Q: I run a cleaning business in Durham, North Carolina, cleaning move-out apartments and private homes as needed. Do I need an EIN and an LLC?
A: Both are optional while you work alone, but each has real benefits. Here is what a cleaning business in Durham needs: 1. Federal tax ID number (EIN) to keep your Social Security number private 2. North Carolina LLC, if you want liability protection 3. Assumed business name certificate for a trade name 4. General liability insurance and bonding 5. State employer ID number when you hire