Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM

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. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. New Mexico Workers' Compensation Insurance

   New Mexico requires workers'-compensation coverage once a business has THREE or more employees (construction businesses: any number; owners working in the business count toward the three). Coverage is purchased from private carriers and administered by the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration. With no employees you are generally exempt — revisit immediately upon hiring.

   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 Albuquerque Planning Department — Business License

   Albuquerque requires an annual Business Registration ($35 per location) through the Planning Department's Business License Section, plus a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. A current NM Taxation & Revenue Department registration certificate (CRS/BTIN) is required before applying. Renew annually; display at the place of business.

   Official government source

   $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).·1–3 weeks

   $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).

   1–3 weeks

2. Bernalillo County / Albuquerque Home Occupation or DBA Registration

   New Mexico has no verified statewide DBA registration; the NM Secretary of State's business portal does not list trade-name filings for sole proprietors. If you want exclusive rights to a name, options are forming an entity under that name or a state trademark — ask the NM SOS Business Services Division (505-827-3600). Home-based cleaning businesses in Albuquerque are covered by the $35 city business registration plus IDO home-occupation rules.

   Official government source

   City business registration $35/year; no verified DBA filing fee.·1–2 weeks

   City business registration $35/year; no verified DBA filing fee.

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Albuquerque Planning Department
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

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