Starting a Business in Mississippi: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist

Mississippi start-up checklist

Register for state taxes with Mississippi Department of Revenue. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income tax and franchise tax (franchise tax being phased out).
Sales tax: get a Mississippi sales tax permit from Mississippi Department of Revenue before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $250,000 a year.
There are no local sales taxes.
If you have employees, withhold Mississippi income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Mississippi Department of Employment Security. The 2026 taxable wage base is $14,000 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0% to 5.4%. Official page
New employers start at 1%.
Workers' compensation through Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission and private insurers. Required when: 5 employees
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

(LLCs): every year by April 15; no fee.
(corporations and nonprofits): every year by April 15; fee $25.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Business filings and annual reports: Mississippi Secretary of State. Official page
Taxes: Mississippi Department of Revenue. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Mississippi Department of Employment Security. Official page
Workers' compensation: Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission.
Contractor licensing: Mississippi State Board of Contractors.
Real estate licensing: Mississippi Real Estate Commission.
Alcohol licensing: Mississippi Department of Revenue, Alcoholic Beverage Control.
Child care licensing: Mississippi State Department of Health.
Health facility licensing: Mississippi State Department of Health.

Privilege license (Municipal clerk / State privilege license (MS DOR)): Mississippi cities and the state issue privilege licenses for businesses and professions.
Cannabis: medical licensing only, regulated by Mississippi Department of Revenue, Alcoholic Beverage Control (dispensaries) and Mississippi Department of Health (all other facilities).

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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