Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC or corporation, or need a business bank account. Many cottage food businesses operate as sole proprietors using their SSN initially, but an EIN adds privacy and professionalism.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Cottage Food Exemption

   Under Arizona's Cottage Food Law (ARS § 36-136), home bakers may sell directly to consumers without a food establishment permit or license. Arizona sets no gross-sales cap for cottage food (2024 HB 2042 expansion). Sales must be direct to the end consumer (farmers markets, roadside stands, or directly from your home). No online sales with third-party shipping are permitted under the exemption. Allowed products include baked goods, jams, candies, and other non-TCS (temperature-controlled for safety) foods.

   Official government source

   Free (no permit required under exemption)·Immediate

   Free (no permit required under exemption)

   Immediate

2. Arizona Department of Agriculture Direct-to-Consumer Registration

   If your cottage food operation qualifies under the exemption but you want to expand sales beyond simple home sales, AZDA may require registration. Contact the Arizona Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures Division to confirm whether your operation requires registration.

   Official government source

   Varies·1–2 weeks

   Varies

   1–2 weeks

3. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). Even cottage food sales may be subject to TPT if annual gross receipts exceed certain thresholds or if you sell at events with taxable activities. Register through AZTaxes.gov. Food sold for home consumption may qualify for the food exemption from TPT — consult ADOR for your specific situation.

   Official government source

   $12 one-time registration·1–2 weeks

   $12 one-time registration

   1–2 weeks

4. Arizona Corporation Commission Business Registration

   Register your LLC or business entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission if you plan to grow beyond the cottage food exemption or operate under a business name other than your own legal name.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Phoenix Home Occupation Permit (if applicable)

   Phoenix city code restricts home-based food production. If you wish to operate beyond the Arizona Cottage Food exemption (direct-to-consumer sales only), you must use a licensed commercial kitchen. A home occupation permit alone does not authorize food sales from a residence in Phoenix — contact Phoenix Planning & Development for your specific zoning situation.

   Official government source

   $50–$150·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• azda.az.gov
• phoenix.gov
• azdor.gov
• azcc.gov

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