How To Get A Business License In Mississippi (2024)

Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.

Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.

Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.

Kimberlee Leonard has 22 years of experience as a freelance writer. Her work has been featured on US News and World Report, Business.com and Fit Small Business. She brings practical experience as a business owner and insurance agent to her role as a.

Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Updated: Apr 17, 2024, 12:05pm

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Table of Contents

• Do You Need a Mississippi Business License?
• Types of Business Licenses
• Steps to Getting Your Mississippi Business License
• How Much Does a Business License Cost in Mississippi?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mississippi has a robust small business community, with over 262,000 small businesses making up over 99% of all businesses in the state. If you are starting a new business, you may need to obtain a business license to operate legally. We’ve compiled the details on Mississippi business licenses so you can navigate the system more efficiently.

Mississippi doesn’t have one catch-all state license required for all businesses. However, it requires all retail businesses to obtain a Sales and Use Tax permit that accounts for, collects and remits applicable sales taxes. Tax is also collected on some services with exemptions for businesses such as welding, jewelry repair, meat processing and others.

The state may also require certain professionals to obtain a state license. Professional licenses are required for art therapists, athletic trainers, body piercing operators and speech-language pathologists. Licenses are also needed for professions such as pharmacists, social workers, veterinarians and others.

Your industry may also be required to obtain specific licensing. This is common with establishments selling alcoholic beverages or companies that handle hazardous waste.

Many counties and cities require a business license as well, on top of any state requirements you may have. For example, Jackson requires anyone who conducts business in the City of Jackson to get a business license. Check with your local county or city clerk to determine what, if any, local licensing you need to comply with.

When Do You Need a Business License in Mississippi?

You must obtain a business license for Sales and Use Tax if you are going to be engaged in retail sales of goods and certain services. This permit must be obtained before starting business operations to avoid any penalties.

Types of Business Licenses

The types of business licenses required will vary depending on what your company does and what industry it serves. Some industries are more regulated than others and require more licensing as a result.

Here are the most common types of business licenses you may need in Mississippi:

• Sales and Use Tax Permit: This license allows you to collect and remit the 7% sales tax rate that must be collected on retail sales. You must apply online with the Department of Revenue.
• Department of Health licensure: This requires industry-specific applications, education and exam licensing. The requirements vary from profession to profession but are all managed by the Department of Health.
• Board licensing: Professionals such as physical therapists, funeral directors and pharmacists must obtain a license from their individual state boards.
• Alcoholic Beverage Control permit: This is a liquor license needed to sell alcoholic beverages to consumers available from the Department of Revenue, Alcoholic Beverage Control. Fees vary with the type of business you will operate.
• Tobacco permit: Businesses selling tobacco products must obtain a license from the Department of Revenue.
• Environmental permits: The Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Permits Division issues permits for businesses engaged in industries that impact the environment.
• Food permit: The Mississippi Department of Health issues food permits required for retail food facilities, caterers and food producers. Restaurants are licensed by the health department at the county level.
• Federal licenses and permits: There are a variety of licenses and permits required for a wide variety of businesses at the federal level.

It’s best to check with your county city clerk to determine which licenses and permits your specific business needs. The city clerk will direct you to the appropriate city and state agencies to obtain the required license or permit. The Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can help you if you have questions.

Steps to Getting Your Mississippi Business License

Businesses needing to obtain a Sales and Use Tax permit can go to the Department of Revenue’s Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) portal. You will register for a new account and follow the prompts on the online system to complete the application. Expect to spend approximately 20 minutes completing the form. When completing this application, you’ll want to have your federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) ready.