Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

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

Updated 2026-03-13 7 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. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Ohio

3 stops

  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.

    Official government source

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

  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.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via Gateway.Ohio.gov)

  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.

    Official government source

    $120 minimum premium/year (varies by payroll and risk class)1–2 weeks

City of Columbus / Franklin County

3 stops

  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.

    Official government source

    Free (no registration fee)Immediate to 1 week (online)

  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

  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.

    Official government source

    $25–$100/vehicle1–2 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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