Catering Business Permit Requirements in Jackson, 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. Certified Food Protection Manager (MSDH Food Code requirement)

   Mississippi's food code follows the FDA Food Code, which requires a food establishment to employ at least one certified food protection manager. The certificate must come from a program accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board - for example ServSafe, NRFSP, or Prometric. Ask MSDH Food Protection (601-364-2832) which certificate it wants on file for your permit.

   Official government source

   Set by the accredited certification provider; MSDH neither administers the course nor charges a fee for it.·The course and proctored exam are usually completed in one or two days, with the certificate issued within a few business days of passing.

   Set by the accredited certification provider; MSDH neither administers the course nor charges a fee for it.

   The course and proctored exam are usually completed in one or two days, with the certificate issued within a few business days of passing.

1. Mississippi State Department of Health - Food Service Establishment Permit

   A catering business operating out of Jackson must hold a Food Service Establishment permit from the Mississippi State Department of Health, not from a county or city health department. MSDH requires plan review, a licensed commercial kitchen or commissary as the base of operations, and an on-site inspection before the permit is issued; the permit renews annually.

   Official government source

   $224.25 plan review fee for a new establishment, plus an annual permit fee set by risk category: Risk 1 $40.00, Risk 2 $132.25, Risk 3 $198.00, Risk 4 $264.50. A re-inspection costs $165.00.·MSDH may take up to 30 days to review a completed plan-review application; the permit is issued after the review is approved, the site is inspected, and the permit fee is paid.

   $224.25 plan review fee for a new establishment, plus an annual permit fee set by risk category: Risk 1 $40.00, Risk 2 $132.25, Risk 3 $198.00, Risk 4 $264.50. A re-inspection costs $165.00.

   MSDH may take up to 30 days to review a completed plan-review application; the permit is issued after the review is approved, the site is inspected, and the permit fee is paid.

2. City of Jackson - Business License (Privilege Tax)

   Jackson requires a city business license for all businesses operating within city limits, issued by the Business Licensing Division at 200 S. President Street - not a Revenue Division. The application requires a completed notarized Privilege Tax form, a Certificate of Good Standing and formation documents from the Mississippi Secretary of State, proof of occupancy (lease, deed, or utility bill), and any industry-specific permits. Renewed annually and displayed at the place of business.

   Official government source

   Fees vary by business type and size; Jackson does not publish a fee table - the Business Licensing Division quotes the amount at application (601-960-1148).·Usually 7-14 business days after a complete application is submitted.

   Fees vary by business type and size; Jackson does not publish a fee table - the Business Licensing Division quotes the amount at application (601-960-1148).

   Usually 7-14 business days after a complete application is submitted.

Official Sources

• Hinds County Health Department
• Mississippi Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Permit

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