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Licenses and permits to open a dessert shop in Houston

Desserts served on site make it a food service business, with the health permit and inspection that go with it. Here are the 12 filings, in the order they're made.

Updated October 15, 202612 filingsSources: the agencies' own sites

  1. Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

    Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal

    Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Paper form, faxed or mailed
    Takes
    Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  2. Certificate of Formation (Texas LLC)

    Texas Secretary of StateTexas

    Filed online in SOSDirect, or by mail or fax.

    Fee
    $300
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  3. Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Texas Secretary of StateTexas

    Filed when the store trades under a name other than the legal name.

    Fee
    $25
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days.
    Renews
    Valid up to 10 years.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  4. Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit Application

    Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTexas

    Apply online in eSystems before your first sale; one permit for each location.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    Permit arrives in about 2 to 3 weeks.
    Renews
    Does not expire.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  5. Certified food manager

    Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas

    At least one manager passes an exam from a DSHS-licensed certified food manager program. Local health departments require a certified food manager on site whenever the place is open.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    DSHS doesn't issue the certificate itself; the accredited exam provider issues it as soon as you pass the exam.
    Renews
    Every 5 years.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  6. Food handler certificates for staff

    Texas Department of State Health ServicesTexas

    Every employee who works with unpackaged food, equipment or food-contact surfaces finishes an accredited food handler course within 30 days of hire. Certified food managers are exempt.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    Each food employee must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of being hired; the training provider issues the card.
    Renews
    Valid to the date on the card, or 2 years if none.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  7. Food establishment plan review

    Houston Health DepartmentHouston

    Submit plans before building or remodeling a food establishment.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed on the agency's portal
    Takes
    No standard time published; expedited review in 1 to 2 business days.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  8. Certificate of Occupancy

    City of Houston, Houston Permitting CenterHouston

    Form CE-1045-A, emailed to Occupancy Inspections (Occupancy.Inspections@houstontx.gov); iPermits is only for paying afterwards. Needed for a new tenant use or change of use inside city limits.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Paper form, mailed
    Takes
    Houston lists the Certificate of Occupancy's processing time as 15 minutes once the final inspection is approved; the certificate is emailed to you.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  9. Unemployment tax account

    Texas Workforce CommissionTexas

    Register online once you pay wages in Texas.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    Account number issued instantly online.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  10. Food dealer permit

    Houston Health DepartmentHouston

    The operating permit, issued after plan review and inspection. The application is emailed to Food-COO@houstontx.gov.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Paper form, mailed
    Takes
    Up to 15 business days.
    Renews
    Every year.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  11. Sign permit

    City of Houston, Sign AdministrationHouston

    Filed with the Houston Permitting Center before the sign goes up.

    Fee
    Varies
    Filed
    Filed on the agency's portal
    Takes
    About 4 to 11 business days.
    Renews
    Every year.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

  12. Franchise tax annual report

    Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTexas

    Filed every year by May 15, even when no tax is due.

    Fee
    Free
    Filed
    Filed online
    Takes
    The Comptroller doesn't publish a processing time for the report; the annual franchise tax report is due May 15 (next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday).
    Renews
    Every year by May 15.

    File on the agency's siteHow to fill it

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Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.

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