Handyman 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. 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 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.

2. City of Jackson Building Permit (for regulated work)

   Handyman work involving electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural changes requires a permit from the City of Jackson before the work starts, followed by inspection; Hinds County has no permitting authority 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). Permits are applied for through the City's online permitting portal.

   Official government source

   Jackson does not publish a building permit fee schedule online; the fee depends on the scope and valuation of the work and is quoted at application through the City's permitting portal.·Not published by the City; permits are issued after plan review, and inspections are scheduled after issuance.

   Jackson does not publish a building permit fee schedule online; the fee depends on the scope and valuation of the work and is quoted at application through the City's permitting portal.

   Not published by the City; permits are issued after plan review, and inspections are scheduled after issuance.

Official Sources

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

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