MS Business License Basics
If you own a business in Mississippi you'll need a license to operate. There are various types of Mississippi business licenses and permits that are required by various government entities at federal, state and local levels. An operating license is the basic type of business license that most all businesses will be required to have.
Each level of government has specific regulations and requirements that need to be met before a business can get a license. If you don’t understand the licensing rules in Mississippi and follow them it could result in expensive fines and putting your business at risk.
Types of Business Licenses in Mississippi
Federal Business Licenses – The federal government has a number of agencies that regulate and supervise business activities. If your business participates in any of these federally regulated activities you will need to get a federal business license.
Activities that will be required to get a federal business license include:
- Alcohol manufacturing, importing and sales
- Agriculture
- Firearm dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Ammunition and Explosives dealing, importing and manufacturing
- Aviation
- Wildlife related activities
- Mining
- Drilling
- Commercial fishing
- TV and radio broadcasting
- Trucking
State Business Licenses – Many Mississippi businesses will need to obtain some sort of state business license in order to legally operate. At the minimum a business will have to get a professional or occupational license. Mississippi business licenses are typically used for tax purposes.
Local Business Licenses – Local Mississippi governments and municipalities also grant business licenses. All businesses will be required to get some good sort of local business license to be able to operate in Mississippi.
Permits – Permits are more specific to a certain type of business within an industry. Permits have a wide array of purposes from parking to product sales.
How to Get a Mississippi Business License
The steps you will have to take to obtain a business license in Mississippi will vary depending on which kind of business license you need. Regardless of what type of license you are attempting to get you will need to fill out application form(s) and supply details about your business.
If you are starting a business or expanding your business you'll have numerous forms to fill out. Be ready to supply your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
The SBA (Small Business Administration) has great online tools for helping business owners decide exactly what type of Mississippi business licenses they need to get, links to websites, applications and instructions. If you’re just starting a business and need guidance on licensing, the SBA is the best place to find out more.
Maintaining Your Mississippi Business License
Once you get your Mississippi business licenses and permits you must still maintain them every year to keep them up to date. The guidelines below are recommended if you wish to ensure your business license is in good standing.
- Make copies of your business licenses and permits.
- Track when licenses and permits need to be renewed.
- Follow the regulations for displaying your business license.
- If you would like to change or expand your business be sure to verify whether you need additional permits or business licenses.