Catering Business Permit Requirements in Las Cruces, 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 for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)

   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 for New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

   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 for New Mexico Environment Department — Food Safety Manager Certification (opens in a new tab)

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. New Mexico Environment Department — Food Service Establishment Permit (Catering)

   Catering businesses based in Las Cruces must obtain a food establishment permit from the New Mexico Environment Department Food Safety Program (NMED permits food establishments statewide outside Bernalillo County/Albuquerque). Operating from a permitted commercial kitchen and passing plan review and inspection are required before the permit is issued.

   Official government source for New Mexico Environment Department — Food Service Establishment Permit (Catering) (opens in a new tab)

   Annual permit plus plan-review fees; amounts changed recently — confirm current fees with NMED Food Safety Program (505-222-9500)·2–6 weeks

   Annual permit plus plan-review fees; amounts changed recently — confirm current fees with NMED Food Safety Program (505-222-9500)

   2–6 weeks

2. City of Las Cruces — Business Registration

   Las Cruces requires an annual business registration for any business with a physical location in city limits, including home-based businesses. Apply through the city's online Citizen Portal; an NM CRS/Business Tax ID number is required first. The registration must be renewed annually.

   Official government source for City of Las Cruces — Business Registration (opens in a new tab)

   $35/year ($20/year for nonprofits)·1–3 weeks

   $35/year ($20/year for nonprofits)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Doña Ana County Health Department
• New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

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