What Business Licenses & Permits are Needed in Mississippi?

Starting a business in Mississippi will mean potentially registering with a number of federal, state, and local agencies. Let’s take a look at common licenses and permits a business will register for in Mississippi.

Before applying for any licenses, the business structure will need to be established. Learn more about the differences between the sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC). Corporations and LLCs will register with the Mississippi Secretary of State.

Related: Comparison of Business Entities

Learn more about forming an LLC in Mississippi

Also see: Steps to starting a business in Mississippi

General Business Licenses

There is no general state of Mississippi business license, however, many cities require businesses to be licensed in order to operate. Rules for business registration vary depending on location and what the business does. Below are a few cities that have licensing requirements.

Jackson – All businesses operating in the city will need to obtain a business license through the Department of Planning and Economic Development. Businesses located outside of the incorporated area are required to get a Privilege License through the Jackson County Tax Collector’s Office.

Gulfport – The City of Aurora requires a business license for liquor establishments, pawn shops, second hand stores, home-based day cares, and more.

Southaven – The City of Southaven requires business 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 Tax License from the Hattiesburg Tax Department. Additional registrations will be required for businesses selling alcohol, contractors, pawn shops, and more.

The application fee for a business license will vary depending on the type of business and city.

Building & Zoning Permits

Zoning – Depending on the location of the business, it’s important to verify whether the business needs an occupancy permit or has specific zoning regulations to follow. Depending on city requirements, home-based businesses may need to apply for a home occupation permit.

Building Permit – A building permit may be needed from the city or county building and planning department if there is any construction or renovations to a facility.

Signage Permit – Some municipalities require a permit before adding signage.

Mississippi Business Tax Number

Any business selling tangible personal property that is subject to Mississippi sales tax must register for a sales tax permit with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Resale Certificate

Businesses purchasing merchandise to resell will usually want to obtain a Mississippi Resale Certificate (sometimes called a seller’s permit) in order to not pay sales tax for merchandise that is being resold to customers.

Professional License

A variety of professions in the state are regulated and need to be registered before offering certain services. A few common professions that require licensing in Mississippi include; contractors, foresters, tattoo artists, and many more. Additional information, filing fees, and licensing requirements for professions are available from the State of Mississippi.

In addition to professional licenses, there are a number of other licenses that may be needed:

• Automobile Dealers Mississippi Motor Vehicle Commission
• Health Facilities Licensure and Certification Mississippi State Department of Health (includes child care and nursing homes plus others)
• Insurance Agents-Licensing Licensing Division, Department of Insurance
• Building Contractors Mississippi State Board of Contractors
• Restaurants/Catering Mississippi State Department of Health (any business that has a food service permit must also have the ServSafe Food Sanitation Certification)

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Many businesses will register with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an EIN (also referred to as a FEIN, Federal Employer Identification Number, or Federal Tax ID Number). The EIN is the business 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.

Learn how to apply for an EIN

Assumed Name Registration

While not a business license, it’s common for Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships operating under a business name that is different from the full name of the owner(s) to register for an Assumed Name (also known as a Doing Business As, DBA), or Trade Name) with the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the business is located.