Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

$150 -- $500 2–4 weeks 7 requirements

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

Columbus / Franklin County Requirements

3 requirements
1

City of Columbus — Income Tax Registration

Businesses operating in Columbus must register with the Columbus Division of Taxation to pay the city income tax (2.5% rate). This is a registration requirement for all businesses with gross receipts or employees in Columbus, including cleaning services.

Free (no registration fee)Immediate to 1 week (online)
Official government source
2

Franklin County Fictitious Name Registration (DBA)

If operating under a trade name (e.g., 'Sparkling Clean Columbus' instead of your legal name), you must file a Trade Name Registration (DBA) with the Franklin County Probate Court or with the Ohio Secretary of State. Required before advertising under the business name.

$50–$100 (county filing fee)1–2 weeks
Official government source
3

Commercial Vehicle Permit (if using commercial vehicles)

Cleaning service vehicles used commercially in Columbus may require a City of Columbus commercial vehicle permit if they exceed certain weight limits. Check with the Columbus Public Service Department for specific requirements based on vehicle type.

$25–$100/vehicle1–2 weeks
Official government source

Ohio State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Ohio Secretary of State — Business Entity Registration

If operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, register your business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using their legal name do not need to register, but LLCs and corporations must file Articles of Organization/Incorporation.

$99 (LLC Articles of Organization); $99 (Corporation Articles of Incorporation)3–7 business days (online) or 2–3 weeks (mail)
Official government source
2

Ohio Vendor's License (Sales Tax Registration)

Cleaning services in Ohio are generally subject to sales tax when providing janitorial or building maintenance services to commercial clients. Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation to collect and remit sales tax. Residential cleaning may be exempt — confirm with the Ohio DT.

FreeImmediate (online via Gateway.Ohio.gov)
Official government source
3

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation — Employer Registration

Ohio requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance through the state Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Cleaning services with employees must register with the BWC before the first employee starts work.

$120 minimum premium/year (varies by payroll and risk class)1–2 weeks
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. Also needed for business bank accounts and federal tax filings.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

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