How to Start an LLC in Mississippi

Last updated on 04 Apr 2025

How to Form an LLC in Mississippi | Complete Guide

A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Form an LLC in Mississippi

Forming an LLC in Mississippi is a great method for building your business while preserving your personal assets. It is an easy process, but you need to do it the right way to have your LLC formed correctly and in compliance with Mississippi state laws. This guide will lead you through the three steps you need to form your LLC in Mississippi.

Key Benefits

Personal Asset Protection

An LLC or 'limited liability company' is an American business form that gives the owners some legal protection by not holding them personally responsible for the legal obligations or debts of the company.

Tax Flexibility

LLCs offer pass-through taxation by default, meaning business income passes through to your personal tax return, avoiding double taxation while providing options for how you're taxed.

Management Freedom

Mississippi LLCs provide flexibility in management structure, allowing you to choose between member-managed or manager-managed operations to suit your business needs.

Formation Process

Name Your Mississippi LLC

Naming your LLC is one of the initial and key steps in the process of formation. Your name for your LLC needs to be unique from other companies registered in Mississippi.

Required Words: The name should have either the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC," "L.L.C.," "Ltd.," "Company," or "Co."
Prohibited Words: Steer clear of words such as "Agency," "Commission," "Board," "Department," or "Municipal" that could be indicative of a government tie.
Name Availability: Make sure the name is original by looking it up in the Mississippi Business Entity Database to ensure it is not already taken. In case no results show, you can proceed with your desired name.
Domain Name: It's also worth checking if your business domain name is available. Not currently necessary, claiming your domain name early secures your brand on the internet.

Select a Registered Agent in Mississippi

Each LLC in Mississippi is required to have a registered agent. The agent will accept legal and tax notices in place of your LLC.

Agent Requirements

A registered agent can be a person with a physical address in Mississippi (including yourself) or a professional registered agent service. Using a professional service makes sure your business stays in compliance with state regulations and that you don't miss any critical documents. They also offer privacy by keeping your personal address off public records.

Professional Services

We highly recommend that you hire a professional Registered Agent service. Utilizing a professional service is convenient and guarantees compliance with state regulations. Many business owners prefer this option for the privacy and reliability it offers.

Recommended Registered Agent Services

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is a great option for Mississippi LLC registration and registered agent services. They provide fast registration, a simple platform, and hassle-free compliance services to maintain your business's compliance with state laws.

Easy and affordable LLC registration
Guarantees compliance with state regulations
High customer satisfaction rate with a 5-star Trustpilot rating

Cons: Does not provide nonprofit LLC registrations.

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent has been in the business for over two decades, offering professional services for LLC formation and registered agent needs. They also provide a secure online portal to access documents anytime. Their registered agent fee is $125 per year.

Excellent data security and privacy
Competitive pricing at $125 per year for registered agent services
Strong BBB rating (A+)

Cons: Higher initial LLC formation cost compared to some competitors.

File Your LLC Formation Documents

In order to formally form your LLC in Mississippi, you must submit your Certificate of Formation to the Mississippi Secretary of State. This may be done online, by mail, or in-person.

Filing Fee

Online or mail filing is $50.

Processing Times

Online submissions are generally completed within 1-2 business days, while mail submissions take 7-10 business days. Expedited services are also available.

Filing Options

Online Filing: The quickest option with processing times of 1-2 business days.
Mail Filing: You can send your Certificate of Formation to:
Mississippi Secretary of State – Business Services
P.O. Box 136
Jackson, MS 39205
In-Person Filing: Available at the Secretary of State's office.

Once you've filed, your LLC is officially formed and you will receive a confirmation from the state.

What Comes Next After Your LLC is Registered?

After your LLC is registered, the job does not end there. There are a few important next steps to take into consideration:

Draft an Operating Agreement: While Mississippi does not mandate that an LLC have an Operating Agreement, it's strongly encouraged. It defines how your LLC will be operated and can avoid future disputes.
Establish a Business Bank Account: Open a separate business bank account for your LLC to keep your business finances separate from personal finances. This is crucial to preserve the legal protections your LLC offers.
Obtain Business Insurance: Business insurance can safeguard your LLC against possible legal suits, damage to property, or other hazards. Consider obtaining general liability insurance, and if you have employees, workers' compensation insurance is mandatory.
Employ an Accountant: A certified accountant will assist you in understanding tax laws, managing payroll, and keeping your business finances in order. This avoids the costly errors and ensures you are in compliance with tax regulations.

After Formation

Once your LLC is established, take these important steps to maintain good standing and protect your business:

Draft an Operating Agreement

While Mississippi does not mandate that an LLC have an Operating Agreement, it's strongly encouraged. It defines how your LLC will be operated and can avoid future disputes. This document will clarify the ownership structure and management of your LLC and will avoid many conflicts among members.

Establish a Business Bank Account

Open a separate business bank account for your LLC to keep your business finances separate from personal finances. This is crucial to preserve the legal protections your LLC offers. If you don't maintain this separation, courts may "pierce the corporate veil" and hold you personally liable for business debts.

Obtain Business Insurance

Business insurance can safeguard your LLC against possible legal suits, damage to property, or other hazards. Consider obtaining general liability insurance, and if you have employees, workers' compensation insurance is mandatory. This provides an additional layer of protection beyond the LLC structure itself.

Employ an Accountant

A certified accountant will assist you in understanding tax laws, managing payroll, and keeping your business finances in order. This avoids costly errors and ensures you are in compliance with tax regulations. Having one also takes the burden of bookkeeping and payroll off your shoulders so you can concentrate on growing your business.

FAQs

What does it cost to form an LLC in Mississippi?

The Mississippi LLC filing fee is $50. If you require rush service, there are additional fees.

Do I require a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name for my Mississippi LLC?

Mostly, you will not be required to have one. The name you would like to use for your LLC is usually the name in which you can carry on business. If you want to do business in another name, however, you will have to apply for a DBA.

How long does Mississippi take to process my LLC formation?

Online submissions are generally completed within 1-2 business days, while mail submissions take 7-10 business days. Expedited services are also available.

Can I serve as my own Registered Agent in Mississippi?

Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent, as long as you have a Mississippi street address and are present during business hours to accept legal and tax notices.

Is an Operating Agreement necessary in Mississippi?

Mississippi does not necessarily require an Operating Agreement, but it is strongly advised to have one. This is the document that provides a better framework for the management structure, duties, and operational processes of your LLC.

Should I obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for my LLC?

If your LLC has workers or if you're going to get a business bank account, you'll need an EIN. You can get an EIN from the IRS online, and it doesn't cost anything.

What if I don't file my annual report for my LLC in Mississippi?

Late filing of the annual report can result in penalties or administrative dissolution of your LLC. File on time to maintain good standing for your LLC.

Can I rename my LLC after registration?

Yes, you are allowed to rename your LLC after registration through the filing of an amendment with the Mississippi Secretary of State. This entails filing a form and paying a filing fee.

Ready to Start Your Mississippi LLC?

Take the first step toward establishing your business with the protection and benefits of an LLC structure. Following these steps and keeping track of what needs to be done, your LLC in Mississippi will be on its way. It's an easy process, and the right services make it even easier.

Get Started Today