Cleaning Service 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. Mississippi Workers' Compensation Insurance

   Mississippi law requires an employer with five or more regular employees to carry workers' compensation insurance (Miss. Code Ann. Section 71-3-5). Employers with fewer than five employees, including sole proprietors with no employees, are generally exempt but may elect coverage voluntarily. Coverage is bought from a private carrier or through self-insurance approved by the Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission.

   Official government source

   Premiums are set by the insurer from payroll, job classification, and claims history; the State neither sets nor publishes a rate.·A policy can usually be bound within a few business days of applying to a carrier.

   Premiums are set by the insurer from payroll, job classification, and claims history; the State neither sets nor publishes a rate.

   A policy can usually be bound within a few business days of applying to a carrier.

1. 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).

2. Mississippi Trade Name Registration and Hattiesburg Home Occupation Approval

   If a cleaning service trades under a name other than the owner's legal name, Mississippi registers that name through a Fictitious Business Name Registration filed with the Secretary of State - there is no Forrest County trade-name filing. Running the business from a residence is treated as a home occupation under the City of Hattiesburg's land development code; the Planning Division confirms whether your address and activity qualify. The city Privilege Tax License is required either way.

   Official government source

   $25 for the Mississippi Secretary of State Fictitious Business Name Registration. Hattiesburg does not publish a home occupation fee; the Planning Division quotes any charge at review (601-545-4599).·Secretary of State online filings are typically processed within a few business days. The City publishes no timeline; a pre-application meeting with Planning staff is required before any formal zoning application.

   $25 for the Mississippi Secretary of State Fictitious Business Name Registration. Hattiesburg does not publish a home occupation fee; the Planning Division quotes any charge at review (601-545-4599).

   Secretary of State online filings are typically processed within a few business days. The City publishes no timeline; a pre-application meeting with Planning staff is required before any formal zoning application.

Official Sources

• City of Hattiesburg Revenue Division
• Mississippi Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

Related Guides