Catering Business Permit Requirements in Gulfport, MS

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Mississippi Department of Revenue - Sales Tax Permit

   Any business selling tangible personal property or a taxable service in Mississippi must hold a sales tax permit from the Department of Revenue. The general state rate is 7%, one of the highest in the country; reduced rates apply to some categories, including 5% on SNAP-eligible groceries and light vehicles, 3% on heavy trucks and manufactured homes, and 1.5% on farm and manufacturing machinery. Register online through TAP.

   Official government source

   No fee - the Mississippi Department of Revenue does not charge for a sales tax permit.·Register online through TAP; allow about two weeks to receive your permit and filing information by mail.

   No fee - the Mississippi Department of Revenue does not charge for a sales tax permit.

   Register online through TAP; allow about two weeks to receive your permit and filing information by mail.

2. Certified Food Protection Manager (MSDH Food Code requirement)

   Mississippi's food code follows the FDA Food Code, which requires a food establishment to employ at least one certified food protection manager. The certificate must come from a program accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board - for example ServSafe, NRFSP, or Prometric. Ask MSDH Food Protection (601-364-2832) which certificate it wants on file for your permit.

   Official government source

   Set by the accredited certification provider; MSDH neither administers the course nor charges a fee for it.·The course and proctored exam are usually completed in one or two days, with the certificate issued within a few business days of passing.

   Set by the accredited certification provider; MSDH neither administers the course nor charges a fee for it.

   The course and proctored exam are usually completed in one or two days, with the certificate issued within a few business days of passing.

1. Mississippi State Department of Health — Food Permit (Catering)

   Catering businesses operating out of Gulfport must obtain a Food Permit from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), which lists caterers under its Retail Food category. This requires a commercial kitchen (commissary or licensed facility), plan review/menu submission, and an on-site inspection before the permit is issued.

   Official government source

   $224.25 one-time plan review fee, plus an annual permit fee by risk category: Risk 1 $40.00, Risk 2 $132.25, Risk 3 $198.00, Risk 4 $264.50 (MSDH schedule, subject to change)·Plan review may take up to 30 days after a complete application, followed by fee payment and inspection before the permit issues

   $224.25 one-time plan review fee, plus an annual permit fee by risk category: Risk 1 $40.00, Risk 2 $132.25, Risk 3 $198.00, Risk 4 $264.50 (MSDH schedule, subject to change)

   Plan review may take up to 30 days after a complete application, followed by fee payment and inspection before the permit issues

2. City of Gulfport Privilege License (Business License)

   Gulfport requires a Privilege License for businesses operating within city limits. It is issued by Urban Development / Building Code Services, not the City Clerk, and the Planning Division signs off on the Certificate of Zoning Compliance that forms part of the application. The fee is computed from business type plus number of full-time employees (service businesses) or inventory value (sales businesses) — not gross revenues. The license is renewed annually and displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Not a flat published rate: the Privilege License application computes the amount due from the business type together with the number of full-time employees (service businesses) or the value of inventory (sales businesses). Confirm the exact amount with Building Code Services (228-868-5700).·Not published by the City; note that staff approval of the application expires after 60 days if the license is not issued. Confirm current turnaround with Building Code Services.

   Not a flat published rate: the Privilege License application computes the amount due from the business type together with the number of full-time employees (service businesses) or the value of inventory (sales businesses). Confirm the exact amount with Building Code Services (228-868-5700).

   Not published by the City; note that staff approval of the application expires after 60 days if the license is not issued. Confirm current turnaround with Building Code Services.

Official Sources

• Harrison County Health Department
• Mississippi Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

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