Pest Control 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 Pest Control Company License (Professional Services)

   In addition to the individual Operator License, the pest control company itself must hold a Company License issued by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce's Bureau of Plant Industry under its Professional Services program — MDAC states that both an Operator License and a Company License are required to apply pesticides for hire. The Company License requires a surety bond and liability insurance in the amounts set by MDAC.

   Official government source

   MDAC does not publish Operator or Company License fees online. Budget for the $55 proctored computer-based exam fee, a minimum $5,000 bond (pest control categories) or $2,500 (weed control only), and liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence with a $200,000 annual aggregate covering pollution, property damage, and errors and omissions.·Not published as a processing time. Operator License exams are offered quarterly by MDAC, or on demand at proctored testing centers; a failed computer-based exam cannot be retaken for 90 days.

   MDAC does not publish Operator or Company License fees online. Budget for the $55 proctored computer-based exam fee, a minimum $5,000 bond (pest control categories) or $2,500 (weed control only), and liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence with a $200,000 annual aggregate covering pollution, property damage, and errors and omissions.

   Not published as a processing time. Operator License exams are offered quarterly by MDAC, or on demand at proctored testing centers; a failed computer-based exam cannot be retaken for 90 days.

1. Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce - Professional Services Operator and Company License

   Applying pesticides for hire in Mississippi - structural pest control, termite work, or lawn and ornamental treatment - requires two MDAC credentials, not one: an Operator License held by the individual who applies pesticides, earned by passing the written examination for each category worked, and a Company License held by the business. The Company License requires a surety bond and liability insurance. A 'commercial applicator' certification covers not-for-hire application and is a different credential.

   Official government source

   $55 examination fee per category for the Operator License. The Company License requires a $5,000 surety bond and liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $200,000 aggregate; confirm current license fees with MDAC Pesticide and Environmental Programs (662-325-0878).·Not published by MDAC; the Operator License is issued after the examination is passed and the company's bond and insurance are on file (662-325-0878).

   $55 examination fee per category for the Operator License. The Company License requires a $5,000 surety bond and liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence and $200,000 aggregate; confirm current license fees with MDAC Pesticide and Environmental Programs (662-325-0878).

   Not published by MDAC; the Operator License is issued after the examination is passed and the company's bond and insurance are on file (662-325-0878).

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

• Mississippi Department of Agriculture — Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• City of Hattiesburg Revenue Division

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