Home Bakery Permit Requirements in Tucson, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Issued by the IRS at no cost. Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC, or need a business bank account. Many cottage food bakers start as sole proprietors using their SSN, but an EIN provides privacy and is needed as you grow.

   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 (e.g., farmers markets, roadside stands, or directly from your home). Shipping or selling through third-party platforms is not permitted under the exemption. Allowed products include baked goods, jams, candies, and other non-TCS foods.

   Official government source

   Free (no permit required under exemption)·Immediate

   Free (no permit required under exemption)

   Immediate

2. Arizona Department of Agriculture Registration (if applicable)

   If your cottage food sales grow beyond direct home transactions or you wish to sell at certified farmers markets, the Arizona Department of Agriculture may require registration. Contact AZDA Weights and Measures Division to confirm your registration obligations before expanding operations.

   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). Cottage food sales may be subject to TPT if sold at events with taxable activities. Food sold for home consumption may be exempt — consult ADOR for your specific situation. If any taxable activity applies, register through AZTaxes.gov.

   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 scale beyond the cottage food exemption or operate under a business name. Sole proprietors may file a DBA with the Pima County Recorder.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

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

   Tucson's home occupation regulations restrict commercial food production from residences. Home bakers operating beyond the Arizona Cottage Food exemption must use a licensed commercial or shared-use kitchen. Contact the City of Tucson Planning & Development Services for your specific zoning situation before starting operations.

   Official government source

   $50–$150·2–4 weeks

   $50–$150

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• azda.az.gov
• tucsonaz.gov
• azdor.gov
• azcc.gov

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