Brewery / Distillery Permits & Licenses in Hattiesburg, MS

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a brewery / distillery in Hattiesburg, MS. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

Certificate of Formation (LLC Registration)

Mississippi Secretary of State
Required
Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all LLCs. Annual report also required ($0 fee if filed online). Source: MS SOS Business Services page, accessed 2024.

Annual Report Filing

Mississippi Secretary of State - Business Services Division
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

Applies to all domestic LLCs. Online filing recommended.

Assumed Name (DBA) Registration

Mississippi Secretary of State
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required if using a trade name/DBA. Renews every 10 years ($10 fee).

Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturer's Permit (Brewery)

Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC)
Required
Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

For native breweries producing ≤75,000 barrels/year. On-premises sales allowed with Native Brewery Permit. Fees from MS ABC Permit Fee Schedule (updated 2023).

Native Winery Permit (if producing wine; conditional for distillery combo)

Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC)
May Apply
Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Applies if distillery/brewery also produces wine. Separate permit required.

Distiller's Permit (Native Spirit)

Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABC)
May Apply
Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

For native distilleries producing Mississippi-made spirits. Higher fee reflects distilling risks. ABC requires ABC-5123 form.

ABC Employee Permit (Resident Employee)

Mississippi Department of Revenue
May Apply
Fee: $20.00-$20.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Required for all employees involved in manufacturing/sales. Background check required. Non-residents need separate permit.

State Tax Registration (Sales/Use Tax; Withholding if employees)

Mississippi Department of Revenue
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Register via TAP portal. Breweries/distilleries collect 7% sales tax on retail. Excise taxes separate (see federal layer cross-ref).

ABC Quarterly Reporting

Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control Division
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: varies
Type: registration

Required for all permit holders to report production/sales volumes (Form ABC-5124).

Mississippi Sales Tax Permit

Mississippi Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Mississippi must register for a sales tax permit. Breweries and distilleries selling products directly to consumers (e.g., on-site tasting room sales, retail) are subject to sales tax collection. Registration is done through the Mississippi Department of Revenue's online portal.

Mississippi Withholding Tax Registration

Mississippi Department of Revenue
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in Mississippi. Applies to brewery/distillery if it has employees. Includes obligation to withhold state income tax from employee wages.

Mississippi Unemployment Insurance Tax Registration

Mississippi Department of Employment Security
May Apply
Fee: $7000.00-$7000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Employers must register with MDES and pay unemployment insurance taxes on first $7,000 of each employee's wages annually. Rate varies by experience rating (0.0%–6.0%).

Mississippi Corporate Income Tax Registration

Mississippi Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

LLCs taxed as corporations must file Form 85-101 and pay corporate income tax at 3.0% on federal taxable income apportioned to Mississippi. Most LLCs are pass-through entities and not subject to corporate income tax unless they elect corporate taxation.

Mississippi Franchise Tax Registration

Mississippi Secretary of State
Required
Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

All LLCs formed or registered to do business in Mississippi must pay an annual franchise tax. Due each year by April 15. Paid to the Mississippi Secretary of State. Not based on income, but on capital structure (capped at $25 for LLCs with 50,000 shares or less).

Federal Alcohol Excise Tax Registration (TTB)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All breweries and distilleries must register with TTB and pay federal excise taxes on alcohol production. Must file Form 5130.9 (Notice of Registration) and pay federal excise tax quarterly using Form 5000.24. Rates vary: breweries may qualify for reduced rates under the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (e.g., $3.50/barrel for first 60,000 barrels).

Federal Excise Tax Filing (Quarterly)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $13.50-$13.50
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Breweries and distilleries must file Form 5000.24 (Combined Federal Tax Return) each quarter to report and pay federal excise taxes. Filing is mandatory even if no production occurred (zero return required).

Mississippi Alcohol Beverage Tax Registration

Mississippi Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All manufacturers of alcoholic beverages must register for and pay Mississippi's alcohol beverage tax. Rates: Beer: $0.75 per gallon; Distilled spirits: $2.50 per gallon. Filed monthly or quarterly depending on volume.

Mississippi Alcohol Beverage Tax Filing

Mississippi Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $0.75-$0.75
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Breweries and distilleries must file Form 86-110 (Alcohol Beverage Tax Return) and remit tax based on gallons sold. Filing frequency determined by DOR based on volume. Applies to in-state sales and distribution.

Local Business License / Privilege Tax

Local Municipal Government (varies by city/county)
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Most cities and counties in Mississippi require a local business license or privilege tax for operating within their jurisdiction. Examples include Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg. Fees and requirements vary. Contact local clerk for specific rules.

Federal Basic Permit for Alcohol Production (TTB)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All breweries and distilleries must apply for and obtain a Basic Permit from the TTB before engaging in any production, processing, or removal of alcohol. This is separate from tax registration and must be renewed if ownership or structure changes. Required even if no sales occur.

City Business Privilege License

City of Jackson, MS
Required
Fee: $50.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Required for all businesses operating within city limits; breweries/distilleries classified under manufacturing/retail

Hinds County Business Privilege License

Hinds County, MS
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Applies outside incorporated municipalities; fee schedule updated FY2023

Noise Ordinance Compliance Permit

City of Hattiesburg
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Chapter 34; special event waivers for live music

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Mississippi Workers' Compensation Commission
May Apply
Fee: $1000.00-$3000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Required for employers with five or more employees in Mississippi, per Miss. Code Ann. § 71-3-7. Agricultural workers, domestic workers, and independent contractors may be excluded. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt from carrying coverage for themselves.

General Liability Insurance

Not applicable
Required
Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not mandated by Mississippi state law for all businesses. However, many municipalities, landlords, and distributors require proof of general liability insurance as a condition of licensing or leasing. Strongly recommended for premises and third-party injury risks.

Surety Bond – Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control License Bond

Mississippi Department of Revenue – Alcohol Beverage Control Division
May Apply
Fee: $1000.00-$10000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

A surety bond is required as part of the application for an alcoholic beverage license under Miss. Code Ann. § 67-1-103. The bond ensures compliance with state alcohol laws. Bond amounts vary by license type and are set by the Mississippi Department of Revenue – Alcohol Beverage Control Division.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Office of Motor Vehicles
May Apply
Fee: $1200.00-$2800.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Mississippi law requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry liability insurance meeting minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25), per Miss. Code Ann. § 63-15-101. Applies to any vehicle used in brewery/distillery operations (e.g., delivery trucks, tasting room shuttles).

Product Liability Insurance

Not applicable
Required
Fee: $1000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not legally required by Mississippi state law. However, it is strongly recommended for breweries and distilleries due to risks associated with contamination, labeling errors, or consumer illness. Many distributors, retailers, and event organizers require proof of product liability coverage before carrying products.

Liquor Liability Insurance

Not applicable
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Mississippi does not mandate liquor liability insurance by statute. However, many local governments and landlords require it for businesses that serve alcohol. Coverage protects against claims related to over-service or intoxication-related incidents. Recommended especially for breweries/distilleries with tasting rooms.

Professional Liability / Errors and Omissions Insurance

Not applicable
Required
Fee: $1000.00-$3000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not legally required for breweries or distilleries in Mississippi. This type of insurance is typically relevant for service-based professionals (e.g., consultants, engineers). For production facilities, general and product liability insurance are more relevant. Not applicable unless offering professional services (e.g., consulting on brewing processes).

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required for all LLCs that have employees or are taxed as corporations. Single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN but still need an EIN if they file excise tax returns (common in alcohol production).

Federal Excise Tax Registration (Alcohol)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All breweries and distilleries must register to pay federal excise taxes on alcohol produced or sold. Rate varies by type and volume (e.g., reduced rates for small producers under the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act).

Zoning Compliance Permit

City of Jackson Planning Department
Required
Fee: $250.00-$250.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Brewery/distillery must be in M-1/M-2 industrial or C-3 commercial zoning; site plan review required for alcohol production

Building Permit

City of Jackson Building Permits Division
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires compliance with IBC/IFC for industrial occupancy; alcohol storage triggers special review

Sign Permit

City of Jackson Sign Permits
May Apply
Fee: $5.00-$5.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Chapter 36, Article V of Jackson Code of Ordinances; illuminated signs limited in residential zones

Fire Department Operational Permit

Jackson Fire Department
Required
Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Required for facilities storing >660 gal flammable liquids (distillery spirits); IFC Chapter 11 compliance

Certificate of Occupancy

City of Jackson Building Official
May Apply
Fee: $75.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Verifies zoning, building, fire code compliance post-inspection

Fire Alarm System Permit

City of Jackson Fire Department
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

NFPA 72 compliance; annual inspection required thereafter

Health Department Plan Review and Permit

Mississippi State Department of Health - Hinds County Health Department
May Apply
Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required if serving tastings; sanitation for bottling lines

FDA Labeling Compliance (Alcohol)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

FDA regulates labeling of alcohol under 7% ABV (e.g., some beers). Alcohol above 7% is regulated by TTB. FDA requires allergen labeling and nutrition facts if claims are made.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules for Wi-Fi and Networking

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Equipment must be FCC-certified. Applies to routers, POS systems, and wireless devices used in taprooms or offices.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Registration (if applicable)

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Ethanol (above 24% ABV) is a hazardous material when transported. Most breweries/distilleries shipping products use carriers, but self-transportation triggers registration and training under 49 CFR.

Annual Report Filing for LLC

Mississippi Secretary of State
Required
Fee: $50.00-$50.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

All LLCs registered in Mississippi must file an Annual Report with the Secretary of State by April 15 each year. This applies to all LLCs, including breweries and distilleries.

Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Permit Renewal

Mississippi Department of Revenue - Alcoholic Beverage Control Division
Required
Fee: $250.00-$1000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

All alcoholic beverage manufacturing permits (including brewery and distillery) must be renewed annually by June 30. The specific fee depends on the type of permit held. This is mandated under Mississippi Code § 67-3-70.

Federal Basic Permit Renewal (TTB)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $1000.00-$1000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

All federally licensed alcohol producers (including breweries and distilleries) must renew their Basic Permit (Form 5000.24) by January 31 each year. This is required under 27 CFR § 25.122 and § 55.62.

Federal Excise Tax Payments (Brewery)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

Breweries must file and pay federal excise taxes on beer produced or taxpaid using TTB Form 5000.24 (COLA) and Form 5130.12. Due dates are the last day of the month following each calendar quarter. See 26 U.S.C. § 5051.

Federal Excise Tax Payments (Distillery)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

Distilleries must file and pay federal excise taxes on distilled spirits using TTB Form 5110.31. Due dates are the last day of the month following each calendar quarter. Applies to all federally permitted distillers under 26 U.S.C. § 5001.

Mississippi Sales and Use Tax Filing

Mississippi Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

All businesses selling taxable goods or services in Mississippi, including breweries and distilleries, must file monthly sales tax returns (Form ST-1) if they have nexus. Due by the 20th of the following month. See Mississippi Code § 27-65-101.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Annual Filings (Form 941)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

Employers must file Form 941 quarterly to report federal income tax withholding, Social Security, and Medicare taxes. Applies to all employers, including breweries and distilleries with employees. See IRS Rev. Proc. 2023-36.

Federal Unemployment Tax (Form 940) Filing

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Fee: $7000.00-$7000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing

Employers must file Form 940 annually to report Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) tax. Applies to all employers paying wages over $1,500 in a calendar quarter. See 26 U.S.C. § 3301.

Mississippi Withholding Tax Filing

Mississippi Department of Revenue
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file Form 941 equivalent (Form WH-1) monthly or quarterly based on liability. See Mississippi Code § 27-7-3.

OSHA Required Poster Display

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All employers with employees must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health: It's the Law poster in a conspicuous location. Available in English and Spanish from OSHA’s website.

Mississippi Labor Law Poster Display

Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Employers must post the Mississippi Workers' Rights and Responsibilities poster provided by MDES. Required under Mississippi Code § 71-1-5.

TTB COLA (Certificate of Label Approval) Submissions

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
May Apply
Fee: $200.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

Each new product label must be pre-approved by TTB using Form 5100.31 (for spirits) or 5100.33 (for beer). Approval required before distribution. No expiration, but modifications require new submission.

Fire Department Inspection (Hazardous Materials)

Local Fire Department / Mississippi State Fire Marshal
May Apply
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Facilities storing or using flammable liquids (e.g., ethanol in distilleries, propane for brewing) are subject to annual fire safety inspections under NFPA codes. Frequency and requirements vary by local jurisdiction.

Health Department Inspection (if serving food)

Mississippi State Department of Health
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

If the brewery or distillery serves food, it must comply with Mississippi Food Code and undergo routine health inspections. Frequency depends on risk level and local health department policy.

Recordkeeping for TTB Compliance

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Breweries and distilleries must maintain detailed records including production, taxpaid withdrawals, inventory, and formulas for at least 3 years. Required under 27 CFR § 25.152 (brewery) and § 55.32 (distillery).

Mississippi Business License Renewal

Mississippi Department of Revenue
Required
Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Most cities and counties in Mississippi require an annual local business license. Fees and deadlines vary. For example, Jackson, MS requires renewal by March 31. Check with local clerk for jurisdiction-specific requirements.

Mississippi Annual Fire Safety Inspection Certificate

Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office
May Apply
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

All commercial buildings, including breweries and distilleries, are subject to annual fire safety inspections by the State Fire Marshal or local authority. Ensures compliance with Mississippi Fire Prevention Code (based on IFC).

Federal Annual Occupational Tax Payment (TTB)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $500.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: filing

All federally licensed alcohol producers must pay the Alcohol Tax and Trade Bureau’s Annual Occupational Tax (AOT) by December 31. Paid via TTB Form 5000.27. Required under 26 U.S.C. § 5061.

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) Compliance

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Applies to all employers with employees. Requires hazard communication, injury reporting (OSHA Form 300 if 10+ employees), and safe working conditions. Fermentation and distillation processes involve confined spaces, high pressure, and flammable materials requiring specific safety protocols.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Department of Justice (DOJ)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Applies to places of "public accommodation." Requires accessible entrances, restrooms, counters, and communication for customers with disabilities. Does not apply if no public access (e.g., production-only facility).

EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Rule

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Applies if brewery/distillery stores significant quantities of oil. Ethanol production may involve oil-based equipment. Requires SPCC plan certified by professional engineer.

EPA Clean Air Act - Minor Source Permit (if applicable)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

Federal requirements delegated to state. Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) issues permits. Distilleries with large boilers or fermenters may trigger requirements.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Advertising and Labeling Compliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Prohibits deceptive advertising. Applies to all marketing, including social media, websites, and labels. Must disclose paid endorsements, avoid false claims (e.g., "organic" without certification). Works in conjunction with TTB labeling rules.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Compliance

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr), overtime (1.5x regular rate for >40 hrs/week), and proper recordkeeping. Applies to all employees in covered industries.

Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not DOL
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All employers must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. E-Verify is not mandatory federally but may be required by state law.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) compliance

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Posting notice required.

FDA Food Facility Registration

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

Required under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Must renew every even-numbered year (e.g., 2022, 2024). Brewery/distillery is considered a food facility.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

  1. Begin by obtaining a Federal Alcohol Excise Tax Registration from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
  2. Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); this is required for all businesses.
  3. Secure a Federal Basic Permit from the TTB, which is essential for alcohol production, with an initial fee of $1000.00.
  4. Comply with FTC Truth in Advertising and Labeling requirements to ensure accurate product representation.
  5. Establish a system for Federal Excise Tax Filing with the TTB, with fees ranging from $0.00 to $18.00.
  6. Implement thorough Recordkeeping for TTB Compliance to maintain accurate production and tax records.
  7. Obtain Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions Insurance, with costs typically between $500.00 and $2000.00.
  8. Ensure timely renewal of your Federal Basic Permit with the TTB, incurring an annual fee of $100.00.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to register with the TTB before commencing alcohol production can result in significant penalties.
  • Neglecting to file Federal Excise Tax returns with the TTB can lead to legal repercussions.
  • Incorrectly labeling alcoholic beverages can violate FTC regulations and result in fines.
  • Ignoring recordkeeping requirements for production and tax purposes can cause audit issues.
  • Assuming a single federal permit covers all aspects of alcohol production and sales is a common error.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TTB Basic Permit and why is it needed?

The TTB Basic Permit, also known as a Brewer’s Notice or DSP Permit, authorizes your brewery or distillery to operate legally; it’s required by federal law to produce alcohol for commercial purposes.

How often do I need to renew my Federal Basic Permit?

The Federal Basic Permit requires annual renewal with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and the renewal fee is currently $100.00.

What are the costs associated with Federal Excise Tax Filing?

The fees for Federal Excise Tax Filing with the TTB can vary, ranging from $0.00 to $18.00 depending on the specific filing requirements and production volume.

Is insurance required for a brewery or distillery in Hattiesburg?

Yes, Professional Liability / Errors & Omissions Insurance is required, and premiums generally range from $500.00 to $2000.00, though costs can vary based on coverage levels.

What is the purpose of the EIN registration?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique tax identification number assigned by the IRS to businesses; it's essential for filing taxes, opening bank accounts, and conducting business legally.

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