How to File and Pay Sales Tax in Mississippi

Do You Need to File a Mississippi Sales Tax Return?

Once you have an active sales tax permit in Mississippi you will need to begin filing sales tax returns. Not sure if you need a permit in Mississippi?  No problem. Check out our blog, Do You Need to Get a Sales Tax Permit in Mississippi?  

Also, If you would rather ask someone else to handle your Mississippi filings, our team at TaxValet can handle that for you with our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. We specialize in eliminating the stress and hassle of sales tax.

How to Sign-in and File a Return on Mississippi’s Website

Let’s start with simple step-by-step instructions for logging on to the website in order to file and pay your sales tax return in Mississippi. 

Step 1: Follow this link,  https://tap.dor.ms.gov/_/, to come to this screen:

Step 2: Sign in with your username and password.

If you do not have a username and password, then your first step is getting that all set up. These login credentials are generally created when you submit registration paperwork for a sales tax permit. 

Step 3: You will be directed to the dashboard for the state. 

You can think of the dashboard page as your home base. If you get lost, you can come back to the page and navigate from here. 

It’s generally a good idea to take a minute and explore the dashboard. Click around on the different links and get an idea of where to find things. The “Alerts” section at the top is a good place to get in the habit of checking. You can also check the “Correspondence” tab for other letters and messages from the state. 

Once you feel that you have a good understanding of the dashboard, proceed by selecting the appropriate account. 

Step 4: You will be directed to this page. 

At this page, you should be able to see all of the periods that you have filed and the period that you actively need to file. You can also see the status of any of these previously filed returns. 

If you have a return due, you can proceed by clicking the clickable period end date corresponding to that return.

You will see another page that has a “File or Amend a Return” link under “I Want To”. Select that option and proceed. 

Step 5: Key in Sales Data

The Mississippi return is not too difficult once you understand what numbers go where. 

You are now faced with a screen that looks something like this:

First, it is a good idea to go ahead and click the link to pull up the instructions for filing this return. Use this as a reference as you fill out your return. 

Next, you will need to hit the “Start by Clicking Here for lines 1-6” link. You will now see something that looks like this. 

You will need to fill in these lines appropriately. Code 77 is the seller’s use tax code as you can see in the instructions. Code 75 is the general use tax code. Code 77 is the code that you want if you are filing a “sales tax” return as it is normally called. Code 75 is what we think of as “use tax”. Mississippi just uses slightly different language, but you will get used to it.

Be sure that you select the appropriate code. As you can see, there are many more options than just 77 and 75. Read each of the options carefully to be sure that you are choosing the correct one. Once you are confident that you have selected the correct code and entered the correct value, hit “Close.” 

Look at line 8 to determine if this line applies to you. You can also reference the instructions to be sure that it does not apply to you. 

Let’s look at line 13. You will see your net tax due auto-populated here. Make sure that this amount is correct. Additionally, be sure that you do not owe penalties and interest. If you are filing this return on time, you will not owe any penalties and interest. 

Double-check all of your numbers before selecting “Submit.” You are now finished with your Mississippi sales and use tax return. 

How to Pay Mississippi Sales Tax

If you wish to pay your sales tax due while submitting the sales tax return, select that option after filing your return. You can also pay the amount due by going back to the dashboard. 

Moving forward with paying the amount due with your return, you will see a screen that looks like the one below. 

After clicking here, you can choose your payment method. The ACH debit payment method is the most frequently used option. 

Next, you will need to select the payment type. If you are paying the balance from your return due, select the “Return” option. You will now see the page where you can enter your bank account information, payment amount, and payment date. Carefully fill in this information. Make sure your payment date is scheduled no later than the due date of the tax return.

Once you are sure that everything is entered correctly, hit “Submit”.

Things to Consider After Filing a Sales Tax Return in Mississippi

If you forgot to print or save a copy of your sales tax return, don’t fret. You can easily go back into the period to view and/or print the return that you just filed. Go back to the dashboard and select the “Use Tax” account. Select the period that you need. Now, look under “I Want To” and select “File or Amend a Return”. You should now see something that looks like this on the right side of the page:

Select the “Print Return” link. You can now save or print the return for your records.

How to Get Help Filing a Mississippi Sales Tax Return

If you are stuck or have questions, you can contact the state of Mississippi directly at (601) 923-7700  between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST. You can also find additional resources at the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) website.

Instead, if you are looking for a team of experts to handle your sales tax returns for you each month, you should check out our Done-for-You Sales Tax Service. Feel free to contact us if you’re interested in becoming a client!