What are the typical regulations for having a home bakery?

Typical regulations for home bakeries include standardized kitchen space, a business license, filing income tax and food handler certification. The specific requirements for a home bakery business vary from one state to another.

Most states require a home bakery to have a sanitized and clean kitchen space. The state department of public health conducts inspections before the business opens. An inspection specialist examines the walls, ventilation, floors and cabinets to ensure that they are healthy and clean before a license can be issued. A homeowner operating a bakery is usually required to keep pets and children from areas where food is prepared or packaged.

Most states require home bakery owners to register for basic business licenses. A business owner running the business as a sole proprietor may use his legal name and Social Security number to register the business.

Home-based bakeries are also required to file taxes on all income earned through the sale of baked goods. A sole-proprietor may file taxes under his own Social Security number, and part-time business owners can file their taxes as secondary income. Bakeries running as corporations of any time, including limited liability corporations, are typically required to obtain an employer identification number from the IRS for tax purposes.

Home-based bakery owners are required to apply for food handler certification from the relevant state body. Businesses that hire employees may be required to apply for additional certification.