How to start a cleaning business in Massachusetts

March 6, 2023 in Business

Why start a cleaning business in Massachusetts?

With its strong economy and high demand for cleaning services, Massachusetts is a good place to start a cleaning business. The state offers a number of tax incentives, benefits, and grants for small businesses, including the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

This article will provide all the essential information you need to know on how to start a home cleaning company in the state of Massachusetts, including necessary permits, training for staff, equipment needed, insurance requirements, and more. Let’s get started!

A quick note:

The contents of this article are meant to help you grow your cleaning business, but should not be taken as legal advice. Always consult with an attorney and/or accountant to help make legal and financial decisions. If you need help finding a professional in your area, see what other cleaning business owners recommend in our ZenMaid Mastermind.ย 

Read this guide first: How to Start a Cleaning Business

For an overview and general guide, including a checklist, to starting a cleaning business, start here: How to Start a Cleaning Business in 10 Steps

We suggest you read that first if you havenโ€™t already, then return to this guide to continue with the specific requirements for Massachusetts.

Choose a Business Structure for your Cleaning Business 

This is an important step that cannot be skipped. Go here for more information on the different legal structures and which one to choose for your cleaning business.

Do I need a cleaning license in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, you do not need a professional cleaning license to clean residential or commercial properties. However, if you plan on using certain chemicals or equipment, you may need to obtain a special permit or license. To learn more about cleaning codes and cleaning certifications, save this post to read next. 

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for Massachusetts

You can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your home cleaning business in the state of Massachusetts by following these steps:

  1. Determine if you need an EIN: An EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business for tax purposes. You may need an EIN if you have employees or if your business is a partnership or corporation.
  2. Gather the necessary information: To apply for an EIN, you will need your legal business name and address, as well as the name and Social Security number of a principal officer.
  3. Apply online: The quickest and easiest way to apply for an EIN is online through the IRS’s website. You can fill out the online application form and receive your EIN immediately.
  4. Apply by mail or fax: You can also apply for an EIN by mail or fax by completing Form SS-4 and sending it to the IRS. This process can take several weeks.
  5. Apply by phone: You can also apply by phone by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.

Please make sure you have all the documents ready and also check the state laws in Massachusetts as well for any additional requirements.

Here are the steps for an online application:

  1. Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/businesses and select the option to “Apply for an EIN online.โ€
  2. Complete the online application form, providing information about your business, such as the name and address of the business, the type of business entity, and the name and Social Security Number of the business owner.
  3. Submit the application.
  4. Once your application has been processed, the IRS will provide you with your EIN.

File/Register your business with Massachusetts

The state of Massachusetts requires that all businesses register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

The cost of starting a business in Massachusetts varies depending on a number of factors, ranging anywhere from $500 to $2,000. To get an idea of the costs involved, you can visit the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center website or consult with a local business advisor or accountant.

To form an LLC in Massachusetts, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. To form a Corporation, you will need to file Articles of Incorporation. You can find the necessary forms and filing instructions right here. 

Business License Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts does require a business license for general house cleaning businesses. But as things often change, check with the stateโ€™s licensing needs when registering a new business.

Be sure to also check with your individual county, city, or local municipality. Requirements can vary and some may need a general business tax, licensing, or other filing requirements for business. 

Call your local municipality office and inquire if this is required.

Get Business Insurance 

For a breakdown of why you need insurance, the different kinds of insurance to consider, plus the difference between insurance and bonding, read this guide first.

It is recommended to have business insurance when starting a cleaning business in Massachusetts. Business insurance can help protect your business and personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or other legal claim. Common types of business insurance to look into for cleaning businesses include general liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and commercial property insurance. To learn more, visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

Other Resources

The Massachusetts Chamber of Business & Industry

The ZenMaid Mastermind

Check these guides out next:

Ways to market your cleaning service for free

How to price your cleaning services 

Free cancelation policy templates

5 automations to grow your cleaning business (that cost less than $100/month)

Still have questions or looking for advice from a fellow cleaning business owner? Ask your question in The ZenMaid Mastermind

ZenMaid

Amar is the founder and CEO of ZenMaid Software, Inc. He started and ran Fast Friendly Spotless, a maid service in Orange County, CA. With the help of customized software to automate work he successfully operated the service in under 30 minutes per day. He created ZenMaid scheduling software to help other maid service owners do the same.

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