Cleaning Service Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

   Official government source for Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (opens in a new tab)

   $25 one-time registration fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

2. Indiana Workers' Compensation Insurance

   Indiana requires most employers to carry workers' compensation insurance for their employees; the Indiana Workers' Compensation Board administers the system and hears disputes. A sole proprietor with no employees is generally exempt, but the exemption turns on how workers are classified — independent contractors are not automatically covered — so confirm your own situation with the Workers' Compensation Board rather than assuming you are exempt.

   Official government source for Indiana Workers' Compensation Insurance (opens in a new tab)

   Not a government fee. Premiums are set by insurers using payroll, job classification, and claims history, and no official source publishes a rate, so get quotes from licensed carriers rather than relying on a stated range.·Coverage can usually be bound quickly through an insurer or agent; there is no government approval step for standard coverage.

   Not a government fee. Premiums are set by insurers using payroll, job classification, and claims history, and no official source publishes a rate, so get quotes from licensed carriers rather than relying on a stated range.

   Coverage can usually be bound quickly through an insurer or agent; there is no government approval step for standard coverage.

1. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

   Indianapolis (Marion County) has no general business license and no product called a 'Commercial Zoning Certificate.' DBNS licenses only specific business types by ordinance (e.g., massage establishments $177, kennels/pet shops/stables $200, hotels, pawnbrokers). Most business types listed here do not require any Indianapolis business license — check DBNS's Business Licenses list for your specific type.

   Official government source for Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)·N/A

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)

   N/A

2. Indianapolis Home-Based Zoning Compliance and DBA Recording

   Indianapolis has no 'Home Occupation Permit.' A cleaning service run from home must simply comply with residential zoning use restrictions (no client traffic, no exterior signage); a Zoning Classification Letter ($85) can be requested from DBNS if the zoning of a property needs confirming. If you trade under an assumed name, record a Certificate of Assumed Business Name (DBA) with the Marion County RECORDER — not the Clerk. The document must be notarized and can be filed in person, by mail, or through the Recorder's e-recording portal.

   Official government source for Indianapolis Home-Based Zoning Compliance and DBA Recording (opens in a new tab)

   $35 (Marion County Recorder DBA recording fee, plus $5 per page over 8.5" x 14"); $85 only if a Zoning Classification Letter is requested; no fee for zoning compliance itself·Recorded on submission in person; allow additional time for mail or e-recording

   $35 (Marion County Recorder DBA recording fee, plus $5 per page over 8.5" x 14"); $85 only if a Zoning Classification Letter is requested; no fee for zoning compliance itself

   Recorded on submission in person; allow additional time for mail or e-recording

Official Sources

• Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services
• Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

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