General Contractor Permits & Licenses in Jackson, MS

Required for all LLCs. Annual report also required ($0 fee, due April 15).

All domestic LLCs must file annually regardless of activity.

Required for all general contractors with projects over $50,000 single trade or $100,000 any trade. Requires qualifying party with 4 years experience or education equivalent + exam. Financial statement required.

Required if using DBA/trade name. Renew every 10 years.

Employers must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Applies to all employers in Mississippi with employees. Includes full-time, part-time, and temporary workers.

Employers must pay unemployment insurance tax (SUTA) on first $7,000 of each employee's wages annually. New employers pay rate of 2.0%; rate may change after experience rating. Registration is done via Form MDES-100.

All LLCs registered in Mississippi must file an annual franchise tax report and pay franchise tax regardless of income or activity. Due date is April 15 each year. Filing is required even if no capital is employed (minimum $150 still applies).

Many municipalities in Mississippi (e.g., Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg) require a local business license or privilege tax for contractors. Fees and requirements vary. Contractors may need additional bonding or proof of state licensing. Check with city clerk or county administrator.

All businesses must register and file annual privilege tax return. Contractors pay based on gross income.

Contractors may need if selling materials separately from labor.

Required if paying wages to employees.

General contractors in Mississippi may be required to collect and remit sales tax on materials and labor for certain projects. Construction services are generally taxable when part of a lump-sum contract. Separate contracts for labor and materials may affect taxability. Registration is mandatory for those making taxable sales.

Not required for general contractors unless alcohol is served or sold as part of business operations (e.g., at events). Regulated by the Mississippi Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control (MDABC) if applicable. Most contractors do not need this.

While not insurance per se, the licensing process requires submission of a $10,000 surety bond and proof of workers' compensation insurance (if applicable). Licensing is mandatory under MS Code § 73-29-3 for any contractor working on projects exceeding $50,000 in value.

Mississippi does not impose entity-level income tax on LLCs. However, owners must report their share of profits on personal income tax returns (Form 80). The LLC may need to file an information return if it has multiple members. No separate state-level filing is required for single-member LLCs disregarded for tax purposes.

General contractors must hold a valid license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Classification (e.g., Residential, Commercial) depends on project type and value. Requires proof of experience, background check, and a surety bond (typically $5,000–$10,000). Exemptions apply for minor repairs.

Required for all businesses operating within Jackson city limits, including general contractors. See fee schedule at linked page.

Applies if business is outside city limits but in Hinds County. General contractors must specify SIC code 15/16/17.

Verify zoning via Jackson GIS map at linked site. Ordinance: Jackson City Code Chapter 90.

Jackson City Code Sec. 90.040 restricts home-based contractors (no client visits, signage limited).

General contractors pulling permits for their own business premises. See 2023 Fee Schedule PDF on page.

Regulated under Jackson City Code Chapter 91. Freestanding signs for contractors limited to 32 sq ft in commercial zones.

Required for compliance with 2018 International Fire Code as adopted by city ordinance.

Jackson City Code Chapter 37. Excessive false alarms lead to permit revocation.

Example for coastal MS counties; county-specific. Ordinance Sec. 14-3.

Jackson City Code Chapter 93. Variance required for extended hours.

Required for all employers with five or more employees in most industries. Agricultural employers require coverage only if they have 10 or more employees. Sole proprietors and partners are exempt from carrying coverage on themselves unless they elect coverage. Exemptions apply for very small employers under specific conditions.

Not legally required by the State of Mississippi, but strongly recommended and often required by contracts, project owners, or local jurisdictions. May be required for licensing in certain municipalities.

Not legally required for general contractors in Mississippi. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence, faulty workmanship, or design errors. May be required in contracts for larger projects.

A $10,000 surety bond is required as part of the licensing process for all applicants seeking a license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. This is a license bond, not a performance bond. Effective per MS Code § 73-29-3.

Required under Mississippi’s Financial Responsibility Law (Miss. Code Ann. § 63-15-101). Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Applies to all vehicles registered to the business.

While single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN, obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability protection and banking purposes. General contractors often need an EIN to establish credibility with subcontractors and suppliers.

No state-mandated product liability insurance for contractors in Mississippi. However, if the business manufactures or sells defective products (e.g., prefabricated components), it could face liability. Coverage is typically included in general liability policies. Not required by law.