Home Bakery Permits & Licenses in San Francisco, California

Required for all LLCs. Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) due within 90 days of formation ($20 fee), then biennially ($20 renewal).

Applies to all California LLCs.

Required for all home bakeries under Cottage Food Operations law (Class A: direct sales only; Class B: indirect sales). Must complete approved food safety course. Applies specifically to non-potentially hazardous baked goods.

Required for retail sales of baked goods. Exempt if only selling at farmers' markets with certified producer certificate (but most home bakeries need it).

Required for withholding state income tax, UI, SDI. Federal EIN also needed (irs.gov).

Filed with county clerk where principal place of business is located, then published in newspaper. SOS provides guidance.

Required if scaling beyond cottage food limits. Home bakeries start with Cottage Food registration.

Required for all California retailers of tangible personal property. Home bakers selling directly to consumers (e.g., at farmers markets, online, or from home under Cottage Food Law) must collect and remit sales tax unless exempt. Baked goods are generally taxable unless sold without packaging or labeling (some exemptions may apply).

All California LLCs must file Form 568 (LLC Return of Income) annually, regardless of income. Due date is the 15th day of the 4th month after the close of the taxable year (typically April 15).

All LLCs doing business in California must pay an $800 minimum franchise tax annually, even if inactive or earning no income. First-year exemption may apply if LLC is formed and dissolved within the same taxable year. Effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, the $800 minimum tax remains in effect.

Required if the home bakery hires W-2 employees. Employers must withhold state income tax and remit to CDTFA. Registration is done via Form DE 1, Application for Employer Identification Number, Withholding, and Other Tax Accounts.

All employers in California must register with EDD and pay Unemployment Insurance tax on first $7,000 of wages per employee annually. Rate varies by experience rating (new employers: 3.4%).

Most California cities and counties require a business license or tax registration for all businesses operating within their jurisdiction, including home-based businesses. Fees and requirements vary (e.g., Berkeley: $47/year; Los Angeles: $38–$100+ depending on revenue). Check with local city or county clerk. Example: https://www.cityofberkeley.edu/businesslicense

Required for home bakers selling low-risk foods (e.g., breads, cookies, cakes) directly to consumers. Must register with the county health department. Does not exempt from sales tax or business license requirements. See CDPH Cottage Food Operation guidelines.

Required for all businesses operating within city limits

Zoning permit confirming home-based operation complies with residential land use restrictions

Mandatory state registration with CDFA; includes annual renewal and inspection requirements

Notification to County Public Health Department

Only required if local ordinance explicitly mandates them

California Labor Code § 3700 requires all employers to carry workers' compensation coverage regardless of business structure. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt from this requirement. Home bakers operating as LLCs with no employees are not required to carry coverage, but must obtain it immediately upon hiring.

Not legally required by California state law for home bakeries. However, many event venues, farmers markets, or co-packagers require proof of general liability insurance. Strongly recommended for risk management. Regulated under California Retail Food Code via Department of Public Health for food safety, but insurance is not mandated.

California does not legally require product liability insurance for cottage food operations. However, selling consumable goods exposes the business to liability risks. Coverage is strongly recommended and often bundled with general liability. Governed de facto by product liability laws under California Civil Code.

California requires commercial auto insurance if a vehicle is used primarily for business. Personal policies may not cover accidents during business use. DMV mandates proper classification of vehicles used commercially. Applies to LLC-owned vehicles or personal vehicles used regularly for business transport.

California does not require a surety bond for home bakery operations registered under the California Cottage Food Law (AB 1616). The law distinguishes between Class A (direct sales, no inspection) and Class B (indirect sales, inspection required), but neither requires a bond. Local health departments may impose additional rules, but bonding is not standard.

California does not require professional liability insurance for home bakers. This coverage protects against claims of negligence in services (e.g., incorrect allergen labeling). While not mandated, it is recommended for businesses offering custom orders or consulting. Regulated by California Department of Insurance, but no statutory requirement exists.

Not applicable to standard home bakeries. Required only if the business operates an event or tasting that includes alcohol service. No home bakery under the Cottage Food Law is permitted to serve alcohol without a separate ABC license. Liquor liability insurance is typically mandated as part of such licensing.

All LLCs are required to obtain an EIN from the IRS regardless of whether they have employees. This is used for federal tax purposes, including income, employment, and excise taxes.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C of the owner's Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. Profits/losses flow through to members’ personal tax returns.

Owners of LLCs who earn net profit must pay self-employment tax on their share of profits. This covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.

Home bakeries with employees must comply with OSHA’s general duty clause and maintain a safe workplace. Employers must report work-related fatalities within 8 hours and serious injuries within 24 hours. No requirement for employers with 10 or fewer employees unless in a high-hazard industry (baking not classified as such).

If customers visit the home for pickup or sales, the business must comply with ADA accessibility standards to the extent readily achievable. Most home bakeries avoid this by using delivery or curbside pickup only.

All food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human consumption in the U.S. must register with FDA. Home bakeries operating solely within California are exempt from federal registration but must comply with state cottage food laws. Registration is required only if selling outside California.

Any prepackaged food sold in interstate commerce must comply with FDA labeling rules: product name, ingredients list (descending order), allergen labeling (milk, eggs, wheat, etc.), net quantity, and name/place of business. California Cottage Food Law allows exemptions for intrastate sales under $50,000/year.

All advertising must be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to websites, social media, and packaging. Claims such as “organic,” “natural,” or “handmade” must be accurate. FTC does not regulate “organic” certification (that is USDA), but does enforce false claims.

All employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. E-Verify is not mandatory federally unless in certain states or federal contracts.

Applies minimum wage ($7.25 federal, but California state law sets higher), overtime (1.5x after 40 hours), recordkeeping, and child labor rules. California law supersedes federal where stricter.

Requires eligible employees to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for qualifying reasons. Most home bakeries do not meet the 50-employee threshold and are not covered.

Most home bakeries do not generate hazardous waste. If only using household cleaners, EPA regulations do not apply. Only applies if using regulated chemicals in significant quantities.

Required for all LLCs registered in California. First filing due within 90 days of formation; subsequent filings due annually. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution.

Home bakers selling directly to consumers must collect and remit sales tax on taxable items. The permit does not expire but must be kept current with address and ownership changes.

Mandatory for home bakers selling non-potentially hazardous foods (e.g., breads, cookies). Must register with the county health department. Renewal required yearly. List of allowed foods and labeling requirements apply.

LLCs with employees or electing corporate taxation must obtain an EIN. No renewal required, but must notify IRS of address or responsible party changes.

Employers must file Form DE 9 (Combined Quarterly Wage Report) and pay unemployment insurance taxes quarterly. New employers pay 3.4% for first 2–3 years.

Self-employed individuals in an LLC must make quarterly estimated tax payments covering federal income and self-employment taxes. Due dates may shift slightly if they fall on weekends.

Required for LLC owners expecting to owe $500+ in California income tax. Payments cover personal income tax on business profits.

Multi-member LLCs must file Form 1065 and issue Schedule K-1 to members. Single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report income on owner’s Form 1040.

All California LLCs must pay $800 annual franchise tax regardless of income. First-year waiver available for new LLCs (AB 85, effective 2021–2023); currently reinstated as of 2024.

Inspections ensure compliance with kitchen use, labeling, and allowed food types. Some counties conduct random or complaint-based inspections.

Many California cities require an annual business license. Home bakers must check with their local jurisdiction. Some exempt home-based businesses; others do not.

Required posters include Minimum Wage, Injury Prevention, Paid Sick Leave, and EEO. Must be displayed in a conspicuous location accessible to employees.

Must maintain sales records including buyer name, date, product, quantity, and price. Required for traceability and inspection purposes.

Federal law requires retention of tax-related records (income, expenses, deductions) for at least 3 years. California conforms to federal retention rules.

The certificate of registration must be available for inspection at sales locations (e.g., farmers markets). Digital copy acceptable if original is kept at home.

Many cities require a separate home occupation permit for home-based businesses. Restrictions may include no customer signage, limited deliveries, and no exterior modifications. Check with your city planning department.