Louisiana offers a powerful opportunity for anyone looking to start a cleaning business. With steady demand from residential homes, short-term rentals, medical offices, and commercial facilities across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Shreveport, the market is wide open.
However, Louisiana is not a “set it and forget it” state. Sales tax rules, parish-level requirements, and state filings can quickly trip up new owners if they aren’t handled correctly from day one.
This ultra-local guide explains exactly how to start a cleaning business in Louisiana, comply with state and parish regulations, and build a profitable operation that scales.
For nationwide startup budgeting, see:
The Cost to Start a Cleaning Business in the USA: The 2026 Complete Guide
Step 1: Louisiana Sales Tax on Cleaning Services (Critical)
Unlike many states, cleaning services are taxable in Louisiana.
The Rule
Janitorial, custodial, and cleaning services (both residential and commercial) are subject to Louisiana state and parish sales tax.
The Action
You must register for a Louisiana Sales Tax Account before charging your first client.
- Register with the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR)
The Rate
- State sales tax: 4.45%
- Local parish tax: Often 4%–6%
- Total: Frequently 9%–10%+, depending on parish
📌 Example:
A $150 house cleaning in Orleans Parish may require collecting over $15 in sales tax.
⚠️ Warning:
If you fail to collect sales tax, Louisiana will still require you to pay it — out of pocket, plus penalties and interest.
Step 2: Forming Your LLC in Louisiana
Filing the LLC
- Cost: $100 filing fee
- Filed with: Louisiana Secretary of State
Your LLC protects your personal assets and is strongly recommended for cleaning businesses operating in Louisiana.
Annual Reports
- Required every year
- Due: Anniversary month of formation
- Fee: $30
Missing this filing can lead to administrative dissolution, even if you are actively working.
Step 3: Parish & Local Requirements (Highly Local)
Louisiana operates heavily at the parish level.
DBA / Trade Name
If you operate under a name different from your legal LLC name, you may need a Trade Name Registration.
- Filed through the Secretary of State
- Some parishes also require local registration
Occupational Licenses
Many cities and parishes (including New Orleans and Baton Rouge) require an Occupational License to legally operate.
✔ Always check your parish clerk or city government website before launching.
Step 4: Operating Across Louisiana (Logistics Matter)
Louisiana may look small on a map, but travel time adds up fast.
- New Orleans traffic + bridges
- Long suburban routes in Baton Rouge
- Rural distance between jobs
Smart Strategy
Do not service the entire region.
Instead:
- Focus on specific neighbourhoods or parishes
- Build dense routes to reduce fuel, time, and vehicle wear
Gas, bridges, and idle traffic can quietly destroy profit margins if routes aren’t controlled.
Step 5: Insurance & Hiring in Louisiana
General Liability Insurance
Strongly recommended. Many clients will not hire uninsured cleaners.
Workers’ Compensation
Louisiana does require workers’ compensation for most employers once you hire staff.
Failing to carry coverage can result in:
- Heavy fines
- Stop-work orders
- Lawsuits
Why ProCleanerUS Is Built for Louisiana Cleaning Businesses
Running a cleaning business in Louisiana means handling sales tax complexity, parish rules, and long travel routes.
ProCleanerUS helps you stay compliant and profitable:
- Automatic Sales Tax on Invoices
Applies the correct tax so you never undercharge. - Route Optimisation
Reduces fuel costs and travel time across parishes. - Mobile App for Crews
Keep teams working even with poor signal in rural areas. - Clean Reporting for Tax Time
Stay organised for parish and state filings.
Ready to Start Your Louisiana Cleaning Business?
Build a lean, compliant, and profitable cleaning company with the right tools from day one.