The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) licenses commercial and residential contractors at the state level. Mississippi does not issue statewide journeyman or master credentials for electricians, plumbers, or HVAC technicians; trade-worker credentialing, where it exists, is handled at the local city or county level. Commercial contractor license (MSBOC). Required for commercial work at or above $50,000, including: - Major classifications (Building Construction, Heavy Construction, Highway and Bridge, Municipal and Public Works). Net worth requirement: $50,000 on a CPA-prepared audited or reviewed financial statement. - Specialty classifications (Electrical, Mechanical covering plumbing and HVAC, Roofing, and others) apply at $10,000 and up for trade-specific work. Net worth requirement: $20,000 for specialty classifications. - $100,000 commercial contractor license bond required. - General liability $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate required. - Workers' compensation required if 5 or more employees. - Qualifying party passes trade and Business and Law exams through MSBOC's contracted testing vendor. Residential contractor license (MSBOC). Required for residential work over $50,000 in most cases. Applicants submit a residential application with trade and law exam, and post a bond in an amount set by MSBOC rules. Residential work under $50,000 and small commercial under $10,000. Regulated by local city or county building departments. Many municipalities require registration, a local bond, and a local license. Trade-worker credentialing (journeyman or master electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician) is generally a local matter in Mississippi. Business registration. LLCs and corporations register with the Mississippi Secretary of State. An annual report is due by April 15 each year (free for domestic LLCs; $25 for nonprofit corporations; $23.25 for profit corporations; $250 for foreign LLCs). Franchise tax. Mississippi imposes a corporate franchise tax (minimum $25) on corporations and on LLCs taxed as corporations. The franchise tax is being phased out and will be fully eliminated after 2027.
MS · Contractor licensing
Contractor licensing in Mississippi
State contractor license requirements, bond, and insurance minimums.
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