Hernando MS Sales Tax:
What Businesses Must Know

Sales tax range in Mississippi

In 2024, Mississippi's sales tax landscape has shown notable changes compared to 2023. The state-wide base sales tax rate, which stood at 7% in 2023, remains unchanged at 7% in 2024. However, several local jurisdictions have adjusted their local sales tax rates, impacting the overall sales tax paid by consumers.

Key changes and continuities:

The general sales tax rate for the state of Mississippi is fixed at 7% in both 2023 and 2024.

Certain municipalities have the authority to levy additional local sales taxes. In 2023, additional local sales taxes ranged from 0.25% to 1%. In 2024, some local jurisdictions have increased their local sales taxes, with rates now ranging from 0.25% to 1.5%.

Jackson maintained its 1% additional local sales tax in both 2023 and 2024, focusing on infrastructure improvements.

Gulfport increased its local tax from 0.5% in 2023 to 1% in 2024 to fund city projects.

Biloxi's supplemental sales tax remained at 0.75% in 2024, unchanged from 2023.

Hattiesburg raised its local sales tax from 1% in 2023 to 1.5% in 2024, aimed at enhancing public services.

Starkville introduced a new 0.5% local sales tax in 2024, which did not exist in 2023.

Businesses and consumers in Mississippi should remain aware of the specific tax rates applicable in their jurisdictions, including Mississippi car sales tax, MS sales tax, corporate income tax, and cigarette excise tax, as reflected in the business tax climate index, as these local variations and nuances in the tax code can significantly impact the overall cost of purchases.

What is the sales tax in Mississippi, including MS sales tax, you might wonder? The base state sales tax rate is 7%, which is consistent across the entire state. However, local jurisdictions have the authority to impose additional local sales taxes, varying anywhere from 0.25% to 1.5%. This means the total sales tax paid can differ from one area to another, a factor that both consumers and businesses must consider when making or reporting transactions.

These adjustments reflect the efforts of various local governments to generate revenue for public services, infrastructure projects, public pension plans, and to support other taxes such as tax collections, gas tax, cigarette excise tax, property tax, inheritance tax, and estate tax improvements.

Another significant consideration is the sales tax on cars in MS, corporate income tax, and individual income tax, which affect both businesses and individuals earning income in Mississippi. For the year 2024, tax rates are structured progressively, starting at 3% for the lower income brackets and going up to 5% for higher earnings. Taxpayers can also benefit from various deductions and credits, such as the standard deduction, which help reduce the overall tax liability. Knowing these rates and available deductions, including the mortgage interest deduction, can assist individuals in better financial planning and compliance, especially when using tools like an MS sales tax calculator.

Calculating Mississippi sales tax

Identify the State Sales Tax Rate

• Mississippi's state sales tax rate is 7%.

Determine the Local Sales Tax Rate

• Local tax rates in Mississippi can range from 0% to 1.5%, depending on the city or county.
• Example: Jackson has a local sales tax of 1%.

Calculate Total Sales Tax Rate

• Add the state tax rate to the applicable local tax rate.
• Example: In Jackson, the total sales tax rate would be 8.5% (7% state + 1.5% local).

Determine Taxable Amount

• Identify the total amount of the sale that is subject to sales tax.

Apply Total Sales Tax Rate

• Multiply the taxable amount by the total sales tax rate.

Calculate Sales Tax for E-commerce

• Sales tax applies to all tangible goods sold online to customers in Mississippi.
• Example: If selling a $100 item to Jackson, calculate $100 x 0.085 = $8.50 in sales tax.

Calculate Sales Tax for Software as a Service (SaaS)

• Mississippi considers SaaS to be taxable.
• Use the total sales tax rate for the locality of the buyer to calculate the tax.

Calculate Sales Tax for Services

• Service taxability depends on the specific service provided.
• Example: Personal services like haircuts are generally not taxable, but business services may be.

Collect and Remit Sales Tax

• Collect the calculated sales tax at the time of sale.
• Remit the collected sales tax to the Mississippi Department of Revenue by the due date.

Recent changes to Mississippi sales tax

Mississippi’s tax rate is a crucial aspect for both residents and businesses operating in the state. As of the latest updates, Mississippi applies a state income tax rate that ranges from 0% to 5%, depending on the income bracket. For individuals, the tax rate starts at 3% for lower income levels and gradually increases to 5% for higher earnings. Businesses in Mississippi are also subject to a corporate income tax rate of 5%, which impacts various sectors. Additionally, sales tax in Mississippi stands at 7%, with local jurisdictions having the authority to impose additional taxes, making the total sales tax rate variable across different regions. Understanding these rates is essential for effective financial planning and compliance within the state.

In 2024, Mississippi implemented several updates to its sales tax regulations. These changes impact both tax rates and the scope of taxable goods and services as outlined in the new tax code. Here's a summary contrasting 2023 and 2024:

Sales Tax Rate

In 2023, Mississippi maintained a state-wide sales tax rate of 7%. As of January 1, 2024, this rate remains unchanged, but several local jurisdictions have increased their additional local sales taxes by 0.5% to 1%. This results in varied total sales tax rates depending on the locality.

Taxable Goods

From April 1, 2024, certain groceries which were previously exempt from sales tax, are now subject to a reduced tax rate of 2%. In 2023, all groceries were exempt from sales tax. This change aims to generate additional state revenue.

Online Sales Tax

Effective July 1, 2024, Mississippi has expanded its online sales tax law to encompass more out-of-state sellers. Previously, only sellers with over $250,000 in annual sales to Mississippi residents were required to collect sales tax. The 2024 amendment lowers this threshold to $100,000.

Tax Holidays

The annual back-to-school tax holiday dates were extended in 2024 from a 2-day period to a 4-day period (July 25-28, 2024). This extends the previous tax holiday from July 28-29, 2023, allowing more time for purchases on eligible items like clothing and school supplies without sales tax.

Tax on Digital Goods

Starting March 1, 2024, the state imposes a 1% sales tax on digital goods, including music, e-books, and streaming services. This is a new measure, as digital goods were not taxed in 2023. The aim is to modernize the tax system and align it with current consumer trends.

These changes reflect Mississippi's efforts to bolster state revenue and adapt to economic shifts.

Understanding origin vs. destination sales tax collection

As of 2024, Mississippi is primarily a destination-based sales tax collection jurisdiction. This means taxes are generally collected based on the location where the buyer receives the product. Local sales taxes apply based on the destination of the sale within the state, requiring sellers to account for the varying rates in different locales.

Taxable products in Mississippi

Sure! In Mississippi, a variety of product genres are subject to sales tax. Here’s an overview of these categories:

General Merchandise

This encompasses a wide range of products including clothing, electronics, furniture, and household goods.

Food and Beverages

Most groceries are subject to sales tax in Mississippi. This typically includes prepackaged foods and beverages. However, there are exceptions, such as certain food items that might be exempt, so it’s important to check specifics.

Prepared Food

Meals and drinks purchased at restaurants, cafes, and similar establishments are taxed.

Alcohol and Tobacco

Sales of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are subject to sales tax.

Automobiles and Other Vehicles

The sale of cars, motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles incurs sales tax.

Entertainment and Amusement Services

Admission to events such as concerts, movies, and sports events generally incur sales tax.

Digital Products

Downloaded digital content, such as music, movies, eBooks, and software may also be subject to sales tax.

Utilities

Sales of utilities like electricity, gas, and water to residential and commercial users are typically taxed.

Certain Services

Some services, particularly those involving tangible personal property, may incur sales tax. This can include repairs, maintenance, and installation services.

Building Materials and Home Improvement Supplies

Items like lumber, paint, and hardware sold for home improvement projects are subject to sales tax.

Office Supplies

Items such as paper, ink, and office furniture incur sales tax.

The nuances and classifications of taxable items can be complex, and there may be specific exemptions or variations. If you need the most accurate and detailed information, consulting with a tax professional or the Mississippi Department of Revenue's resources is recommended.

Is SaaS taxable in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, Software as a Service (SaaS) is generally subject to sales tax. The state considers SaaS to be a taxable service, much like tangible personal property, requiring businesses to collect and remit sales tax on these transactions. Always consult a tax professional for specific guidance.

Are digital products taxable in Mississippi?

In 2024, digital products, such as e-books, online music, and software, are generally taxable in Mississippi. The state treats these digital goods similarly to tangible personal property, imposing sales tax on their purchase. Buyers should expect to pay applicable taxes on most digital transactions in Mississippi.

Are services taxable in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, services are generally taxable unless specifically exempted by law. The taxation applies to a wide range of services, including but not limited to, repair, maintenance, and installation services. Businesses providing taxable services must collect and remit sales tax to the state. Always consult local regulations for specific exemptions.

Physical nexus

In 2024, Mississippi continues to require physical presence as a criterion for sales tax nexus, meaning businesses must have a tangible connection to the state to be obligated to collect and remit sales tax, and possibly gas tax, if applicable. Physical nexus factors include maintaining an office, place of business, warehouse, or storage facility within the state, having employees or representatives in Mississippi, and owning or leasing property in the state.

Comparing 2024 with 2023

Office or place of business operations: 2023: Businesses maintaining a physical office or place of business within Mississippi fell under sales tax nexus requirements. 2024: This requirement remains unchanged.

Employees or representatives: 2023: Having employees or other representatives operating in Mississippi created a physical nexus for sales tax purposes. 2024: This criterion stays consistent with 2023.

Ownership or leasing of property: 2023: Owning or leasing tangible property in Mississippi established a physical nexus. 2024: This condition persists without alteration.

Warehousing and storage: 2023: Utilizing a warehouse or storage facility in Mississippi contributed to establishing a physical nexus. 2024: This remains a factor in 2024.

Overall, Mississippi's physical nexus criteria for sales tax in 2024 remain stable compared to 2023, maintaining the same requirements for tangible connections within the state.

Economic nexus

Economic nexus rules for sales tax in Mississippi have seen some updates in 2024 compared to 2023. Here’s a brief overview of the key changes:

Economic Nexus Threshold

In 2023, the threshold for economic nexus in Mississippi was $250,000 in sales or 200 transactions. In 2024, this threshold has been adjusted to $250,000 in sales with the transaction count criterion removed.

Remote Sellers Requirements

In 2023, remote sellers meeting the economic nexus threshold were required to collect and remit sales tax. This remains the same in 2024.

Marketplace Facilitators

In 2023, marketplace facilitators were required to collect sales tax if they met the economic nexus threshold. In 2024, marketplace facilitators must collect sales tax regardless of their own sales amount if they facilitate sales meeting the $250,000 threshold for their sellers.

Registration and Filing

In 2023, businesses were required to register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and file monthly sales tax returns if they met the nexus criteria. In 2024, a simplified registration process has been introduced, although the monthly filing requirement remains.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

In 2023, penalties for non-compliance with economic nexus rules included fines and interest on unpaid taxes. In 2024, penalties have been increased to include higher fines and potential suspension of business licenses for repeated offenses.

These updates aim to streamline compliance and improve revenue collection from out-of-state sellers. The removal of the transaction count criterion in particular reflects a move towards simplicity in defining economic presence.

Sales tax exemption certificates

In Mississippi, sales tax exemption certificates are issued to eligible purchasers who qualify for tax-free transactions under state-specific conditions. These certificates are used by businesses and organizations that meet certain criteria, such as resale, manufacturing, or use by non-profit entities. The purchaser must provide a completed and signed exemption certificate to the seller to validate the tax-free status of the transaction. Sellers must keep these certificates on file to substantiate claims of nontaxable sales during audits. Ensuring all details are accurate is crucial, as misuse or incomplete information can lead to penalties or back taxes owed.

Sales tax discounts and incentives

In Mississippi for the year 2024, there are several sales tax incentives available to businesses. These incentives are primarily aimed at promoting economic growth, attracting new businesses, and supporting existing ones. Key incentives include:

Manufacturing Exemptions

Businesses involved in manufacturing may be eligible for sales tax exemptions on machinery and equipment used directly in the manufacturing process. This can help reduce the cost of capital investments.

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds

These bonds help finance various types of projects including manufacturing facilities. Interest from these bonds is usually exempt from state and local taxes, which can lower the effective cost of borrowing for eligible businesses.

Data Center Incentives

Mississippi offers sales tax exemptions on equipment and software to qualifying data centers. These exemptions can significantly lower the operational costs for businesses in the technology sector.

Aerospace and Defense Incentives

There are specific tax exemptions for businesses involved in aerospace and defense, including sales tax breaks on machinery, equipment, and even certain types of building materials.

Clean Energy Exemptions

Businesses involved in renewable energy production or energy efficiency projects can benefit from sales tax exemptions on the purchase of relevant equipment and materials.

These incentives are designed to make Mississippi an attractive state for business investment and growth, particularly in key sectors like manufacturing, technology, and clean energy. Businesses should consult with local tax authorities or a tax professional to understand the specific eligibility requirements and application processes for these incentives.

State tax holidays in Mississippi for 2024

Sales tax holidays are specific periods when certain items are exempt from state sales taxes, encouraging consumer spending on back-to-school items, clothing, and other essentials.

For 2024, Mississippi's sales tax holidays have not been announced yet. Please check the state’s official announcements later for updates.