Melanie Dillman

Lots of good info Julie. In addition to that, I think you will be considered a self-employed independent contractor when tax time rolls around. At least in CA, you need to pay estimated taxes every quarter for your business, and you can get penalized if you don’t. Aside from estimated taxes, I don’t think you have much you need to do now, other…[Read more]

I wish I could help you more. All I know for sure is that this wouldn’t be allowed under the cottage food law, but you already know that. I believe that you can run this kind of business from home, but I am not an expert in any way about creating personal care products. You might need to get a home occupation permit and seller’s permit, and I…[Read more]

I am not a legal or tax authority, but I have dealt with some of this myself.

*** First: sales tax, and federal income tax, are two different issues.

I am not sure what the exact amount is, it used to be $400 for the year, and your income would need to exceed the amount they have set, before you are required to file and pay federal income…[Read more]

John, I know it’s hard to find this info, but it’s not that crazy! (you’re not the first person to ask about this on here)

Generally speaking, unless you fall under a special exemption (which it sounds like you wouldn’t given the circumstances you’re describing), then you need a license to even give away your goodies. It doesn’t really matter if…[Read more]

Custards are not allowed. There should be a number of farmers markets that allow cottage food operations. They may require a business license, but not a food processor license from the health department.

Yes, as long as the sales are face-to-face, and you are selling items that are on the list of allowed foods, you should be fine.

Agnes, I don’t like being the bearer of bad news, but I have to be honest by saying that aside from you moving to a another county, or getting the law in Miami-Dade changed, there is not a way for you to legally sell your homemade goods. You need a license and need to be making your items in a commercial kitchen, unless you want to run your b…[Read more]

Yeah I know. Aside from pushing through an amendment in the next legislative session (will take awhile), I’d say you have two options, both of which existed before these cottage food laws came into place. The first is to start a regular food business. Yes it is more expensive, and you do have to make everything out of a commercial kitchen, but the…[Read more]