Just opened a business in Mississippi? Start here.

Eleven things to take care of in your first month. Most are free, and none of them need a consultant.

1. Get your EIN from the IRS. It's free. Apply online at irs.gov and you'll have the number in minutes. Sites that charge for an EIN are just filling out the same free form.
2. Open a business bank account. Keep business money out of your personal account from day one. It protects your LLC and makes taxes far easier.
3. Register for Mississippi taxes if you need to. If you sell taxable goods or services, or hire employees, register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue on Taxpayer Access Point before your first sale or payroll.
4. Check local and trade licenses. Ask your city hall or county about a local privilege license. Some trades also need a state license or permit (contractors, cosmetology, food service, and others).
5. Get insured. Talk to a local agent about general liability for your type of work. Once you have five or more employees, Mississippi requires workers' compensation coverage.
6. Get a business phone number. A separate number keeps work calls off your personal line. A free Google Voice number works fine to start.
7. Set up your free Google business listing. A Google Business Profile puts you on Google Maps and in search results with your phone, hours and reviews. For most local businesses it's the single most useful thing you can do online.
8. Claim your Facebook page and Instagram name. Even if you won't post much, grab your business name now so nobody else does, and put your phone number and hours on it.
9. Get a simple website. One page with what you do, where you are, and how to reach you is enough to start. Customers check before they call.
10. Claim your Fresh Ink listing. Find your business on its town's page and add your phone number and website so people searching for you can reach you.
11. Mark April 15 on your calendar. Mississippi LLCs and corporations file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year by April 15. For LLCs it's free. Ignore official-looking mail that offers to file it, or to send a "certificate," for a fee.

This checklist is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change, so check with the agency or a professional for your situation.