Open Hours of Government: Mon – Fri: 8.00 am. – 5.00 pm.
601-960-1111
Determine Your Business Type
How to Apply for a Business License in for the City of Jackson
Before applying, identify your business structure:
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
- S-Corporation
- C-Corporation
- LLC- Limited Liability Company
- Nonprofit
This affects the documentation you’ll need.
Get a Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Apply for an EIN from the IRS (free) at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Also as an FYI- Obtaining a Dun & Bradstreet D‑U‑N‑S Number is simple and free. Short for Data Universal Numbering System, a D‑U‑N‑S Number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses. It can open many doors for your company, giving you the opportunity to partner with other businesses, receive and submit contract bids, and more. Apply at https://www.dnb.com/en-us/smb/duns/get-a-duns.html
Check Zoning Requirements
Zoning staff will consult the internal Zoning Permit Information field within the OpenGov portal to verify the approved land use and determine whether any additional zoning approvals are required. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the proposed business location is appropriately zoned for the intended use
Complete the Business License Application
All questions within the application must be filled out
You may obtain the application by visiting our office, where staff are available to assist you. Public computers are also available on-site for completing and submitting your business license application.
City of Jackson – Business Licensing Division located at 200 S. President Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Submit Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- Completed Notarized Privilege Tax Form- (for both new applications and renewals) Onsite Notaries are available; https://www.jacksonms.gov/documents/privilege-tax-application/
- Certificate of Good Standing or Current Annual Report (MS Secretary of State); https://www.sos.ms.gov
- Formation Documents (MS Secretary of State) https://www.sos.ms.gov
- Health Department Food Service Permit-based on a particular business https://msdh.ms.gov/
- Mississippi Beer Permit-based on a particular business https://www.dor.ms.gov/abc-permit-forms
- Tobacco Permit- based on a particular business: https://www.dor.ms.gov/abc-permit-forms
- MS Department of Revenue Sales Tax Permit- based on a particular business https://www.dor.ms.gov/business
- Proof of Occupancy (Lease, Deed, or Utility Bill) which the utility bill can be a light. gas or water bill
Pay the License Fee
Fees vary based on business type and size. You can:
- Pay in person (cash, check, or money order) 1st Floor Business License office at 200 S President Street Jackson Ms 39201 ( if possible embed a location link directly to our building)
- Pay on line through the Open.gov portal using a Debit or Credit card ( fees are applied )
Wait for Approval
Processing time is usually 7–14 business days. You’ll be notified when your license is ready for via the online portal.
Renew Annually
Business licenses in Jackson must be renewed every year, during the same month that your license expires.
Need Help?
Contact the City of Jackson Business Licensing Division Mainline: (601) 960-1148
How to close your Business License– Please be advised that you are required to formally close your business license with the City of Jackson. To do so, submit the Business License Cancellation Form to initiate the closure process and receive an official Business License Closure Letter. Failure to properly close your license may result in continued accrual of fees due to non-renewal.
Additional Resource Numbers
Mississippi Department of Revenue-(601) 923-7300
Mississippi Department of Health -601‑576‑7400
Jackson Water -601-500-5200
Jackson Fire Department office – (601) 960-2018