Catering Business Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). Catering is taxable in Arizona: ARS 42-5074 places 'catering services' squarely in the restaurant TPT classification, so caterers must license, collect, and remit TPT on gross receipts from food and service (city restaurant-classification taxes also apply). Register through AZTaxes.gov before operating.

   Official government source

   $12 per location (state TPT license fee); annual license renewal required (city license fees vary)·1–2 weeks

   $12 per location (state TPT license fee); annual license renewal required (city license fees vary)

   1–2 weeks

2. Arizona Food Handler Card / Manager Certification

   Food handler cards are a county requirement in Arizona. In Maricopa County, food workers must obtain a Maricopa County food handler card (or higher food-safety certificate), and food establishments must employ a certified food protection manager per the county's adopted food code. Verify current training and manager requirements with Maricopa County Environmental Services.

   Official government source

   $10–$100 per person/certification·1 day to 1 week

   $10–$100 per person/certification

   1 day to 1 week

3. Arizona Corporation Commission Business Registration

   Register your LLC or corporation with the Arizona Corporation Commission. Catering businesses face liability at events and should operate as an LLC for liability protection. Required before opening a business bank account.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. Maricopa County Environmental Services — Food Establishment Permit (Catering)

   Catering operations based in Phoenix are permitted by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD), not the city. A Food Catering (Class 5) operating permit covers the commissary or commercial kitchen where food is prepared; caterers using a shared-use or commissary kitchen must provide proof of that agreement. MCESD inspections verify temperature control, sanitation, and equipment compliance.

   Official government source

   $530/year (MCESD Food Catering – Class 5; the adopted fee schedule raises this to $614)·2–4 weeks

   $530/year (MCESD Food Catering – Class 5; the adopted fee schedule raises this to $614)

   2–4 weeks

2. Maricopa County Mobile Food Vehicle Permit (if using catering vehicle)

   Required by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (MCESD) if food is transported and served from a vehicle at event locations. The vehicle must have temperature-maintaining equipment, handwashing facilities, and sanitary food storage, and must operate from a permitted commissary. Separate from the base kitchen permit.

   Official government source

   $120–$610/year depending on unit type (MCESD: Mobile Food Type I $120, Type II $240, Type III $610)·2–3 weeks

   $120–$610/year depending on unit type (MCESD: Mobile Food Type I $120, Type II $240, Type III $610)

   2–3 weeks

3. Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)

   The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR·1 week

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR

   1 week

Official Sources

• phoenix.gov
• maricopa.gov
• azdor.gov
• azdhs.gov

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