Event Planning Permit Requirements in Hattiesburg, MS

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Mississippi Business Registration (Secretary of State)

   Event planning businesses operating in Mississippi as an LLC, corporation, or limited partnership must register with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a trade name file a Fictitious Business Name Registration with the Secretary of State (Mississippi has no county-level DBA registry). An LLC provides personal liability protection, which matters when coordinating large events.

   Official government source

   $50 (Certificate of Formation of a Mississippi LLC; also $50 for a Mississippi LP certificate); $25 (Fictitious Business Name Registration), per the Secretary of State's official Services & Fees schedule.·Not published by the Secretary of State; filings are submitted online through the business services portal — confirm current processing times with Business Services (601-359-1633).

   $50 (Certificate of Formation of a Mississippi LLC; also $50 for a Mississippi LP certificate); $25 (Fictitious Business Name Registration), per the Secretary of State's official Services & Fees schedule.

   Not published by the Secretary of State; filings are submitted online through the business services portal — confirm current processing times with Business Services (601-359-1633).

2. Mississippi Sales Tax Permit (if selling taxable goods)

   Event planning and coordination services are not among the services Mississippi taxes under Miss. Code Ann. Section 27-65-23. If your business also sells tangible items - decorations, floral arrangements, favours, or other goods - those sales are taxable at the 7% state rate and you must register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue for a sales tax permit and remit the tax.

   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.

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

   An event planning business operating in Hattiesburg must hold a Privilege Tax License from the City Clerk/Tax Division. The application asks for your business entity information, primary business address, and the number of employees and/or wholesale value of inventory. If you work from home coordinating events elsewhere, ask the Planning Division (601-545-4599) whether the City's home occupation conditions apply to your address. Renewed annually.

   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 City Clerk/Tax Division on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 200 Forrest Street (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 City Clerk/Tax Division on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 200 Forrest Street (601-545-4523).

2. Hattiesburg Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

   When coordinating events using Hattiesburg public parks, streets, plazas, or venues, a permit is required from the Hattiesburg Police Department. Applications require at least 30 days advance notice, proof of liability insurance, and a mapped route for parades/road races. A $25 non-refundable processing fee applies.

   Official government source

   $25 (non-refundable processing fee)·Apply at least 30 days in advance

   $25 (non-refundable processing fee)

   Apply at least 30 days in advance

3. Forrest County Approval for Events Outside City Limits

   An event held on unincorporated Forrest County land, or a large outdoor event on private property in the county, is approved by Forrest County rather than the City of Hattiesburg - the city's event permit process does not cover county land. Requirements commonly include proof of liability insurance, a site plan, and sanitation provisions for large gatherings. Contact the Forrest County Planning Department or Board of Supervisors at 641 N. Main Street, Hattiesburg (601-545-6000) for what applies to your site.

   Official government source

   Forrest County does not publish a fee for event or temporary-use approval; the County quotes any charge when it reviews the request (601-545-6000).·Not published by the County; contact the Planning Department well ahead of the event date, since approval may require a Board of Supervisors meeting.

   Forrest County does not publish a fee for event or temporary-use approval; the County quotes any charge when it reviews the request (601-545-6000).

   Not published by the County; contact the Planning Department well ahead of the event date, since approval may require a Board of Supervisors meeting.

Official Sources

• Hattiesburg Business Licensing
• Mississippi Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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