How to start a cleaning business in New York

February 17, 2023 in Business

Last Updated on February 23, 2023 by The ZenMaid Team

Why start a cleaning business in New York?

From bustling cities like New York City to charming mountain towns like Elliotcotville, New York state presents some of the best opportunities for starting a cleaning business. It has a large, dynamic workforce with numerous opportunities for growth. So whether you’re a New Yorker looking to launch your own business, or relocating to the Empire State to take advantage of its vibrant economy, itโ€™s a great time to consider starting a cleaning business in New York.

This article will provide all the essential information you need to know on how to start a home cleaning company in the state of New York, 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 New York.

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 New York?

In New York, you do not typically need a specific license to start a cleaning business. However, depending on the type of cleaning services you provide and the location of your business, you may need to obtain other licenses and permits. 

To learn more about cleaning codes and cleaning certifications, save this post to read next. 

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for New York

You can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your home cleaning business in the state of New York 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 New York 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 New York

The state of New York requires that all businesses register with the New York Department of State Division of Corporations.

New York is one of the more expensive states to register a business. But donโ€™t let that discourage you! Opportunities to earn a higher profit can be higher than other states. The cost to register a business in New York varies depending on the type of business structure you choose and the specific requirements of your business. 

Filing fees for an LLC in New York start at $200. You may also need to pay an additional fee for expedited processing. The cost of obtaining a business license from your city or municipality in New York can vary, but is typically around $50-$200. There may be other costs associated with starting a business in New York, like the cost of registering for unemployment insurance, obtaining any necessary permits or licenses, and complying with other state regulations.

If you are filing an LLC, you will file an Articles of Organization. For more instructions, visit here. 

If you are filing as a Corporation, you will file a Certificate of Incorporation For instructions, visit here. 

Business License Requirements in New York

New York 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.

While there is no state law that requires business insurance in New York, it is recommended to have business insurance when starting a cleaning business. 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 compare insurance options in New York, visit the 2023 WalletHub list right here. 

Other Resources

Greater New York Chamber of Commerce

New York Information for Small Businesses

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.

All posts

Popular Posts

Subscribe & Follow

What are you looking for?

About Us

About Us

ZenMaid

ZenMaid exists to make maid services like yours successful. We started by creating the simplest scheduling software for your maid service. Now we contribute to the industry with events like the Maid Summit, communities of #zenmaiders like the ZenMaid Mastermind on Facebook, and amazing free content like you'll find on this very page. Learn More

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed. New posts will not be retrieved for at least 5 minutes.

×