T
The Daily Insight

What business category is a laundromat?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Feb 11, 2026

There are two main types of laundromat businesses: standard independent retail laundromats, and laundromats that are located inside apartment buildings to serve the residents. This second type of laundry business is known as the multi-housing laundry business.

How are laundromats taxed?

Avoid Tax Pyramiding: Owners of laundromats pay sales taxes on other components of their business and roll those added costs into the vending fee for its laundry customers. When commercial laundry equipment is purchased and utilities are paid, those have all been subject to a sales tax fee.

What do you need for a laundry business?

Things You Will Need

  • Washers.
  • Dryers.
  • Coin machine or card machine.
  • Laundry carts.
  • Detergent vending machines.
  • Door hangers.
  • Fliers.

    How much profit does a laundry business make?

    The amount of money you can make from a laundry varies tremendously. According to the Coin Laundry Association’s Brian Wallace, the annual gross income from one store can range from $30,000 to $1 million. The expenses incurred while running a store range between 65 and 115 percent of the gross income.

    Is Dry Cleaner a good business?

    Are dry clean businesses very profitable? The dry cleaning industry as a whole is expected to grow, yet with increased regulations, changes in the garment industry and work attire requirements, profit margins can be slim. According to BizBuySell Insight data, the median revenue for dry cleaning businesses is $80,000.

    Are there any tax exemptions for self service laundry?

    Tax exemptions have been a pressing issue for the laundry industry and Martin-Ray wants to help you understand this subject as a vended laundry owner. For decades, self-service laundry businesses have been exempt from sales taxes in most states, with the exception of Hawaii, New Mexico, Iowa and West Virginia.

    Are there states that do not charge sales tax on laundry?

    Sticking with the Popular Choice: There are currently 45 states that charge sales tax in the U.S. and only four of those states do not allow vended laundry facilities a tax exemption. If state-based governments repealed this exemption, they would be joining a minority view.

    Who is leading the stop Laundry Tax initiative?

    The Coin Laundry Association (CLA) has been leading the Stop Laundry Tax initiative for over three decades. Acting as an advocate and resource to coin laundry business owners, the CLA offers support to those that find their current exemption status is coming under threat.

    How to avoid tax pyramiding in the laundry industry?