Catering Business Permit Requirements in Charleston, WV

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. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

   Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia every individual or business entity must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the WV Tax Division (WV Code §11-12-1 et seq.), applied for through the Business for West Virginia portal at business4.wv.gov or on form BUS-APP. A separate certificate is needed for each business name and each location. The certificate is permanent — it does not expire — until the legal name, location or ownership changes, and it must be surrendered when the business stops operating in West Virginia. It also authorises you to collect the 6% state sales tax plus any municipal sales tax of up to 1%.

   Official government source

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location·1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location

   1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

2. Certified Food Protection Manager (ANSI-accredited certification)

   West Virginia's food establishment rule (64CSR17, adopting the 2013 FDA Food Code) requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager for each food establishment, including food trucks and catering operations. The certificate is earned by passing an exam from an ANSI-CFP accredited provider (ServSafe, Prometric, National Registry, 360training) — the state does not issue it. Local health departments verify the certificate at inspection, and all other employees typically need a Food Handler's card from the county health department.

   Official government source

   $80–$150 (course plus proctored exam through an ANSI-accredited provider)·1–2 days

   $80–$150 (course plus proctored exam through an ANSI-accredited provider)

   1–2 days

1. Kanawha County / Charleston Catering / Food Service Establishment License

   Catering businesses operating out of Charleston must obtain a Food Establishment Permit from the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, which requires a Plan Review Packet, a licensed/approved kitchen, and an on-site inspection before operating. KCHD does not publish a specific fee amount online; confirm current fees by calling KCHD Environmental Health at (304) 348-8050.

   Official government source

   Not published; confirm with KCHD Environmental Health·2–6 weeks

   Not published; confirm with KCHD Environmental Health

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Charleston Office of the City Collector — Business Registration / General Business License

   Charleston requires businesses within city limits to register with the Office of the City Collector and obtain a General Business License (flat $20 fee), plus pay the city's Business & Occupation (B&O) privilege tax on gross receipts (rate varies by classification) and a City Service Fee of $3/week per employee working within city limits. Renewed annually and displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   $20 flat General Business License fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $3/week per employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat General Business License fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $3/week per employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Kanawha County Health Department
• West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

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