Start your coffee brand in Indiana: form an LLC via INBiz, choose name, file Articles, appoint registered agent, file biennial Business Entity Report. Get EIN; register with Indiana Department of Revenue for sales tax; obtain Registered Retail Merchant Certificate; collect 7% sales tax on hot/ready-to-drink and cafe sales, and any county food-and-beverage tax; packaged roasted beans typically grocery-exempt, but verify product type. Health: if roasting only and selling wholesale or shipping, register as a wholesale food establishment with Indiana Department of Health and consider FDA food facility registration; follow 21 CFR 117 GMPs; develop a food safety plan; if more than 50% retail direct, you may qualify as a retail food establishment. Home-based vendor option allows direct in-state sales of roasted coffee with required labeling and in-person delivery; not for wholesale or interstate shipping. For cafes/carts, get a Retail Food Establishment or Mobile Food Unit permit. Label coffee with business name/address, product name, net weight in oz/g, lot code, ingredients and allergens; comply with Indiana Weights & Measures. Check IDEM air rules and local fire code for roasting emissions and gas hookups; install proper ventilation/afterburner if needed. Use ST-105 resale certificates, product liability insurance, zoning approval, and supplier traceability records.
