Handyman 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. Mississippi State Board of Contractors - Contractor License (Certificate of Responsibility)

   Contractors in Mississippi need a certificate of responsibility from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors for any public or private project valued at $50,000 or more; work below that threshold is exempt (Miss. Code Ann. Section 31-3-1). The Board issues separate residential and commercial licenses by classification - there is no lighter 'registration' alternative. The qualifying party must pass the Mississippi Law and Business Management exam and, for most classifications, a trade exam.

   Official government source

   $50 residential application or $400 commercial application; renewals are $100 residential and $400 commercial (Mississippi State Board of Contractors fee schedule).·Not published by the Board; the qualifying party must pass the required exams before the application is acted on - confirm current processing time at 800-880-6161.

   $50 residential application or $400 commercial application; renewals are $100 residential and $400 commercial (Mississippi State Board of Contractors fee schedule).

   Not published by the Board; the qualifying party must pass the required exams before the application is acted on - confirm current processing time at 800-880-6161.

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. City of Hattiesburg Building Permit (for regulated work)

   Handyman work involving electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural changes requires a permit from the City of Hattiesburg Building Division before the work starts, followed by inspection. Forrest County does not permit work inside city limits. Handymen must not perform work reserved for a licensed contractor - a project valued at $50,000 or more requires a Mississippi State Board of Contractors license (Miss. Code Ann. Section 31-3-1).

   Official government source

   Permit fees are set by scope of work under Hattiesburg's permit fee ordinance; the City does not publish a fee table online - the Building Division quotes the fee at application (601-554-1004).·Not published by the City; the Building Division issues the permit and schedules inspections after issuance (601-554-1004).

   Permit fees are set by scope of work under Hattiesburg's permit fee ordinance; the City does not publish a fee table online - the Building Division quotes the fee at application (601-554-1004).

   Not published by the City; the Building Division issues the permit and schedules inspections after issuance (601-554-1004).

Official Sources

• City of Hattiesburg Revenue Division
• Mississippi State Board of Contractors — Contractor License

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