Privilege Licenses

The City of Ridgeland defers to the laws of the State of Mississippi in regard to legally operating a business within the city limits. According to State Code 27-17-9, in order to lawfully operate a business, a tax shall be paid to the municipality within which the business shall operate and a license obtained for the privilege of engaging, or continuing, in business within the municipality. Business owners must apply for a privilege license, pay the associated tax, and obtain the license prior to operating a business within the City of Ridgeland.

The amount of a privilege license tax depends upon the number of employees and the type of business. Service businesses included non-manufacturing and manufacturing types of business and retail/wholesale businesses include those operating a store for the sale of goods, wares, and merchandise.

• For any service business having three or fewer employees, the annual tax is $20.00.
• For any service business having more than three but fewer than eleven employees, the annual tax is $30.00
• For a non-manufacturing business, the annual tax is $30.00 plus an additional assessment of $3.00 for each employee over ten employees. The tax will not exceed $150.00.
• For a manufacturer having eleven or more employees, the annual tax is $80.00.
• For a wholesale or retail business, the amount of tax depends on the value of the store’s stock. For example, if the value of the stock is $7000 or below, the annual privilege tax is $20.00. For your store’s exact tax amount, please contact the City’s Privilege License Office.

For more information and to obtain a license to operate a business in the City of Ridgeland, please contact Michele Cannady, Deputy Clerk, at 601-856-7113 or e-mail Michele Cannady.

Requirements For Obtaining A Privilege License - General Business (PDF)