What Business Licenses & Permits are Needed in Mississippi?
Starting a in will mean potentially registering with a number of federal, and local agencies. Let’s take a look at common licenses and permits a will register for in .
Before applying for any licenses, the will need to be established. Learn more about the differences between the , general partnership, , and (LLC). Corporations and LLCs will register with the of .
Related: Comparison of Entities
Learn more about forming an LLC in Mississippi
Also see: Steps to starting a business in Mississippi
There is no general of , however, many cities require businesses to be licensed in order to operate. Rules for registration vary depending on location and what the does. Below are a few cities that have requirements.
Jackson – All businesses operating in the city will need to obtain a through the Department of Planning and Economic Development. Businesses located outside of the incorporated area are required to get a through the Jackson County Collector’s Office.
Gulfport – The City of Aurora requires a for liquor establishments, pawn shops, second hand stores, home-based day cares, and more.
Southaven – The City of Southaven requires licenses for the zoning of commercial businesses as well as home-based businesses.
Hattiesburg – All businesses operating in the city will need to obtain a Privilege from the Hattiesburg Department. Additional registrations will be required for businesses selling alcohol, contractors, pawn shops, and more.
The for a will vary depending on the type of and city.
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Building & Zoning Permits
Zoning – Depending on the location of the , it’s important to verify whether the needs an occupancy or has specific zoning regulations to follow. Depending on city requirements, home-based businesses may need to apply for a home occupation .
Building – A building may be needed from the city or county building and planning department if there is any construction or renovations to a facility.
Signage – Some municipalities require a before adding signage.
Number
Any selling tangible personal property that is subject to must register for a with the of .
Resale Certificate
Businesses purchasing merchandise to resell will usually want to obtain a Resale Certificate (sometimes called a ) in order to not pay for merchandise that is being resold to customers.
Professional
A variety of professions in the are regulated and need to be registered before offering certain services. A few common professions that require in include; contractors, foresters, tattoo artists, and many more. Additional information, fees, and requirements for professions are available from the of .
In addition to professional licenses, there are a number of other licenses that may be needed:
- Automobile Dealers Motor Vehicle Commission
- Health Facilities Licensure and Certification Department of Health (includes child care and nursing homes plus others)
- Insurance Agents- Division, Department of Insurance
- Building Contractors Board of Contractors
- Restaurants/Catering Department of Health (any that has a food service must also have the ServSafe Food Sanitation Certification)
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Many businesses will register with the Internal Service (IRS) for an EIN (also referred to as a FEIN, Federal Employer Identification Number, or Federal ID Number). The EIN is the equivalent for a Social Security Number for an individual. Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietorships with employees will all need to register for one. Sole Proprietorships without employees can use the owner’s Social Security Number.
There is no cost for an EIN, and it only takes a few minutes to get.
Assumed Name Registration
While not a , it’s common for Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships operating under a name that is different from the full name of the owner(s) to register for an Assumed Name (also known as a Doing As, DBA), or Trade Name) with the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the is located.
These are some of the most common licenses, but there are far too many licenses and permits for us to keep track of. Before starting your , be sure to check with the City Clerk, Chamber of Commerce, and/or Economic Developer in your area to get more information regarding .
2 Responses
As a construction contractor in Mississippi. Do you need to obtain a business license in each county you work in?
Hi Russ
For starters, a Contractor’s License is required by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors for contractors and subcontractors performing work on commercial jobs over $50,000 or any contract involving the construction, reconstruction, repair, or maintenance of fire sprinkler systems on public projects over $5,000 and private projects over $10,000.
Residential contractors are required to get a license from the MSBOC if they are doing new residential construction over $50,000, residential remodeling or additions over $10,000, or residential roofing over $10,000. Contractor licensing also applies to subcontractors who are performing residential electrical, mechanical, HVAC, or plumbing work on a residential construction or residential improvement projects.
Even if you fall under the state license requirements, most cities also require a contractor to register before they do work within city limits.
The rules vary by city but for example, in Gulfport, the requirements to get a Contractor’s License includes obtaining 5 letters of reference, Certificate of Insurance, Business Privilege License (where your business is located), photo identification, and payment of the contractor’s licensing fee.
So, you will need to check with the city, typically the building code department, to see what the rules are before starting work in that community.
I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Greg