Catering Business Permit Requirements in Hattiesburg, 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 in Hattiesburg obtain their food permit from the Mississippi State Department of Health, which permits retail food establishments statewide — Forrest County and the City of Hattiesburg do not issue food permits. Caterers must work from a permitted commercial kitchen or commissary, submit plans and a menu for plan review, and pass an on-site inspection before the permit is issued. Cottage food operations may not operate as caterers; a retail food permit is required.

   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. Re-inspection is $165.00 (MSDH schedule, subject to change).·Allow 48 hours for MSDH to acknowledge the application; review of a completed application may take up to 30 days, 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. Re-inspection is $165.00 (MSDH schedule, subject to change).

   Allow 48 hours for MSDH to acknowledge the application; review of a completed application may take up to 30 days, followed by fee payment and inspection before the permit issues.

2. City of Hattiesburg City Clerk/Tax Division - Privilege Tax License

   All businesses must hold a Privilege Tax License to operate in Hattiesburg, issued by the City Clerk/Tax Division on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 200 Forrest Street. The application asks for the number of employees and/or the wholesale value of inventory; some business types, such as pawn shops and contractors, must supply additional documentation. Renewed annually and displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Set under Mississippi's privilege tax schedule from the number of employees and/or wholesale value of inventory; Hattiesburg does not publish a fee table - the Tax Division quotes the amount at application (601-545-4523).·Not published by the City; applications are filed in person with the Tax Division at City Hall (601-545-4523).

   Set under Mississippi's privilege tax schedule from the number of employees and/or wholesale value of inventory; Hattiesburg does not publish a fee table - the Tax Division quotes the amount at application (601-545-4523).

   Not published by the City; applications are filed in person with the Tax Division at City Hall (601-545-4523).

Official Sources

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

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