Daycare / Child Care Center 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 Criminal History Background Check (child care staff)

   Every staff member and volunteer at a licensed Mississippi child care facility must clear a criminal history record check before working with children. The facility arranges it: LiveScan fingerprinting at a county health department (or a mailed fingerprint card where LiveScan is unavailable), a Mississippi Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check, a sex offender registry check, and an FBI check, all processed by MSDH. Anyone who lived outside Mississippi within the last five years must also file an Out of State Fingerprint Check Affidavit.

   Official government source

   $50.00 per applicant to process the background check, paid online, plus a $25 fee payable to the local health department at the time of fingerprinting. Replacement background check reports cost $15 and extra suitability letters $10.·Not published by MSDH; results are emailed to the provider and applicant once the fingerprints arrive and the registry and FBI checks are complete - confirm current turnaround at 601-364-1102.

   $50.00 per applicant to process the background check, paid online, plus a $25 fee payable to the local health department at the time of fingerprinting. Replacement background check reports cost $15 and extra suitability letters $10.

   Not published by MSDH; results are emailed to the provider and applicant once the fingerprints arrive and the registry and FBI checks are complete - confirm current turnaround at 601-364-1102.

1. Mississippi State Department of Health - Child Care Facility License

   Child care facilities in Mississippi are licensed by the MSDH Child Care Licensure Branch. Licensure requires criminal history background checks for staff and volunteers, a fire-safety inspection, a health and sanitation inspection, and compliance with the staff-to-child ratios and other requirements in the Regulations Governing Licensure of Child Care Facilities.

   Official government source

   MSDH does not publish a child care facility licensing fee. Background checks are charged separately at $50.00 per applicant plus a $25 fee due to the local health department at fingerprinting.·MSDH has up to 90 days to act on a complete license application.

   MSDH does not publish a child care facility licensing fee. Background checks are charged separately at $50.00 per applicant plus a $25 fee due to the local health department at fingerprinting.

   MSDH has up to 90 days to act on a complete license application.

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).

3. Fire Safety and Building Inspection for Child Care Licensure

   Before MSDH issues a child care facility license, the site must pass a fire-safety inspection and meet building, ADA accessibility, and child-proofing standards. The fire inspection is arranged through MSDH Child Care Licensure with the State Fire Marshal's office; building permits and occupancy approval for the space itself come from the City of Hattiesburg Building Division.

   Official government source

   MSDH does not publish a separate inspection fee; city building-permit fees for any renovation work are set by scope under Hattiesburg's permit fee ordinance (Building Division, 601-554-1004).·Not published; inspections are scheduled as part of the MSDH child care licensure process.

   MSDH does not publish a separate inspection fee; city building-permit fees for any renovation work are set by scope under Hattiesburg's permit fee ordinance (Building Division, 601-554-1004).

   Not published; inspections are scheduled as part of the MSDH child care licensure process.

Official Sources

• Mississippi State Department of Health — Child Care Facility License
• City of Hattiesburg Revenue Division

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