Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Great Falls, MT

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)

1. Montana — No Sales Tax

   Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

   Official government source

   Free (business registration)·Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

2. Montana Workers' Compensation Insurance

   Montana 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

   Varies (typically $500–$2,000/year depending on payroll)

   Immediate to 1 week

1. City of Great Falls — Business License / Safety Inspection Certificate (Great Falls Fire Rescue)

   Great Falls requires a Business License (Safety Inspection Certificate) for each commercial business located within city limits, processed by Great Falls Fire Rescue under Title 5 of the City Code (406-727-8070). The fee is based on the square footage of the premises, and the process includes a fire/safety inspection. Home-based businesses instead obtain a Home Occupation Certificate, and businesses located outside city limits that work in the city need a Non-Resident Vendor Certificate. Renewals are due by the end of the calendar year.

   Official government source

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)·1–3 weeks

   New issuance: $300 (up to 2,000 sq ft) to $895 (over 100,000 sq ft) by square-footage tier; renewal $80–$640/year (2025 fee schedule)

   1–3 weeks

2. Cascade County / Great Falls Home Occupation or DBA Registration

   A home-based cleaning service in Great Falls needs a Home Occupation Certificate from Planning & Community Development ($100 new, $35 annual renewal), subject to home-occupation zoning standards. If you use a trade name, register the assumed business name with the Montana Secretary of State ($20, renewed every five years) — Montana has no county-level DBA filing.

   Official government source

   $100 Home Occupation Certificate (new) + $35/year renewal; $20 Secretary of State assumed-business-name filing if using a trade name·1–2 weeks

   $100 Home Occupation Certificate (new) + $35/year renewal; $20 Secretary of State assumed-business-name filing if using a trade name

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Great Falls City Clerk
• Montana — No Sales Tax

Related Guides