Cleaning Service Permits & Licenses in Houston, Texas

Required for all LLCs. Additional $25 for expedited processing. Paper filing $310.

File with county clerk ($2/page local) or SOS for statewide protection. Valid 10 years.

All LLCs must register and file annual report. Threshold adjusted annually for inflation.

Most cleaning services charge sales tax on supplies. 6.25% base state rate + local.

Employers with 11+ employees must maintain OSHA 300 logs for work-related injuries and illnesses. Cleaning services are at risk for slips, falls, and chemical exposures. Exemption thresholds apply based on size and industry classification.

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), businesses that produce or modify chemical substances must comply with EPA reporting and testing requirements. Most cleaning services that only use pre-manufactured products are not subject to TSCA production rules. However, awareness of chemical content is still required under OSHA HCS.

Quarterly wage reports required. New employer rate 2.7% on first $9,000 wages/employee.

Most cleaning services in Texas are not subject to sales tax because labor for cleaning is not taxable. However, if the business sells cleaning supplies or equipment to clients, it may need to collect sales tax on those items. Registration is required only if collecting sales tax.

Required for employers who withhold state income tax equivalents (Texas does not have personal income tax, but employers must still register for withholding purposes if they operate in reciprocal states or withhold for other taxes). In practice, Texas does not levy a personal income tax, so this registration applies only if the business withholds for other states or special districts. Most cleaning service employers in Texas do not need to withhold state income tax but may still need to report for compliance.

Employers must register with the Texas Workforce Commission to pay state unemployment insurance (SUI) tax. The tax rate varies based on experience rating, starting at 2.7% for new employers (on first $9,000 of each employee's wages).

Many Texas cities impose a local business tax or 'municipal franchise fee' for the privilege of doing business. Examples include Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Fees are often based on gross receipts. Businesses must register with the city's finance or tax office. See Comptroller's list of cities with local taxes: https://comptroller.texas.gov/forms/90-201.pdf

All LLCs with employees or multiple members must obtain an EIN. Even single-member LLCs may need one for banking or tax purposes. Required for federal tax filings including Form 941, 940, and 1099-NEC.

FUTA tax funds federal unemployment insurance. Employers must file Form 940 annually. Most employers receive a 5.4% credit for paying state unemployment tax, reducing effective rate to 0.6%.

Employers must withhold federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from employee wages and file Form 941 quarterly. Also includes employer portion of FICA taxes.

Required for payments to independent contractors for services. Applies even if the contractor is a sole proprietor or LLC. Must also file Form 1096 as transmittal.

Austin does not require a general business license for most cleaning services unless in specific categories like hazardous waste handling. Confirm with Development Services. Cleaning services typically exempt per City Code Ch. 4-2.

Required for home-based cleaning services; limits employees, traffic, storage of supplies. See LDC 5-1 for standards.

No general county business license required for cleaning services in unincorporated areas; only DBA filing if applicable.

Cleaning services allowed as home occupation in residential zones with restrictions (Austin Land Development Code 5-1-51).

Not required for standard office setup without structural changes.

Wall signs up to 200 sq ft allowed; freestanding restricted.

Most standard cleaning services exempt unless handling hazardous waste/chemicals.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Cleaning service employees are non-exempt. Employers must maintain accurate time and payroll records for at least 3 years. Specific to service businesses with hourly workers.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons. Most small cleaning services do not meet the 50-employee threshold, but must monitor growth.

All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. Applies to cleaning services with employees. E-Verify is not required federally unless in a federal contract or certain states, but I-9 is mandatory.

All Texas LLCs must file either a No Tax Due Report (if annualized total revenue ≤ $2.47 million) or a Full Franchise Tax Report. This replaces the annual report for LLCs. Due date is May 15 each year.

While not an annual renewal, Texas requires updates to formation documents when certain business details change. Failure to do so may jeopardize liability protection.

Required for commercial properties with alarms.

Not needed for leasing existing compliant office space.

Standard residential/commercial cleaning services do not require health permits.

Texas does not mandate private employers to carry workers' comp. However, if an employer elects not to provide coverage, they must file a 'Nonsubscription Notice' with TDI and post specific notices to employees. Employers who do not carry coverage lose certain liability protections and may be sued more easily by injured employees. Most cleaning service employers with employees choose to subscribe due to liability exposure.

General liability insurance is not required by Texas state law for cleaning businesses. However, it is strongly recommended and often required by commercial leases, client contracts, or property management companies. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injury.

Texas law requires all motor vehicles registered in the state to carry minimum liability coverage: $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (30/60/25). Applies to any vehicle used for business purposes, including vans or trucks used for transporting cleaning supplies or staff.

Texas does not require a state-level contractor license or surety bond for general residential or commercial cleaning services. However, some cities (e.g., Houston, Dallas) may require local business licenses, but these typically do not include bonding. Bonding may be required by clients for contractual assurance, but not by law.

E&O insurance is not required by Texas law for cleaning services. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, substandard work, or failure to perform services as promised. May be required in contracts with commercial clients.

Only relevant if the business sells cleaning products to customers. Most cleaning service businesses that only provide labor are not exposed to product liability risks. If products are sold, coverage is recommended but not legally mandated.

Liquor liability insurance is not required for cleaning services unless the business provides cleaning at events where alcohol is served and the business holds a liquor license or permits alcohol service. Not applicable to standard cleaning operations.

Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's Social Security Number, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability protection and business banking. This is a federal requirement under IRS regulations for tax administration.

LLCs are pass-through entities by default. Single-member LLCs report income on Schedule C of Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (informational) and issue Schedule K-1s. Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies to net earnings over $400. This is specific to all LLCs, including cleaning services.

Cleaning services using chemical disinfectants, degreasers, or other hazardous substances must comply with 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication Standard). Requires labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee training. Also requires general workplace safety under OSHA’s General Duty Clause. Specific to cleaning services due to chemical exposure risks.

Required for businesses with a physical location open to the public or employees. Frequency depends on local fire code. Home-based cleaning services typically exempt.

Cleaning services not handling food are generally exempt. Only required if business operates a break room or kitchen open to public or employees with food service.

Not all Texas cities require a general business license. Cleaning services should verify with their city or county clerk. Examples: Houston requires an annual City of Houston Business Permit; Austin requires a Basic Business License.

Texas does not charge a fee to register for a sales tax permit and it does not expire. However, businesses must renew registration if changes occur (e.g., ownership, location). Cleaning services typically do not collect sales tax unless selling products.

Texas does not require private employers to carry workers' compensation insurance, but if they do, they must file annual reports and maintain active coverage. Employers who opt out must file a Nonsubscription Notice every three years.

EIN itself does not expire, but businesses with employees must file Form 941 (quarterly) and Form 940 (annually). This is not a renewal but an ongoing compliance obligation tied to EIN.

Employers must file Form UI-5 each quarter and pay unemployment insurance tax. New employers pay 0.36%.

Cleaning services must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Log of Work-Related Injuries) and post Form 300A annually from February 1 to April 30. Required for businesses with 11+ employees or in specific NAICS codes.

Required postings include FLSA, OSHA, EEO, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Texas Minimum Wage. Must be visible to employees.

Most LLCs are pass-through entities, but if taxed as an S-corp, Form 1120-S must be filed annually. Default LLCs report on owner's personal return (Schedule C).

Self-employed owners of cleaning service LLCs must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more. Applies to income and self-employment tax.

Voluntary estimated payments can be made quarterly to avoid underpayment penalties. Not required unless tax liability exceeds $1,000.

Required for all vehicles used in cleaning service operations. Renewal notice is mailed by county tax office.

Most cleaning services do not require commercial registration unless hauling heavy equipment or operating as a carrier. Standard van registration usually suffices.

Required to maintain federal trademark protection. Includes Section 8 declaration of use.

Texas assumed name certificates are valid for 10 years. Must be renewed to continue use of the DBA.