How to Register for a Sales Tax Permit in Mississippi
Businesses that sell tangible items or provide certain services in Mississippi need to register for a sales tax permit. You’ll need to register on the Mississippi Department of Revenue website, and the process is fairly straightforward. We’ll tell you what you need to know about getting a sales tax permit in the Magnolia State.
What is a Mississippi sales tax permit?
A Mississippi sales tax permit, sometimes called a “seller’s permit” or “sales tax license,” is a required license for businesses that wish to sell physical objects (such as retail items or building materials) or provide rental services and some other services in Mississippi. Registering for a sales tax permit allows businesses to collect Mississippi sales tax from customers.
To learn more, read our post on Obtaining a Seller’s Permit.
Do I need a sales tax permit in Mississippi?
The Mississippi Department of Revenue states that “All in-state businesses that have retail sales in Mississippi must register for a sales tax permit and number,” and that out-of-state businesses that operate in Mississippi must also collect sales tax. So if you sell stuff in Mississippi, it’s a safe bet that you need to register.
However, the Department of Revenue doesn’t offer a comprehensive list of every type of business that needs to register, so if you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to call the MS Department of Revenue directly or consult a tax attorney.
How do I get an Mississippi sales tax permit?
To get a sales tax permit, you’ll need to register online through the MS Department of Revenue website. Registration is free, and you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Business name
- Mailing address
- State business ID number, if you have one
- Social security number (for sole proprietors) or EIN for LLCs and corporations
Note: If you don’t have a permanent place of business in the state, Mississippi also requires you to post a Sales Tax Bond or Surety Tax Cash Bond when you register for a sales tax permit.
Once you receive your sales tax permit in the mail, you’re all set to start making sales!
Do I need a Mississippi resale certificate?
No. In Mississippi, re-sellers do not need to issue formal resale certificates. Instead, re-sellers should give vendors their sales tax number, which is located on the sales tax permit.
