Catering Business Permit Requirements in Huntington, 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. Cabell County / Huntington Catering / Food Service Establishment License

   Catering businesses operating out of Huntington must obtain a food service permit from the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, which requires a completed plan review (SF-35) with floor plans and equipment list for the kitchen used.

   Official government source

   Fee not published online; confirm with Cabell-Huntington Health Department·2–6 weeks

   Fee not published online; confirm with Cabell-Huntington Health Department

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Huntington Finance Department — General Business License

   Huntington requires a General Business License for businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes applications; a copy of the WV Business Registration Certificate is required. The license must be renewed annually (July 1-June 30) and displayed at your place of business. A Business & Occupation gross-receipts tax and a $5/week/employee City Service Fee apply separately.

   Official government source

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

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

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