Quick Highlights on Mississippi Sales Tax
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| State Sales Tax Rate Range | 7–8% |
| Base State Sales Tax Rate | 7% |
| Local Rate Range | 0–1% |
| Economic Nexus Sales Threshold | $250,000 |
| Reference Period | Preceding 12 calendar months |
| Registration Deadline | Next transaction after threshold is crossed |
| Revenue Authority | Mississippi Department of Revenue |
| Online Filing Portal | TAP (Taxpayer Access Point) |
As a business, do I need to collect sales tax in Mississippi?
Businesses are required to collect sales tax in Mississippi if they have a sales tax nexus in the state. This includes having a physical presence or reaching a specific sales level, which establishes an economic nexus. This is why understanding Mississippi state sales tax obligations is crucial for compliance.
Do I have a physical nexus in Mississippi?
A physical nexus in the state of Mississippi is established if your business has a physical presence in the state, like an office, warehouse, or store. Even temporary physical presence, like participating in trade shows or craft fairs, can create a nexus.
In Mississippi, physical nexus is triggered by employees or contractors in any role — including back-office, administrative, and support functions, not just customer-facing roles.
How do I know if I have an economic nexus in Mississippi?
An economic nexus in Mississippi is determined by your sales volume. If your enterprise meets the threshold, you must register for a Mississippi sales tax permit, collect tax on sales shipped to Mississippi, and remit that tax to Mississippi Department of Revenue.
In Mississippi, economic nexus is established if your sales in the state exceed $250,000, based on Preceding 12 calendar months.
Marketplace sales (e.g., Amazon, eBay) are excluded when calculating whether you've exceeded the Mississippi economic nexus threshold.
Sales made for resale are included in the nexus threshold calculation for Mississippi.
Non-taxable sales are included in the nexus threshold calculation for Mississippi.
Once you cross the threshold, you must register by Next transaction after threshold is crossed.
Which goods are taxable in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, sales tax applies to:
- All tangible personal property sold at retail
- Manufacturing and custom machinery and equipment (reduced 1.5% rate)
- Timber and lumber
- Farm implements and tractors (reduced 1.5% rate)
- Automobiles and light trucks (5% rate)
- Amusements
Mississippi is a broad-based sales tax state that taxes most goods and some services.
What items are exempt from sales tax in Mississippi?
Mississippi exempts the following from sales tax:
- Prescription drugs
- Custom computer software services
- Certain agricultural supplies
- Sales to the federal government
- Certain items sold to qualifying nonprofits
Note: Most tangible personal property is taxable in Mississippi. The exemption list is narrower than many other states.
Is SaaS taxable in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, SaaS is partially taxable. The following categories are taxable:
Mississippi's treatment of SaaS depends on where the software is hosted:
- Software hosted in Mississippi: SaaS and prewritten software delivered, maintained, or hosted on servers physically located in Mississippi are taxable.
- Software hosted outside Mississippi: SaaS accessed remotely from servers located outside Mississippi is generally exempt.
- Prewritten software on tangible media: Taxable regardless of hosting location.
The critical factor is the location of the hosting servers. Consult a tax advisor to determine the taxability of your specific product.
If you are uncertain about the taxability of your specific software product in Mississippi, consult with a tax specialist.
How can a business get a sales tax permit in Mississippi?
To obtain a sales tax permit in Mississippi, businesses need to register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Registration can be completed online through the TAP (Taxpayer Access Point).
You will need to provide detailed information about your business, including business type, ownership details, and the nature of your business activities.
When should a business file sales tax in Mississippi?
Sales tax returns in Mississippi are generally due on the 20th day of the following month for the previous period. Based on your annual tax liability, you may qualify for a less frequent filing schedule:
Note: Mississippi has a higher economic nexus threshold ($250,000) than most states, which is based solely on revenue with no transaction count requirement. Starting July 1, 2025, grocery items eligible for SNAP purchase are taxed at a reduced rate of 5%.
You can file your Mississippi sales tax return through the TAP (Taxpayer Access Point) at https://tap.dor.ms.gov/.
Does Mississippi offer a timely filing discount?
Yes, Mississippi offers a timely filing benefit for businesses that file and pay on time:
Mississippi provides a vendor's compensation for timely filing and payment:
- 2% of the first $50,000 in sales tax collected
- 0% on amounts above $50,000
- Maximum compensation of $50 per month
The compensation is applied automatically when the return is filed and paid by the due date.
What are the penalties for late filing in Mississippi?
Mississippi imposes the following penalties for non-compliance:
- Late filing/payment penalty: 10% of the unpaid tax
- Interest: Accrues on unpaid tax from the due date at the statutory rate (0.5% per month)
- Fraud penalty: Additional penalties may apply for willful evasion
Penalties may be waived for reasonable cause. Contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue for abatement requests.
Is shipping taxable in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the taxability of shipping and handling depends on how the charge is presented. Generally: • Taxable: If the shipping charges are mandatory or included in the price of a taxable item. • Non-Taxable: If shipping is separately stated on the invoice and provided as an optional service to the customer. Note: If you ship a mix of taxable and non-taxable goods in Mississippi, the shipping charge must usually be prorated to determine the taxable portion. Confirm current rules with Mississippi Department of Revenue at https://www.dor.ms.gov/.
Does Mississippi have a Remote Seller program?
Mississippi requires remote sellers who exceed the economic nexus threshold to register, collect, and remit sales tax using standard state rates.
