So as I just mentioned on a previous topic, I found a licensed kitchen I am able to use, which is a big load off my mind, as I want to be all legal. So my next question is: do I need to have an official business license before I am "allowed" to sell cakes? Or is it not absolutely necessary legally if I declare the income on taxes etc? I do plan on getting one, I'm just wondering about if I'd be breaking the rules in the mean time?
Here are the things you MUST have in place BEFORE selling even one food item.
DBA or Ficticious Name certificate from your county or parish declaring if you are a sole proprietorship or partnership. This reserves your business name in that county and protects it from being used by other entities.
Sales Tax Permit (depending on state)
MOST IMPORTANT- Your food establishment/manufacturers permit/license this is issued by your governing HD (Health Department) Some states call it Agriculture Dept.
Not all states require it but if they do you will need your Mangers Food Safety course completion certificate
And last but certainly not least although this is optional but super stupid to operate without...LIABILITY INSURANCE
Yes you can get in trouble if you do ANY sales prior to aquiring these items. And usually the renting kitchen won't let you step foot in their facility unless you have all these items as well.
Good Luck with your new venture!
Why would you not incorporate? You need to protect your personal assets such as your home etc. In most states, you can do it right online. You also need a tax id number and that will allow you to buy supplies wholesale. The list goes on and on about why you need to be a legit business plus it may be the law.
Yes I agree it's necessary and a good idea for all those reasons 
I was simply curious if I could get started as I work on all those steps or still should hold off until the rest is official. I am certainly not considering NOT doing any of those things.
And thanks for the list cakesdivine, I would have a hard time knowing where to start without those.
Hello,
I am in the same situation as you. I was able to all of the registering online. It was simple and easy.
Good luck!
Good to know, thanks! I guess I need to stop being intimidated and just get it all over with!
Yup, get over being intimidated and just do it. Believe me, I've had this similar self-talk with myself all week! I KNOW the feeling. LOL! Yesterday, I told myself that I needed to complete it by the end of the day instead of dragging my feet. I am telling you, you will feel so much better once you complete it!
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