Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington State Business License

   Required for most businesses operating in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue via the Business Licensing Service. Registers your business for the state B&O tax, which applies to gross receipts from cleaning services.

   Official government source

   $50 (initial processing fee) + $5/year renewal, plus applicable endorsement fees·1–2 weeks

   $50 (initial processing fee) + $5/year renewal, plus applicable endorsement fees

   1–2 weeks

2. Washington State B&O Tax Registration

   Cleaning services are subject to Washington's Business & Occupation (B&O) tax on gross receipts, filed under the 'Service and Other Activities' classification. Registered automatically when you obtain your WA Business License.

   Official government source

   No separate fee (included with WA Business License)·Included with business license application

   No separate fee (included with WA Business License)

   Included with business license application

3. General Liability Insurance

   While not legally required, Washington state strongly recommends general liability insurance for cleaning businesses. Many commercial clients require proof of insurance ($1M–$2M coverage) before signing contracts.

   Official government source

   $500–$1,500/year depending on coverage·1–3 days to obtain

   $500–$1,500/year depending on coverage

   1–3 days to obtain

1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   Required for every business with a physical presence in Seattle, and for out-of-city businesses with more than $4,000 in annual Seattle gross income (the 2026 exemption threshold). Issued by Seattle City Finance (License and Tax Administration) and called a general business licence in FileLocal. It covers the city's B&O tax on gross receipts, which is owed only above $2 million in annual taxable gross revenue from January 1, 2026.

   Official government source

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

Official Sources

• City of Seattle: Business License Tax Certificate
• Washington DOR: Apply for a Business License
• Washington DOR: Business & Occupation Tax

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