How to Start a Cleaning Business in Missouri: Complete Guide

Starting a cleaning business in Missouri typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in Missouri, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.

Why Start a Cleaning Business in Missouri?

Missouri has two major metro areas with over 2 million people each. Kansas City and St. Louis give you access to huge markets on opposite sides of the state.

The filing fee for a limited liability company is just $50. There is no annual report fee. This makes Missouri one of the cheapest states to start and maintain a business.

Cleaning services are not taxable in Missouri. This simplifies your billing and makes your prices more attractive to clients.

How Do You Choose a Business Structure?

You need to decide how to set up your business. Missouri offers two main choices for cleaning companies.

Sole Proprietorship

This is the simplest way to start. You do not need to file with the state. Missouri considers you a sole owner right away.

If you want a business name, file a fictitious name registration with the Secretary of State. The fee is $7.

The downside is you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your personal savings are at risk.

Limited Liability Company

This is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay protected.

To form one in Missouri, file Articles of Organization. You do this online through the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $50.

Missouri does not require an annual report for limited liability companies. This is a big advantage. No yearly fees and no reports to remember.

How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?

An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account. You also need it to file taxes and hire workers.

Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away when you apply online.

Missouri Income Tax

Missouri has a state income tax. The top rate is 4.95 percent. Your cleaning business income passes through to your personal tax return.

You may need to make quarterly estimated payments. The Missouri Department of Revenue handles all state tax filings.

Cleaning Services and Sales Tax

Good news: cleaning services are not taxable in Missouri. This includes residential and commercial cleaning.

This makes your billing simple. The price you quote is the price the client pays. No extra tax to calculate or collect.

What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?

Missouri has no statewide business license. There is also no special cleaning license at the state level. This keeps things simple.

However, cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield require local business licenses. Requirements vary by where you are located.

Local Business Licenses

Kansas City requires a city business license. St. Louis has separate requirements since it is an independent city. Springfield and Columbia may also require permits. Check with your city clerk.

Fees are usually low. Most range from $25 to $150 per year.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. Missouri requires some types of coverage. Here is what you need.

• General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required in Missouri for employers with five or more employees. Many cleaning business owners get it sooner for extra protection
• Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required but highly recommended. Costs $100 to $500 per year
• Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Missouri requires minimum liability coverage on all vehicles

For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.

What Are Missouri Labor Laws?

If you plan to hire workers, you need to follow Missouri labor laws from day one.

Minimum Wage

Missouri's minimum wage is $12.30 per hour. This is higher than the federal rate. It adjusts each year based on the cost of living.

Most cleaning businesses pay $14 to $19 per hour to attract good workers. The Kansas City and St. Louis markets need higher wages to compete.

Worker Classification

Missouri follows federal standards for worker classification. Cleaning workers who follow your schedule usually count as employees. Classifying them wrong leads to fines.

When in doubt, hire them as employees.

Unemployment Insurance

When you hire employees, register for unemployment insurance. Register through the Missouri Department of Labor. New employers pay a starting rate.

What Safety Rules Apply?

Missouri uses federal workplace safety rules. The state does not have its own safety program. Federal offices in Missouri oversee workplace safety.

Hazard Communication

You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on each product they handle. Show them what to do if a spill happens.

Heat and Humidity Safety

Missouri summers are hot and humid. Workers moving between air-conditioned buildings and hot vehicles can overheat. Keep water available and watch for signs of heat stress.

How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Missouri?

Missouri has a moderate cost of living. Kansas City and St. Louis support good rates. Smaller cities need more moderate prices.

Typical pricing ranges in Missouri:

• Home cleaning (hourly) — $24 to $48 per hour
• Home cleaning (flat rate) — $110 to $280 for a standard 3-bedroom home
• Deep cleaning — $190 to $420 depending on home size
• Move-in or move-out cleaning — $210 to $480
• Office cleaning — $0.06 to $0.14 per square foot

Since there is no sales tax on cleaning, your quoted price is the final price. Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area.

What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Missouri?

Missouri has cleaning niches that do especially well. Two major metros and a diverse economy create many options.

Kansas City Suburban Cleaning

The Kansas City metro stretches across Missouri and Kansas. South Kansas City suburbs like Lee's Summit and Blue Springs are growing fast. These families pay well for quality cleaning.

St. Louis Metro Cleaning

St. Louis has wealthy suburbs like Chesterfield, Ladue, and Clayton. These areas have large homes and high-income families. Premium residential cleaning thrives here.

College Town Cleaning

Columbia is home to the University of Missouri. Over 30,000 students create demand for move-out cleaning. The end of each semester is especially busy.

Branson Tourism Cleaning

Branson is a major entertainment destination. Hotels, vacation rentals, and theaters all need regular cleaning. This is a seasonal niche with peak demand in summer.

Corporate Office Cleaning

Both Kansas City and St. Louis have major corporate offices. Companies like Cerner, Hallmark, and Edward Jones need regular cleaning. Commercial contracts provide stable income.

How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Missouri?

Getting clients in Missouri follows the same steps as most states. Here are strategies that work well.

Google Business Profile

Set up your profile with your city, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review. Most people search online first.

Nextdoor and Facebook Groups

Missouri residents are active on Nextdoor and Facebook. Join groups for your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips. Many neighborhoods have active online communities.

Property Manager Partnerships

Both Kansas City and St. Louis have large rental markets. Property managers need move-out cleaning between tenants. Offer them reliable service and special rates.

For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide and How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.

How Much Does It Cost to Start in Missouri?

Missouri is one of the cheapest states to start a cleaning business. The $50 filing fee and no annual report make it very affordable.

• Limited liability company filing — $50 (one-time, no annual report required)
• Fictitious name registration — $7 (if using a different business name)
• Local business license — $25 to $150 per year (varies by city)
• General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
• Workers' compensation insurance — Required with 5 or more employees (rates vary)
• Surety bond — $100 to $500 per year (recommended)
• Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
• Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500

What Is on Your Missouri Startup Checklist?

Follow these steps in order. Complete each one before moving on.

1. Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sos.mo.gov ($50, no annual report)
2. Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
3. Register with the Department of Revenue — Set up your state tax account at dor.mo.gov
4. Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
5. Get your local business license — Check your city requirements
6. Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
7. Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
8. Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator (no sales tax on cleaning)
9. Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
10. Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, reach out to property managers
11. Get workers' compensation when you reach five employees — Required at that threshold in Missouri
12. Register for unemployment insurance — Required before your first employee starts

What Are the Best Tips for Missouri?

Here are practical tips for success in Missouri.

• Take advantage of the $50 filing fee — Missouri is one of the cheapest states to form a limited liability company with no annual report
• No sales tax means simpler billing — Your quoted price is the final price. Clients love this clarity
• Budget for the higher minimum wage — At $12.30 per hour, your labor costs are higher. Price your services to cover this
• Pick one metro to start — Focus on Kansas City or St. Louis. Do not try to serve both at first
• Target wealthy suburbs — Chesterfield, Ladue, Lee's Summit, and Blue Springs pay premium rates
• Consider the Branson market — Tourism cleaning pays well during peak season
• Workers' compensation kicks in at five employees — Plan ahead so you have coverage ready
• Use MaidProfit to manage bookings — Track jobs, invoices, and employee hours with one tool

What Are the Guides for Nearby States?

If you serve areas near the Missouri border, these guides may help.

Where Do You Find Missouri Government Resources?

Here is a complete list of every government website in this guide. Bookmark these for later.

What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?

These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.

Start Your Missouri Cleaning Business Today

Missouri offers two major metros, no sales tax on cleaning, and the cheapest startup costs around. The $50 filing fee and no annual report make it incredibly affordable.

Start by forming your limited liability company. Get your Employer Identification Number and register with the Department of Revenue. Buy insurance, check local licenses, and set your prices.

Then focus on getting clients through Google and local connections.

The growing suburbs, corporate offices, and tourism destinations create year-round demand. Every successful Missouri cleaning company started with one owner and one first client. Take action today.