To find out what your state licensing agency requires visit http://www.business.gov/register/licenses-and-permits/ Just enter your state, zip code or city and choose general licensing. This will take you right to the link to register your business. If you are still unsure, search for your state's business agency online and find a phone number to call. Someone there will be able to help you. You may also be required to collect sales tax. To find out if your state requires you to collect sales tax, go to http://www.business.gov/guides/taxes/state.html.

Hi there, Browse google and check around.  I don't really think business license is needed, at least in the beginning. Make sure you keep all the bookkeeping records in place for the tax return. that should be enough for mortgage purpose business license is a must once your business is growing, but to start with i dont think so

Hi, We have a lot of information on in our "Starting a Business" section, but another approach that may be useful is talking to a mentor who could offer you specific guidance. Another great resource is SCORE, one of SBA's resource partners. SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of thousands of volunteer business counselors throughout the country. They are trained to serve as advisors and mentors to aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners-at no cost to you! You can find your local office or set up an online meeting to chat with someone about your questions. Visit SBA Direct to find your local SBA resource partners by entering your zip code.

Legally, you should have registered your business name (unless you are using your full name as the business name, such as Joe Jones Cleaning) before you started the business and you should have been keeping records all along. If you register only the business name, you will be creating a sole proprietorship. You will then report your income and expenses by filing a Schedule C with your personal income taxes. You will be able to deduct your expeses, such as cleaning supplies and mileage, from your income. You may also need to pay quarterly estimated taxes on your income if this is your only job and you are not having income tax withheld by an employer. You can find information about that on the IRS web site.