minnesota Tax ID)

    Building cleaning and maintenance is an enumerated taxable service in Minnesota and covers interior and exterior cleaning of commercial and residential buildings, homes and apartments - so residential house cleaning is taxable just like office cleaning. Taxable work includes carpet and floor cleaning and waxing, janitorial and office cleaning, window washing and restroom cleaning. Repairs to real property, painting and wallpapering are not taxable. Register for a Minnesota Tax ID with the Department of Revenue and collect tax on taxable services; the combined rate in Minneapolis is 9.025%.

    Official government source

    FreeOnline through e-Services (Business Tax Registration)

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

1 stop

  1. City of Minneapolis Business License

    Minneapolis does not require a general business license for cleaning services. The city licenses only specific categories (food, body art/massage/tanning, contractors, vehicles-for-hire, and similar), and routine residential or office cleaning is not one of them. Two exceptions matter: a window cleaner license is required to clean windows more than 24 feet above the ground (not needed when cleaning from the ground or a ground-supported ladder), and duct cleaning is separately licensed.

    Official government source

    No fee for general cleaning work; if you clean windows above 24 feet the window cleaner license is $299 a year, and a duct cleaner license is $299 a yearNot applicable unless a window cleaner or duct cleaner license is required

Terminus

Open for business — est. $150–$500 · 2–4 weeks

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Official Sources

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