Do I Need a Pennsylvania Business License to Sell Cookies From Home?
- Although the state doesn't license businesses, any person wishing to sell goods or run a home business in Pennsylvania must register with the Department of Revenue. You can complete your registration online or by submitting form PA-100 along with the appropriate fees. You must provide extensive information about your business activities and personal contact information. The state will use this information to issue you the necessary sales tax permit, create employer withholding and unemployment compensation accounts if applicable, and file your fictitious business name on the state registry.
- Pennsylvania allows individuals to prepare certain types of food products in their home kitchen for sale to the general public, including cookies and other baked goods. However, you must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. To obtain a license, submit a plan review to the Department of Agriculture. After your plan review is approved, you can apply for a license. You have to pay a licensing fee and submit to an inspection before your license will be issued.
- While the Department of Agriculture allows home-based cookie businesses, some Pennsylvania boroughs place zoning restrictions on where these businesses can be located. Contact your local zoning authority to obtain the appropriate permission to operate a home baking business at your location, as well as any requirements for signs or extra parking. If you will be remodeling your kitchen or installing certain kinds of equipment, you also may need a construction or electrical permit.
- Depending on where you live, a local general business license or sales tax permit issued by your city may be needed. In addition, if you plan to sell your cookies at farmers' markets, fairs or other community events, a temporary food seller's permit may be required by either the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or your local authorities.
