Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a cleaning service in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $50–$400 est. 1-3 weeks for all registrations
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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

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

    If you employ workers who handle cleaning chemicals, you must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), which requires maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals, proper labeling, and employee training.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement, no permit fee)Ongoing compliance

State of Texas

2 stops

  1. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Residential and commercial cleaning services are taxable services in Texas. You must register with the Texas Comptroller to collect and remit sales tax before accepting your first payment. Registration is free and instant online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

  2. Texas Secretary of State Business Entity Registration (LLC or Corp)

    If you operate as an LLC or corporation rather than a sole proprietorship, you must register your business entity with the Texas Secretary of State. Sole proprietors use a county DBA instead.

    Official government source

    $300 (LLC filing fee)3-5 business days (online), up to 2 weeks (by mail)

City of Austin / Travis County

2 stops

  1. Travis County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

    If you operate your cleaning business under a trade name other than your own legal name, you must file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk. This is required before using a business name in Travis County.

    Official government source

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)Same day (in person) or 1-2 weeks by mail

  2. City of Austin Home Occupation Registration (if home-based)

    Austin does not require a general city business license. However, home-based businesses (including cleaning services operating from a residence) must comply with Austin's home occupation regulations. Contact Austin Development Services to confirm whether your specific setup requires any registration or land use permit.

    Official government source

    Free to low cost (contact DSD for confirmation)1-2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $50–$400 · 1-3 weeks for all registrations

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