Catering Business Permit Requirements in Missoula, MT

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. Montana — No Sales Tax

   Montana has no state or local sales tax. Businesses do not need a sales tax permit. However, businesses must register with the Montana Department of Revenue for applicable business taxes (e.g., withholding, corporate income tax if applicable).

   Official government source

   Free (business registration)·Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

   Free (business registration)

   Immediate (online via TransAction Portal)

2. Montana Department of Public Health — Food Safety Manager Certification

   Montana requires at least one certified food safety manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider such as ServSafe.

   Official government source

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. Missoula County / Missoula Catering / Food Service Establishment License

   Catering businesses in Missoula must be licensed as retail food establishments. The annual license is issued by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and administered locally by Missoula Public Health, which handles plan review and the pre-opening inspection. A licensed commercial kitchen is required; licenses renew annually.

   Official government source

   $150–$275/year state license fee depending on establishment size ($150 small, $225 medium, $275 large — MCA 50-50-205), plus a separate plan-review fee paid to Missoula Public Health·2–6 weeks

   $150–$275/year state license fee depending on establishment size ($150 small, $225 medium, $275 large — MCA 50-50-205), plus a separate plan-review fee paid to Missoula Public Health

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Missoula — Business License (Community Planning, Development & Innovation)

   Most businesses operating in Missoula must obtain a city business license through the Community Planning, Development & Innovation (CPDI) department, applied for via the city's online Permit and License Portal. State-licensed professionals (e.g., physicians, attorneys, real estate agents, insurance professionals, nail technicians) are exempt. General business licenses expire May 31 each year regardless of issue date and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887·1–3 weeks

   $60 per full-time-equivalent employee for a commercial location (minimum $240) or $40/FTE home-based (minimum $160); renewal $27/FTE (minimum $108) — CY2026 fee schedule, Resolution 8887

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Missoula County Health Department
• Montana — No Sales Tax

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