How to Start an LLC in Mississippi: Step-by-Step Guide

Last Updated:byTRUiC Team

To start aMississippi LLC, you'll need to file the Certificate of Formation with the Mississippi Secretary of State, which costs $50. You can apply online.

Follow our step-by-stepHow to Start an LLC in Mississippiguide to get started today.

  1. Name Your Mississippi LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File the Certificate of Formation
  4. Create an Operating Agreement
  5. Get an EIN

Or simply use a professional service:

four point eight out of five Northwest($29 + State Fees)

three point nine out of five LegalZoom($249 + State Fees)

Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our118bet金博宝 guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit ourHow to Set Up an LLCguide.

Mississippi State map icon with filing cost

Step 1: Name Your Mississippi LLC

Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in starting your Mississippi LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Mississippi law and is easily searchable by potential clients.

1. Follow the naming guidelines:

  • Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
  • Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.

2. Name Availability in Mississippi.Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing abusiness name searchon the State of Mississippi website.

To learn more aboutsearching for a Mississippi LLC name, read our full guide. Find name ideas using our free LLCname generator.

3. URL Availability.We recommend that you check to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Find a Domain Now

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

Subscribe to ourYouTube channel

We reviewed and ranked the118金宝app . Find out which is best for you.

FAQ: Naming a Mississippi LLC

What is an LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our118bet金博宝 guide for more information.

Or, watch our two-minute video:What is an LLC?

How do I name my Mississippi LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

You must follow the state's LLC naming guidelines when choosing your Mississippi LLC's business name:

  • Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
  • Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
  • Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.

If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC, use ourLLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.

After you get your business name, get a unique logo using ourFree Logo Generator.

Do I need to get a DBA or fictitious name for my business?An orange arrow pointing down

Most LLCs do not need a DBA, known in Mississippi as a fictitious name. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.

To learn more about DBAs in your state, read ourHow to File a DBAguide.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Mississippi

You arerequiredto nominate aMississippi registered agentfor your LLC.

What is a registered agent?A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business's point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent?An LLC's registered agent must be a resident of Mississippi or a corporation, such as aregistered agent service, authorized to transact business in Mississippi. You may elect an individual within the company including yourself.

Recommended:Check out thesebest registered agent services.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Can I be my own registered agent?An orange arrow pointing down

Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the registered agent for your Mississippi LLC.

Read more aboutbeing your own registered agent.

Is a registered agent service worth it?An orange arrow pointing down

Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your Mississippi LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.

For more information, read our article onMississippi registered agents.

Step 3: File the Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation

To register your Mississippi LLC, you will need to file theCertificate of Formationwith the Secretary of State. This can be done online.

Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will bemember-managed vs. manager-managed.

You'll also need to know yourNAICS codenumber (Mississippi requires it).

File the Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation

File Online With the State of Mississippi

File Online

Fee:$50, payable to the Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)

For help with completing the form, visit ourMississippi Certificate of Formationguide.

If you’re expanding your existing LLC to the state of Mississippi, you will need to form aforeign LLC.

Mississippi NAICS Requirement

When filing the Mississippi LLC formation documents, you are required to include your NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) consists of six-digit codes given to a business depending on the type of trade it engages in.

You can look up the NAICS code for your type of business by using ourNAICS Code Lookup Tool.

FAQ: Filing Mississippi LLC Documents

What is the processing time to form my Mississippi LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

The Mississippi Secretary of State typically processes online business filings in two business days.

What is the difference between a domestic Mississippi LLC and foreign LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.

Read ourWhat Is a Foreign LLCarticle to learn more.

How much does it cost to start a Mississippi LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

The cost to start a Mississippi LLC is $50.

To learn more, read our guide on thecost to form a Mississippi LLC.

Step 4: Create a Mississippi LLC Operating Agreement

Whenforming an LLC in Mississippi, LLCs are not required to have an188金宝搏官方网站, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement?An188金宝搏官方网站is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important?A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read ourMississippi LLC operating agreementguide.

Recommended:Download a template or create a118bet官网 using our tool.

FAQ: Creating a Mississippi LLC Operating Agreement

Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?An orange arrow pointing down

No. The188金宝搏官方网站is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.

Step 5: Get an EIN

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN?An EIN number is required for the following:

  • To open abusiness bank accountfor the company
  • For federal and state tax purposes
  • 雇佣employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN?An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:Youdo not need an SSNto get an EIN.Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

- OR -

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax:(855) 641-6935

Fee:Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?An orange arrow pointing down

A Social Security number isnotrequired to get an EIN. You can simply fill outIRS Form SS-4and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.Learn more about applying as an international applicant.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This isrequiredby the IRS.

Learn why we recommendalwaysgetting an EIN and how to get one for free in ourDo I Need an EIN for an LLCguide.

What tax structure should I choose for my Mississippi LLC?An orange arrow pointing down

When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the differenttax classification optionsthat are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.

However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing theS corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read ourLLC vs. S Corpguide.

Considering Using an LLC Formation Service?

We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services. Find out which is best for you.

BEST LLC SERVICES

How to Maintain Your LLC

File the Annual Report

Mississippi requires LLCs to file an annual reportonlinewith the Mississippi Secretary of State. There is no filing fee.

Mississippi LLC annual reports are due by April 15 every year. Any annual report received after April 15 will result in your business losing its good standing with the state.

Steps After LLC Formation

Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.

Visit ourAfter Forming an LLCguide to learn more.

What is the corporate veil?An orange arrow pointing down

商业ness entities, such as LLCs and corporations, protect their owners from personal liabilities for the business’s debts. This protection is often referred to as the corporate veil. Learn how to protect your LLC's corporate veil in ourguide.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Mississippi LLC Business Licenses & Permits

To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.

Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with ourMississippi Business Licenseguide.

Recommended:Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read ourbest business license servicesreview.

Mississippi LLC Tax Filing Requirements

In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on yourMississippi LLC taxes.

Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of tax:

Mississippi Sales Tax

If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for aseller's permitthrough theMississippi Department of Revenuewebsite.

Mississippi's statewide sales tax is 7%. Two cities — Tupelo and Jackson — impose an additional .25% and 1% local sales tax, respectively.

Mississippi Employer Taxes

If you have employees in Mississippi, you will need to register forUnemployment Insurance Taxthrough the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. You will also need to sign up forEmployee Withholding Taxthrough the Mississippi Department of Revenue.

Income Tax

State
Individual income tax rates in Mississippi range from 0% to 5%. Your rate will ultimately depend on your LLC's income.

State tax returns are due each year by April 18. To calculate your tax or determine your tax bracket, visit theMississippi Department of Revenue website.

Federal
You’ll also need to report your federal income tax using eitherForm 1065(multi-member LLC) orForm 1040 Schedule C(single-member LLC).

Hiring Employees in Mississippi

If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:

Find out more information from the密西西比州的就业安全.

Check out ourHiring for Your Small Business Guidefor resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.

What is the minimum wage in Mississippi?An orange arrow pointing down

The minimum wage in Mississippi is $7.25 per hour.

How often do I have to pay employees?An orange arrow pointing down

Employers in Mississippi must pay employees biweekly.

Mississippi Business Resources

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!