Business Startup Guide
Our Business Startup Guide provides information designed to help entrepreneurs like you start a new business in Hinds County.
Local Requirements
Business License
An owner of a new business may need a county license from the county tax collector if the business is located outside of a city's corporate limits.
An owner of a new business may need a municipal license if the business is located within a municipal's corporate limits.
Building Permits
If a business is to be located in a new or remodeled building outside the corporate limits of a municipality, the owner should verify whether or not a county building permit is required before any construction or remodeling begins.
If a business is to be located in a new or remodeled building inside the corporate limits of a municipality, the owner may need a building permit before beginning construction or remodeling.
Zoning Requirements
The owner of a new business should check with county officials to see if there are zoning requirements.
If a business is to be located within a municipal's limits, the business owner should verify that the property is zoned appropriately.
State Requirements
Mississippi Secretary of State
Incorporation
If a business is to be a corporation, a certificate of incorporation must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State.
Mississippi Department of Revenue
Registration Application
The Registration Application allows for several registrations to be made with the same form (i.e. state [business] privilege license, employer income tax withholding, and for several other special purpose applications).
Franchise Tax Registration
A newly formed corporation must register with the Franchise Tax Division of the Mississippi State Tax Commission within 60 days after it receives its charter of incorporation.
Employee's Withholding Exemption Certificate
Each employee must fill out and give to his employer, at the beginning of his employment, a withholding exemption certificate.
Sales Tax
Businesses that are required to pay sales tax should register to do so with the Mississippi State Tax Commission.
Special Licenses
Food Processing/Handling
A venture which entails the handling/processing of foods must meet sanitary standards of the Mississippi State Board of Health. An owner of this type of business should contact their local county health department. Stove 8 ventilation systems in restaurants must conform to local fire-prevention codes; a restaurant owner should contact the local fire department or town hall for guidance.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Ammunition
Businesses that sell alcoholic beverages, tobacco, firearms or ammunition should contact the following agencies that have control over the sale of these items: United States Treasury Department's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Mississippi State Tax Commission's Alcoholic Beverage Control Bureau (ABC). The ABC not only grants or denies licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages, but it is also the State's only wholesaler of wines and liquors.
Your local government (city/town) may have specific regulations that must be met also.
Additional State Requirements
Federal Requirements
Internal Revenue Service
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor enforces federal safety and health standards in business and industry.
US Department of Labor
Most businesses must follow federal standards concerning minimum wage, maximum hours, overtime pay and child labor. A new business owner should check to see if his business meets these requirements. Wage and hour detailed booklets are available upon request.
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Equal treatment of all employees, as well as equal pay, is regulated and enforced by the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.