Register a Company in Maryland
Choose a Structure:
Tip: Most cleaning companies register as an LLC or Sole Proprietorship
The first step is to decide on the legal structure for the cleaning business. Common options include:
Sole Proprietorship: Simplest structure, no separation between personal and business assets.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers liability protection and simple taxation.
Corporation: Suitable for larger businesses but more complex.
Register your Business:
You can register your business online.
Visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) at
https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Go to Online Services and Click on Maryland Business Express
To Start Your Business and click on Register Your Business in Maryland
Click onRegister Your Business Now
To register your business, you have to create an account.
Click on Create User Account and fill out the following information:
Account information (First name, last name and middle name)
Contact information (Primary and secondary phone numbers, email and address)
Account credentials (Username and password)
Under Additional Questions, you will be asked Which type of Maryland Business Express user best describes you?, please choose “Business Owner/Representative.”
After you click on Create User Account, you will be taken to the following page:
Click on Start a New Filing, select New Business Filing and click on Register a New Business
Select Business Type
Tip: Most cleaning companies register as a Maryland Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Sole Proprietorship. To learn more on each business type, click on the “i” icon. Please consider consulting with your lawyer on which business type is better for your company.
After you select your business type, you will be taken to the Fees and Filing Options page
Select I will use the online form and click on Save and Continue
Select your Business Name
Tip: Conduct a business name search to ensure the name is not already in use by clicking on Business Entity Search.
If the business name you chose is already in use, you will get a notification:
On the next page, enter Business & Contact Information for your business
- Address for the principal physical office in Maryland
- Contact information (email and phone number)
On the same page, under the Business License section, you will be asked whether your company requires a business or industry license issued by the state or any local agency.
Tip: Most Maryland-based cleaning companies do not require a business license.
Select appropriate answer for the Business License question and click on Continue
On the next page, you need to enter information about Resident Agent
Tip: In most of the cases, the Resident Agent will be an individual. Please consult with your lawyer and/or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) before designating your Resident Agent as an Individual or Maryland LLC/Corporation.
After you make your selection, provide required information for the Resident Agent, such as first name, last name, middle name, phone number, email and address, and click on Save & Continue
On the next page, you will see confirmation of the Maryland Business Express Account Holder’s information
If you wish to add Alternate Contact Information, you can do so on the same page.
After you click on Continue, you will be taken to the Summary page
Tip: If you need to make changes, click on Edit and make an addition or correction to the information you provided.
After reviewing the Summary page, click on Proceed to Certification
On this page, you declare, under penalty of perjury, that this filing has been examined by you and is, to the best of your knowledge and belief, true, correct and complete.
To sign the declaration, you need to enter your full name in the Authorized Person section.
On the same page, you have to certify the Resident Agent as well
On the same page, you have to enter information about the Filing Party
Tip: Filing party is usually an owner of the company or your lawyer or Certified Public Account.
On the next page, you need to make a payment to complete the registration. Click on Proceed to Payment.
You will be forwarded to the Payment page
Tip: If you wish to expedite your business, you may choose either Rush Processing or Expedited Processing for an additional fee.
Select one and click on Make Payment
On the next page, you will see a summary of transaction details
On the same page, you will be asked to choose Payment Type. Select one and click on Next
On the same page, provide your Credit/Debit Card information and click on Next
On the same page, click on I’m not a robot and Submit Payment
Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is required for tax purposes and is used to open a business bank account, even if a cleaning company has no employees.
You can get your EIN online.
Visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) at
https://dat.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx Scroll down and click on Get an EIN
Register for Maryland Taxes
Cleaners must register for state taxes, even if they only provide services (not taxable in Maryland)
How to Register:
Complete theCombined Registration Application for Maryland taxes: Tax Registration Portal.
Purchase Business Insurance
While not always legally required, insurance is highly recommended. Cleaners should consider:
General Liability Insurance: Covers property damage or injuries.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Required if the business has employees.
How to Get Insurance:
Find your own provider: Contact a local insurance agent or use online platforms like Hiscox or Next Insurance.
Work with an independent agent: While not affiliated with us, our recommended agent can assist you. Simply download the application form here, fill it out and send it to onboarding@kleenup.com. We’ll forward it to the agent, who will then contact you directly with a quote.
Open a Business Bank Account
Separate personal and business finances by opening a dedicated business bank account.
What’s Needed:
EIN (Step 3).
Business registration documents
Government-issued ID
Join KLEENUP - Global
Once registered, cleaners can:
What’s Needed:
Sign up on KLEENUP app by creating a profile.
Provide necessary documents (e.g., proof of business registration, insurance, etc.)
Start connecting with customers through the KLEENUP app.
