Top Mississippi Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Mississippi Registered Agent: If you wish to start an LLC in Mississippi, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Mississippi State Law, it is mandatory to have a Mississippi Registered Agent if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Mississippi, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a Mississippi Registered Agent.

What is a Mississippi Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Mississippi is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the Mississippi LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Mississippi, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Mississippi

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Mississippi. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Mississippi can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Mississippi always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

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How to Choose a Registered Agent in Mississippi

You can choose a Mississippi Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing a Mississippi Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Mississippi

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At the time of submitting the Mississippi Certificate of Formation, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

Appoint Registered Agent Online

To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the Mississippi LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly. For more information, read the Mississippi Certificate of Formation.

Cost of a Mississippi Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Mississippi.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom Registered Agent offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Mississippi

To change the Mississippi registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Mississippi Secretary of State via online filing.

File Online

For online filing, you need to get the online form which is available on the Mississippi Secretary of State portal. Fill in all the necessary information of LLC as well as current and old registered agents. This form must be completed and signed by the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC. The signature of the new registered agent acts like the consent to be appointed as one. Submit it online.

Fee: $10

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Mississippi secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in Mississippi Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Mississippi. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Mississippi ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Mississippi to publicly upload their address to the Mississippi Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Mississippi SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Mississippi or any other state usually takes an online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

Mississippi Business laws and Registered Agent

Registered agents are responsible for handling all the business laws and other legal issues related to Mississippi LLC. Every state has its own business laws. Mississippi is no exception. It has its own set of different business laws to follow. Here are some of the important business laws every business should follow.

Mississippi Antitrust Laws

Antitrust laws regulate and prevent anti-competitive practices in any open market by levying heavy penalties and punishment against such activities. These laws counter the formation of cartels, monopolies, or any barrier created for new entrants in the market. The Mississippi Trusts and Combines in Restraint or Hindrance of Trade Code prohibit any agreement in restraint of trade, product monopolization, price-fixing, quantity fixing, acquisitions executed to reduce competition in the market, knowingly issuing or holding stock certificates of any trust, and any unfair methods of competition. Public Contract fraud is also prohibited in the State.

The State allows a successful plaintiff to recover attorneys’ fees. Other penalties levied on the offender are a fine of $100 to $5000 for the first offense and a fine of $200 to $10,000 for a subsequent offense, injunction, unenforceable contracts, and losing their business license. Public contract fraud is considered a misdemeanor with a fine of $25 to $1000.

Mississippi Civil Statute of Limitations

Every lawsuit must be filed within a certain period of time after the occurrence of the incident as per the Statute of Limitations. In general, the time period for filing a lawsuit in Mississippi varies between 2 years to 7 years. Suits for crimes such as injury to person and property and slander should be filed within 3 years of the incident, while disputes relating to rents, collection of debts, and contracts should be brought before the court within 3 years from the date of breach/dispute. For judgments, the suits can be filed within 7 years for both domestic and foreign judgments.

Mississippi Wage and Hour Law

The Employers in Mississippi must abide by the wage and hour laws prescribed under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act. The minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage for a tipped employee is $2.13 per hour as long as the combined wage equals the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Any employee who works for more than 40 hours in a week should be compensated with overtime pay which is 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. Any employer found in violation of the laws shall be liable to civil penalties, and action can be instituted to recover the full wage amount.

Mississippi Interest Rates Laws

Every state in the United States has an Interest law for businesses. Normally, the general interest rate guidelines are less than the legal threshold of interest rate. Mississippi has laws to limit the interest rates, and significantly high-interest rates are considered unlawful and open to criminal prosecution. The maximum legal interest rate is 8%. The contract rates should not exceed greater than 10% or 5% above the discount rate. The interest rate on judgments is determined as per the contract rate or as set by the judge. The penalty for usury can render such contracts in violation of the interest laws as void, and the debtor may recover 100% of the amount paid, and the offender to be held guilty of a misdemeanor and fined up to $1000.

Mississippi Pyramid and Ponzi Scheme Laws

Any pyramid or Ponzi scheme is considered illegal in Mississippi as they are contrary to the public policy of the State. These schemes are deceptive in nature, and participating in or organizing such activities is prohibited by the laws of the State. Penalties for participating in such activities include imprisonment of up to 6 months and a fine of $500. Committing such a practice is a misdemeanor with fines of up to $1000 for the first offense and imprisonment up to 1 year in addition to a $1000 fine for a second offense committed within 5 years of the last offense. The third offense shall be considered a felony punishable with imprisonment up to 5 years and a fine up to $5000.

Mississippi Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

The State of Mississippi aims to protect its residents from unfair business practices. Such practices mislead the consumers into investing in invaluable market products by selling them with twisted statements and lies such as false advertising. The laws specifically prohibit false advertising and odometer tampering. For remedies to the plaintiff, the court can order restoration of money or property, imposition of civil penalty up to $10,000 for a willful violation, and recovery of attorneys’ fees. Odometer tampering is considered a misdemeanor and punishable with fines of up to $500 and/or imprisonment of up to 6 months.

The Registered Agents are the people who act as points of contact between your business and the State Authorities. They assist your business in ensuring compliance with all regulations and codes of the State. Hiring a registered agent in Mississippi will help you handle your business in a smooth and legally compliant manner.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Mississippi

A registered agent for LLC in Mississippi can be removed by Filing an Amendment with the Mississippi Secretary of State with a filing fee of $10.

First and foremost, it is essential to understand the duties and responsibilities of a registered agent in Mississippi. A registered agent is an individual or entity designated to receive legal documents, such as tax notices, court summons, and official correspondence, on behalf of the LLC. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state of Mississippi and be available during normal business hours to accept these documents. If the registered agent is not fulfilling their duties, or if your business relationship has soured, it may be necessary to remove them from their role.

The process for removing a registered agent for your LLC in Mississippi is relatively simple, but it does require following the proper steps outlined by the state. First, you must appoint a new registered agent to ensure there is no lapse in representation for your LLC. The new agent can be either an individual who resides in Mississippi or a registered business entity that is authorized to act as a registered agent in the state. Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office form to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.

When completing the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office form, you must provide the name of your LLC, the name and address of the new registered agent, and the effective date of the change. The form must be notarized and filed with the Secretary of State’s office along with the appropriate filing fee. Once the form has been processed, the Secretary of State will update the records to reflect the change in the registered agent for your LLC.

It is important to notify your current registered agent of the change and ensure they are aware of their removal from the role. While it is not required for the registered agent to sign off on the change, it is considered a best practice to inform them of the transition. Additionally, you should update your LLC’s operating agreements and other internal documents to reflect the change in the registered agent.

In conclusion, understanding the process for how to remove a registered agent for your LLC in Mississippi is crucial to maintaining compliance and ensuring proper representation for your business. By appointing a new registered agent, completing the necessary forms, and notifying all relevant parties of the change, you can smoothly transition to a new registered agent and continue operating your business effectively.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In Mississippi?

Changes to the registered agent are possible in Mississippi. The RA change application form must be downloaded, completed electronically, and sent to the Secretary of State with all necessary information. In Mississippi, it costs $10 to change the registered agent.

How To Become A Registered Agent In Mississippi?

There are a few prerequisites to fulfill in order to register as an agent in Mississippi. Being legally an adult (18+) is one of the most crucial requirements. You must also be a Mississippi resident to qualify. You may register as an agent if you satisfy these requirements.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In Mississippi?

A registered agent in Mississippi might be your spouse, any other LLC members, close family or friends, or you. The only requirements are that you be a resident of the state and an adult (18 years or older). Being a registered agent is simple if you can meet the criteria.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In Mississippi?

In Mississippi, it is simple to change a registered agent’s address. You must file the RA Change Form, which may be found on the website of the Mississippi Secretary of State. Please enter the new address in the form. Include all the necessary, pertinent information before submitting it online. To change the address, there can be a cost.

How To Find A Company’S Registered Agent In Mississippi?

By visiting the Mississippi SOS website, you may discover who a company’s registered agent is. When doing a search, use the company name if you know it. Get the registered agent information from there if you find the firm you are searching for.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In Mississippi?

It is required by law for any business in Mississippi to have a registered agent. Any papers, licenses, and notifications will be sent to your registered agent, who will also be in charge of receiving legal action brought against the business at his registered address. He or she must be accessible at their workplace throughout business hours.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In Mississippi?

Companies must provide their name, address, and contact information at the time of company registration in order to formally designate a registered agent in Mississippi. The registered agent is mentioned separately in the article of incorporation. The Mississippi registered agent appointment procedure is as follows.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In Mississippi?

Visit the official website of the Mississippi Secretary of State if you’re looking for a registered agent’s address in Mississippi. Check for the following actions to look for the registered agent’s address:
1. Visit Mississippi SOS’s official website.
2. Use the business name to search for information about the firm
3. Find the registered agent list.
By doing this, it will be simpler to locate the registered agent’s address.



How Do I Look For A Business In Mississippi By The Registered Agent Name?

You may do a company search in Mississippi using the name of the registered agent. Visit the official website of the Secretary of State for Mississippi. Look for “Business Search” under the menu. You may choose to “Search by the registered agent” in the search area. Make your choice, then type the name of the registered agent. The company name will be given to you.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In Mississippi?

The primary requirements for a registered agent in Mississippi are that they are at least 18 years old and have a physical residence there. A resident of the state who meets the age minimum and is an entity may serve as the registered agent.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In Mississippi?

If you want to seek a registered agent for a company in Mississippi, you must go to the Mississippi SOS. You must choose Business Search from the main page. If you know the company name, use that to search for businesses. To find out more, choose the registered agent option.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In Mississippi?

If the company the registered agent was working for requires a formal resignation letter. A resignation notification must be sent by mail, fax, or online to the Mississippi Secretary of State once the employer accepts the letter. The notification must be delivered within the allotted period.

How To Update Registered Agent In Mississippi Online?

By entering onto the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website, you may modify a registered agent there online. Make sure the online method is accessible to you before continuing, however, before moving further. Alternatively, mail the RA Change Form.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In Mississippi?

You may get a registered agent for nothing in Mississippi. You won’t need to pay anything to yourself in person if you act as your own registered agent. You may be able to save the expense if your partner or a friend joins an agency. Finally, you have the option of using a free registered agent service in Mississippi.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In Mississippi?

You must go to the Mississippi Secretary of State to find out more information on the registered agent there. You may search for your company by name using the “Search Business” option that will appear. You will be able to extract the registered agent’s information from the list when you get the results.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of Mississippi?

There is no distinct form for the registered agent in Mississippi. Businesses must choose a registered agent and provide their information through the formation paperwork while establishing their company. Mailing the formation papers Online is required.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In Mississippi, Who Is Served?

You must tell the Mississippi SOS if your firm has no registered agent in Mississippi. As a registered agent is required in Mississippi for every corporation, there can be a legal problem. In Mississippi, you may need to act as a registered agent if there isn’t one.

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, a registered agent’s rights are completely ended upon death. In Mississippi, it is required to have a registered agent. As a result, the business has to choose or replace a new registered agent. In the meantime, a manager, an official of the business, or the owner may act as the registered agent.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS Mississippi?

There are regulations for registering your company in Mississippi. You might find out whether you can keep your registered agent’s name from appearing on public platforms by visiting the Mississippi Secretary of State. The name of a member may be concealed if you have an Anonymous LLC.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In Mississippi?

You must contact the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office to get the registered agent information. The official hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To speak with the executive, call this number: 601-359-1633. Get the information by following the caller’s directions.

What Is Registered Agent’s Consent In Mississippi?

The consent from a registered agent in Mississippi is an acceptance from the person that he/she will serve as a registered agent. Before beginning the process of serving papers, the newly appointed person in Mississippi must provide his or her approval.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In Mississippi?

In Mississippi, the terms “registered agent” and “resident agent” are interchangeable. While the registered agent is the word used in the majority of states, a resident agent is used in other states. All states follow the same designation, appointment, and registration procedures.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In Mississippi?

If the registered agent in Mississippi refuses to agree, the business risks facing legal repercussions for making a false declaration. On the other hand, the registered agent can deny any duty assigned as a registered agent.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In Mississippi?

It is still possible to sue a firm even though it has no registered agent in Mississippi. Simply put, the corporation is not represented by an agent, making it impossible for them to receive legal notices. However, the lawsuit will proceed, and the notice will be sent in a different fashion.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’s Designation In Mississippi?

If a registered agent in Mississippi wishes to reject the designation, they must file an application for rejection. All they need to do is sign the rejection statement and mail it to the secretary of state of Mississippi. It’s comparable to accepting the classification.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your Mississippi LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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