Catering Business Permit Requirements in Fairbanks, AK

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Alaska — No State Sales Tax

   Alaska has no statewide sales tax. However, local municipalities (including Juneau and other cities) may levy local sales taxes. Check with your local municipality for applicable sales tax requirements.

   Official government source

   Free (no state sales tax registration required)·N/A

   Free (no state sales tax registration required)

   N/A

2. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation — Food Safety Manager Certification

   Alaska requires at least one certified food safety manager per food establishment. Must pass an ANSI-accredited exam such as ServSafe.

   Official government source

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. Alaska DEC Food Safety and Sanitation — Food Establishment Permit (Caterer)

   Catering out of Fairbanks requires a Food Establishment Permit in the Caterer category from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's Food Safety and Sanitation Program — there is no local health department permit, because only the Municipality of Anchorage runs its own food program. You must work from an approved commercial kitchen, submit a plan review before opening or after major remodeling, pass inspection, and have a Certified Food Protection Manager. Permits renew annually and are governed by the Alaska Food Code, 18 AAC 31.

   Official government source

   $430 annual permit fee plus a one-time $430 plan review fee for a new establishment. Add-ons if applicable: HACCP plan $125 annual plus $125 plan review, and wholesale processing $125 annual plus $125 plan review. Establishments run by a 501(c)(3) pay no fee; 501(c)(4), (c)(10), and (c)(19) organizations get 50% off the annual fee.·2–6 weeks after application, plan review, and inspection

   $430 annual permit fee plus a one-time $430 plan review fee for a new establishment. Add-ons if applicable: HACCP plan $125 annual plus $125 plan review, and wholesale processing $125 annual plus $125 plan review. Establishments run by a 501(c)(3) pay no fee; 501(c)(4), (c)(10), and (c)(19) organizations get 50% off the annual fee.

   2–6 weeks after application, plan review, and inspection

2. City of Fairbanks — City Business License

   Every business operating inside Fairbanks city limits needs a City Business License from the City Clerk’s Office (800 Cushman Street, 907-459-6702), in addition to the Alaska state business license. Each separate line of business needs its own license. Licenses expire the last day of January and renew by the last business day of February; the City will not issue a building permit to a business without a valid license.

   Official government source

   Tiered on prior-year gross receipts inside city limits under FGC 14-602: $50 up to $49,999, $120 to $249,999, $350 to $999,999, $580 to $2,999,999, $1,125 to $9,999,999, and rising to $25,000 at $120 million and above. Youth licenses (under 18) are $1. Renewals received on or after March 1 incur a $50 penalty·1–3 weeks

   Tiered on prior-year gross receipts inside city limits under FGC 14-602: $50 up to $49,999, $120 to $249,999, $350 to $999,999, $580 to $2,999,999, $1,125 to $9,999,999, and rising to $25,000 at $120 million and above. Youth licenses (under 18) are $1. Renewals received on or after March 1 incur a $50 penalty

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Fairbanks North Star Borough Health Department
• Alaska — No State Sales Tax

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