Business Location: Identifying the best business location is a critical step. Is my location in the City or in unincorporated Jackson County? Check a good map to be sure. If the proposed location is not in the City, you need to work with the appropriate agency within your jurisdiction.
No matter where you will locate your business within the city limits of Pascagoula, you need to check with the Code Enforcement Department. It is advisable that you do not rent or purchase your business property before calling them. It is possible that the type of business that you wish to start is not zoned for that area. Do not risk any deposits or make any commitments until you are positive that you will be able to place your business in that area. This is especially important if you plan to open a home-based business.
Contact: City of Pascagoula Code Enforcement – Phone: (228)-938-6620
Zoning of Your Business Location: Proper zoning is essential. Check with the Code Enforcement Office and provide your address or parcel description. They will determine the zoning requirements and set up times with the Fire Marshal to do the inspection. Different requirements and limitations will apply depending on the nature of your proposed business. If your location is approved, they will issue a Certificate of Occupancy. If not, they will inform you of the necessary steps to conform to code.
Health Permits: Certain types of businesses will require a health permit. These are: restaurants, bars, lounges, grocery stores, day care facilities, nursing homes, delicatessens, food vending companies, food catering companies, bottled water plants, bakeries and ice plants. Even if your business type is not listed here, it is best to check with the Health Department to see if you need a health permit.
Contact: Jackson County Health Department Phone: (228)-875-1336
Business Tax Certificate: When Starting a Business, all businesses, including home based businesses, internet businesses, ebay, online web sites, professional practices, contractors or any other business, in Mississippi are required to identify their business with one of two numbers: either a Social Security number or an EIN or employer identification tax ID number. A Social Security number can be used on all your government tax ID number forms and other tax ID number official documents if you are a sole proprietor, but most small business advisors recommend that you apply for a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN) and use that number instead.
If you will hire employees you are required to obtain a federal tax id number (Employer Identification Number EIN) as well as a Mississippi Tax Id Number.
Your next step is to contact the State Tax Commission. They issue State Sales Tax Permits and Beer License. Contact: State Tax Commission Phone: (228)-436-0554 (Biloxi) Mississippi State Tax Commission
If your business will sell hard liquor or wine, you must contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division for a permit. They will also provide you with the necessary forms for Federal requirements concerning alcohol. Contact: Alcoholic Beverage Control Phone: (601)-856-1320 (Jackson) Mississippi Tax Commission Alcoholic Beverage Control
Privilege License: Apply for your Privilege License. The law requires those persons desiring to do business in the state to obtain a privilege license from the county or city tax collector in which their place of business is located. The above steps must be completed before you can obtain a license. The annual fee is based on the amount of inventory for sale, if selling a product, or the number of full time employees if providing a service. Exceptions to this are: autos for hire, pawnbrokers, weapons dealers, travel agencies, vending machines, beer and transient vendors. The majority of small businesses pay between twenty and thirty dollars. Contact: Code Enforcement Office Phone: (228)-938-6620.
State of Mississippi Professional Licenses
City Codes
The Codes for the City of Pascagoula are available online. Just CLICK here!
Helpful Links
Starting a business from IRS.GOV
Small Business Planner from the U.S. Business Administration on SBA.GOV