Catering Business Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

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. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

   New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

   Official government source

   Free (no registration fee)·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free (no registration fee)

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. New Mexico Environment Department — Food Safety Manager Certification

   New Mexico requires at least one certified food protection manager per food establishment. Certification must be from an ANSI-accredited provider.

   Official government source

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. New Mexico Environment Department - Retail Food Establishment Permit (Catering)

   Catering businesses operating in Santa Fe must obtain a retail food establishment permit from the New Mexico Environment Department's Food Safety Program, which permits and inspects food establishments statewide (except Bernalillo County/Albuquerque) - Santa Fe has no local health department. An opening inspection is required before the permit is issued; confirm kitchen/commissary requirements for your operation with NMED. A City of Santa Fe business license is also required.

   Official government source

   Permit fees are set and collected by NMED; confirm current amounts with the NMED Food Safety Program (505-827-2855)·2–6 weeks

   Permit fees are set and collected by NMED; confirm current amounts with the NMED Food Safety Program (505-827-2855)

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Santa Fe Planning and Land Use Department — Business License

   Santa Fe requires a business license for anyone conducting business within city limits, administered by the Business Licensing office of the city's Planning and Land Use Department. Applicants first register with the New Mexico Secretary of State (for entities) and obtain state gross receipts tax registration, then apply through the city's online self-service portal; a Certificate of Compliance inspection is part of issuance. Licenses are valid for one year and renewed annually.

   Official government source

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)·1–3 weeks

   License fee plus a Certificate of Compliance inspection fee; amounts are invoiced by the city — confirm with Business Licensing (505-955-6551)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Santa Fe County Health Department
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

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