How to Get a Business License in Jackson, MS

Business licenses are required in Jackson, Mississippi.

Getting a business license in Jackson, Mississippi, is a fairly easy process. If you will be operating a business under a name other than your own, you must first contact the Internal Revenue Service to receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN) at no charge. Businesses must hold a business license to legally operate in Jackson. The application must be notarized prior to submission. You must also have paid all applicable fees and received a license before opening for business.

Instructions

1. Schedule and complete a Mississippi Department of Health inspection if you will be operating a child care service or serving and preparing food. You must complete the inspection before applying for your business license. Visit or call this department to schedule your inspection.

   Mississippi State Department of Health

   570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive

   Jackson, MS 39216

   601-576-7400

2. Call or stop by the Signs and License Division to obtain the application for business licensing. Request a Home Occupation Permit application if you will operate your business from home.

   Signs and License Division

   200 S. President St., Room 130

   Jackson, MS

   601-960-1154

3. Return the completed application, along with the applicable fee or fees. A schedule of licensing fees is provided on the Planning and Development Business Licenses page of the city of Jackson's website, city.jackson.ms.us. Include the Home Occupation Permit if applicable, along with the required Health Department inspection report.

4. Register for business taxes through the Mississippi Tax Commission after receiving your business license. The business tax application is available online. Complete and return it to the Hinds County office.

   Jackson District Service Office

   P.O. Box 1033

   Jackson, MS 39215-1033

Tips & Warnings

• Some businesses are exempt from license requirements because of state and federal statutes. Check with the Signs and License Division before applying to find out if your business qualifies for exemption.

• During the application process, the Signs and License Division will coordinate a fire and police inspection if applicable. Fire inspections must be performed on business locations. Police inspections are only required on certain types of businesses such as those in the alcohol industry.

References

• Mississippi State Department of Health
• Mississippi Tax Commission: Register for Taxes

Resources

• City of Jackson Mississippi: Planning and Development: Business Licenses
• Mississippi: Registration Application: Taxes