Catering Business Permit Requirements in Fort Wayne, IN

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. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

   Official government source

   $25 one-time registration fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

2. Indiana Department of Health — Certified Food Protection Manager Requirement

   Indiana's food protection rule (410 IAC 7-26, with certification under 410 IAC 7-22 as amended by HEA 1210) requires every retail food establishment — including catering operations and mobile food units — to employ at least one certified food protection manager. The certification must come from an ANSI/ANAB-accredited program such as ServSafe Manager, the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals or Prometric; a basic food handler card does not satisfy it. Certification is typically valid five years, and the certificate holder's name and expiration date must be listed on your local health department permit application.

   Official government source

   Set by the training provider, not the state. Examples listed by Vanderburgh County Health Department: ServSafe Manager class, book and exam about $160; exam only $65; or a $36 ServSafe voucher plus a $45 proctor fee ($81 total)·Same day for the exam; 1–2 weeks for the certificate

   Set by the training provider, not the state. Examples listed by Vanderburgh County Health Department: ServSafe Manager class, book and exam about $160; exam only $65; or a $36 ServSafe voucher plus a $45 proctor fee ($81 total)

   Same day for the exam; 1–2 weeks for the certificate

1. Allen County Department of Health — Retail Food Establishment Permit

   A catering business working out of Fort Wayne must hold an annual Retail Food Establishment permit from the Allen County Department of Health — Fort Wayne has no separate city health department. Food must be prepared in a permitted commercial kitchen; the permit covers only the facility at the address listed, and off-site preparation outside the definition of catering is prohibited. Plans for new construction or remodeling must be reviewed by the Department before you pull any Allen County Building Department permits. Each establishment must employ a certified food protection manager under 410 IAC 7-26.

   Official government source

   Annual permit by employee count: 1–5 employees $300; 6–9 $400; 10–40 $450; 41+ $500 (late renewals 125%). New establishments and changes of ownership add a $280 plan review and initial inspection fee; new operators also pay a $175 90-day probationary inspection fee·2–6 weeks (plan review, construction, opening inspection)

   Annual permit by employee count: 1–5 employees $300; 6–9 $400; 10–40 $450; 41+ $500 (late renewals 125%). New establishments and changes of ownership add a $280 plan review and initial inspection fee; new operators also pay a $175 90-day probationary inspection fee

   2–6 weeks (plan review, construction, opening inspection)

2. Fort Wayne — No General Business License

   Fort Wayne has no general city business license, and there is no "Department of Neighborhood Code Enforcement" business license. The city's official Starting a Business guide states: "The City of Fort Wayne does not currently require a general business license." What does apply: register your business name with the Allen County Recorder if it does not include the owner's last name, verify zoning with the Allen County Department of Planning Services, and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Allen County Building Department after final inspection of any commercial space.

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists. Related fees: Certificate of Assumed Business Name $25 (Allen County Recorder); Allen County Building Department permit and contractor license fees vary by project.·Not applicable — there is no general license to apply for. Certificate of Occupancy timing depends on Allen County Building Department plan review and final inspection.

   $0 — no general business license exists. Related fees: Certificate of Assumed Business Name $25 (Allen County Recorder); Allen County Building Department permit and contractor license fees vary by project.

   Not applicable — there is no general license to apply for. Certificate of Occupancy timing depends on Allen County Building Department plan review and final inspection.

Official Sources

• Allen County Health Department
• Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

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