If your business will be organized as an incorporation, a limited partnership or a limited liability corporation you will need to first register your business with the Secretary of States Business Services Group (800-256-3494). If you are going to be organized as a sole proprietorship you do not have to register with the state of Mississippi but you may need to register with your county or local government depending on the location of the business.

Depending on what type of business you will be engaged in, you may need to obtain a business license as well. You can determine whether you will need to be licensed by contacting you local Small Business Development Center and speaking with a counselor (800-725-7232). You also must contact your county or local government to see if your particular type of business should be licensed locally.

Nearly all businesses must obtain a sales tax identification number if you plan on selling tangible goods or providing certain services. The forms for obtaining a sales tax identification number can be found through the Mississippi Sales Tax Commission (601-923-7000).

If you are planning on having employees, you will need to report that and obtain the proper certifications from the federal government and the state of Mississippi. You will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the federal government. The paperwork for this can be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service (see Reference 3). You also will need to register with the state of Mississippi to ensure that you are withholding the proper amount of taxes and contributing to the state's unemployment insurance program. Forms and information for withholding can be obtained from your local Small Business Development Center (see Reference 1).

Your business should obtain the proper amount and types of insurance to shield you and your principal officers from liability in a variety of circumstance.