Catering Business Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

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. Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source for Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

2. Certified Food Safety Manager (Utah Admin Code R392-101)

   Utah requires each food service establishment to have at least one certified food safety manager under Utah Admin Code R392-101 (a Department of Health and Human Services rule enforced through local health departments — not the Department of Agriculture and Food). Certification requires passing an approved, ANSI/ANAB-accredited food protection manager exam; proof is submitted to the local health department within 60 days and is valid for three years.

   Official government source for Certified Food Safety Manager (Utah Admin Code R392-101) (opens in a new tab)

   $80–$150·1–2 days

   $80–$150

   1–2 days

1. Salt Lake County / Salt Lake City Catering / Food Service Establishment License

   Catering businesses based in Salt Lake City need a food service permit from the Salt Lake County Health Department, which requires an approved commercial kitchen and plan review plus a pre-opening inspection (a residential kitchen is not allowed), and a Salt Lake City business license. Permits renew annually and are not transferable.

   Official government source for Salt Lake County / Salt Lake City Catering / Food Service Establishment License (opens in a new tab)

   Set by the Salt Lake County Health Department fee schedule (not published online) - call 385-468-3845 for current food-permit and plan-review fees·2–6 weeks

   Set by the Salt Lake County Health Department fee schedule (not published online) - call 385-468-3845 for current food-permit and plan-review fees

   2–6 weeks

2. Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License

   Salt Lake City requires a business license for businesses operating within city limits (SLC Code Title 5). Apply through the Business Licensing Division; licenses renew annually and must be displayed. Exception: under Utah Code 10-1-203.5, a no-impact home-based business (one whose combined off-site impact does not materially exceed that of the residence alone) cannot be required to obtain a city license or pay a license fee.

   Official government source for Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License (opens in a new tab)

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)·1–3 weeks

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Salt Lake County Health Department
• Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

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