Congratulations on your decision to become a Mississippi new employer! You will need a few things in place before you run your first payroll. For Mississippi employer registration help, check out our partner, CorpNet.
Federal and State Tax Accounts
Federal Tax Accounts:
Apply for an EIN View Details
Obtain an Employer Identification Number, (also known as an EIN or FEIN), for your business if you do not already have one. The simplest (and preferred way) is to apply for an EIN with the IRS online. There is no cost to apply for an EIN.
To read more about applying for an EIN, read our help article, “Your Step-by-step Guide on How to Apply for EIN”
Enroll in EFTPS View Details
Although it is not required, we recommend that you register for this federal tax paying system. You can easily register online. You will need to have this account to make tax payments online, or view payments made on your behalf by Patriot.
To find out more about the EFTPS, please read our article, “What Is EFTPS?”
State of Mississippi Tax Accounts:
Register With the Mississippi Department of Revenue View Details
You can register your business online using the Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point. This account will be needed for your state income taxes (SIT).
Register with the MS Department of Employment Security View Details
Mississippi new employers can register using the Online Services for Employers. This account will be necessary for filing your state unemployment insurance (SUI) taxes.
Get Your SUTA Tax Rate View Details
The Mississippi new employer SUTA tax rate for the first year of liability is 1.0%, 1.10% for second year companies, and 1.20% for third year and subsequent companies till employers are eligible for a modified rate.
Once eligible, eployers in Mississippi will receive a State Unemployment Tax Assessment (SUTA) rate every year.
To learn more about SUTA, please read our article, “What Is SUTA Tax?”
State-mandated Insurance:
Sign up for Workers’ Comp Insurance View Details
You must have workers’ comp insurance if you have at least 5 employees in Mississippi. You can sign up for workers’ comp insurance through a private provider or state-operated fund. Learn more about workers’ comp requirements in Mississippi here.
Patriot’s online payroll offers free pay as you go (PAYG) workers’ comp integration with our partner, ERGO NEXT Insurance. You can get a free quote with ERGO NEXT here.
Setting Up Your New Employee:
Fill Out Form I-9 View Details
The U.S. requires all employers fill out Form I-9 for employee work verfication. For more information, please read, “Form I-9 In a Nutshell.”
You must retain each employee’s completed Form I-9 as long as the individual works for you. For more information, please read “What Should Be in an Employee File?”
Have Employee Fill Out Federal Form W-4 View Details
Employees need to fill out Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, for federal income taxes.
For more information, read our help article, “What Is a W-4 Form, and What Is it Used for?“
Have Employee Fill Out State Form 89-350 View Details
Employees should complete Form 89-350, Mississippi Employee’s Withholding Exemption Certificate for state income taxes (SIT).
Report New Hires View Details
Mississippi employers need to report new hires within 15 days of hire or rehire. You can report online to the Mississippi State Directory of New Hires.
Meet Minimum Wage Requirements View Details
Mississippi employers must follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
By law, you are required to post the minimum wage poster where employees can read it.
Obtain Labor Law Posters View Details
Get annual posters and all federal, state, county, and city labor law updates with Patriot’s labor law poster store, powered by PosterElite!
Once you have all the necessary information, you will be able to set up your payroll for your business.
You will want to keep all payroll records for at least three years. For more information, please read our help article, “What Employers Should Know About Employee Payroll Records.”
Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help!
This is not an all-inclusive list for new employers. Please check with your state and federal government for full compliance.
