Having an LLC brings a lot of benefits to the entrepreneur. Due to that, many aspiring entrepreneurs start a limited liability company in Mississippi. The state itself offers tax and business benefits that encourage more people to start their businesses in the state. If you want to start an LLC in Mississippi, you must follow some steps.
On this page, all the necessary steps that must be taken to form your Mississippi LLC are explained. Alongside this, we shared a video tutorial about starting your LLC correctly. If you're not a reading type of person, then watch this video to learn about it in detail.
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How to Start an LLC in MississippiAfter Starting Your Mississippi LLCMississippi Foreign LLCMississippi LLC Formation ReviewF.A.QsHow to Start an LLC in Mississippi
An LLC (aka Limited Liability Company) is a hybrid business entity combining a corporation’s characteristics with a partnership or sole proprietorship. It separates your personal assets from your business assets, thus giving you personal asset protection. For an LLC, members' personal assets are not affected by business debts. However, in some cases, if the LLC is sued for business debts, courts might use the owner's personal assets to meet their corporate liabilities.
If you wish to start an LLC in Mississippi, you must file your Certificate of Formation with the State and pay a filing fee of $50. While it's the most important step, it's not the only one. There are 4 other crucial steps to follow to get your LLC formed in Mississippi. Below are all 5 steps that explain everything you need to do to start a Mississippi LLC in 2026. Let's get started!
Step 0Decide on the Structure and Nature of the Business
Before you start filing your LLC in Mississippi, you must decide on the structure of your LLC (whether it is a Single-member or a Multi-member LLC). A single-member LLC is a business structure where only one individual runs the company. This type of limited liability company (LLC) provides legal protection to its owner and enables them to operate their business while taking advantage of certain tax benefits. In contrast, a traditional multi-member LLC must have at least two members involved in the company’s management and ownership.
For both types of structures, the process of establishing is the same in Mississippi. The tax burden might be different if you chose a different tax structure while filing the certificate of formation.
LLC vs S-Corp
An LLC is a business structure that has the right to elect any tax structure. Despite having a pass-through tax advantage, many LLCs, for several reasons, elect a different business structure for tax purposes. An S-Corp is one of those business structures that LLCs can elect. The S-Corporation is a type of corporation that is less complicated than a C-Corporation and has vast tax benefits.
With an S-Corp, the LLC can still enjoy a pass-through taxation. However, the federal income tax will be calculated on the basis of the salary of the owner and the return he/she gets on their share of the company. There is no corporate income tax or problem of double taxation in an S-Corp. A single-member or a multi-member LLC can elect an S-Corp tax structure. However, in the case of a multi-member LLC, make sure that the number of members does not exceed 100 to be an S-Corp.
If you have a single-member LLC, electing an S-Corp can save a chunk of tax for you. As a single-member LLC, the owners have to pay about 15.3% self-employment tax. However, if you have an S-Corp tax structure, no SE tax is payable by the LLC. Read more on what tax forms LLCs file.
Step 1Decide on a Name for Your Mississippi LLC
The first step in forming a limited liability company in Mississippi is to give a proper name to your LLC. Before you name your business, you must know that the name should be easy to remember, available in the state, and follow all the LLC naming guidelines.
Mississippi LLC Naming Guidelines
There are a few specific requirements all LLCs in Mississippi have to follow while naming their Company. Some of the most important requirements are as follows:
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Your business name should be available, and no other existing business in Mississippi can have the same name.
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"Limited Liability Company", "LLC", "LC", "L.C.", and "L.L.C." - any one of these has to be used as a suffix in your business name.
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You cannot use any name for your business that is confusing or misleading. Terms such as "Treasury", "State Department", "FBI", "CIA", etc. shouldn't be included.
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Terms like "Bank", "University", "Attorney", "Doctor", etc, can be added only after the additional requirements by the Mississippi State Government are fulfilled.
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(Optional) It's better to name your business something for which your desired domain is available.
| Important Links - |
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| Mississippi Business Entity Search - Online Search Name Reservation Form - Online Name Availability Standards - Guidelines Mississippi LLC Name Search - Instructions |
Reserve Business Name for Future
If you do not wish to file your LLC right now but want to hold the name you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 180 days. To keep the name, you must file a name reservation application and pay $25 to reserve your name with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Doing Business As (DBA) or Trade Name
Once you have a legal name for your LLC, you can register it. However, it is not mandatory. You can, instead, use DBA, Fictitious Name, or Trade Name. In that case, you must register your name with the Mississippi Secretary of State by submitting an Application for Fictitious Business Name Registration in Mississippi, along with the filing fee of $25.
Do I have to include LLC in my company email/domain?
It is not legally mandatory to use the word LLC in your domain name or email. If you want, you can use it. However, it is recommended not to use LLC in the domain name. A domain name should be short and easy to remember.
Step 2Assign a Registered Agent in Mississippi
The second step to forming an LLC in Mississippi is to appoint a Registered Agent. A registered agent is a person or business entity working on your LLC's behalf. This person or business will receive important tax forms, legal documents, all notices of lawsuits, and other official government correspondence in Mississippi. Hence, hiring a competent Mississippi Registered Agent for your LLC is necessary.
Make sure your registered agent has a physical street address. This address will be used to receive any legal documents. Most LLC formation companies also provide registered agent services. Below are two great LLC formation services; even if you buy their cheapest plan (normally $0), you also get registered agent service and other services at a very reasonable price.
- 1-day rush filing (add-on)
- Attorney help (legal plan)
- Established reputation
These two are our top recommendations for registered agent service, as they are competent and authorized to conduct business in Mississippi. Some LLC formation services also offer standalone Mississippi registered agent services. You can purchase only Registered Agent services without purchasing any other LLC formation services. This standalone service might become handy if you are doing it yourself and don't want to disclose your home address.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
A person above 18 years of age and who has a physical address in the state of Mississippi can be a Registered Agent. A Registered Agent can be an independent person or a business entity. One who is responsible for handling all the legal documents.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent if you are a resident of the state of Mississippi and you are above 18 years of age. To become a registered agent, you must have the authority to conduct any type of business in Mississippi.
Why Shouldn't I be My Own Registered Agent?
There are a few reasons why you shouldn't be your own registered agent. The address of the registered agent is used to communicate with the SOS or for any legal activities. If you are your own registered agent, you might have to upload your personal address to the public forum. Besides, the registered agent must be at the address during business hours. It won't be easy for you, as you also have to take care of other things in your LLC. Hence, it is wiser to appoint a separate entity as your registered agent.
What is Piercing the Corporate Veil in an LLC?
If an LLC is sued in Mississippi, in some cases, courts might decide to lift the corporate veil, which means the owners of the LLC will be personally liable for their business debts. They might have to forgo their personal assets to repay their business debts. This is called piercing the corporate veil, where personal and business assets are no longer separated. Your personal assets can be protected if you have enough capital and all your LLC documents are properly filed.
Registered Agent Consent Application
In Mississippi, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. At the time of change of Registered Agent (or the name or address), the new Registered Agent has to sign the consent letter. It comes with the Application form to Change the Registered Agent. The filing fee of $10 should be paid for it. For more information on the same, read our guide on Mississippi Registered Agent.
Step 3File Certificate of Formation in Mississippi
The third and most important step in forming a Mississippi LLC is to file the Certificate of Formation. This Mississippi Certificate of Formation is a legal document that is required to register your business with the Mississippi Secretary of State. It costs $50 to file your formation certificate in Mississippi.
The Certificate of Formation includes details like the name of the LLC, the registered agent's name, address, and the company's structure (member-managed or manager-managed). Before hiring employees in an LLC in Mississippi, one should thoroughly know the rules and regulations. Also, if you are expanding your existing business (an LLC) in other states to Mississippi, you must register as a Mississippi Foreign LLC.
How to File Online
Go to the Secretary of State Online Service. You will get the online service page. If you are already a subscriber, then click on the "Log in to Filer Account" option and log in with your credentials. If you're not subscribed, then you can directly start filing your LLC by clicking on the "Online Filing" button below. Read more about the Mississippi Certificate of Formation for online registration.
Processing Time: In Mississippi, there is no paper filing. The processing time for online filing is almost immediate. There's no expedited filing. However, the document processing time can be changed due to various factors.
Step 4Create Your Mississippi LLC Operating Agreement
Moving on to the fourth step, creating your operating agreement. An operating agreement is a document that legally outlines the proprietorship and operating procedures of your LLC. This document is vital as it ensures that all business owners are on the same page regarding how they operate, thus reducing future conflicts.
When it comes to creating a Mississippi LLC Operating Agreement, the state does not require you to have a comprehensive operating agreement, but it is ideal to have one that contains all the details of your business operation, which helps in making future business decisions, especially if you decide to dissolve your Mississippi LLC later. Hence, having an operating agreement may not be necessary, but it is surely ideal.
Step 5Filing a Mississippi LLC EIN
The Employer Identification Number (aka EIN) is a nine-digit number given by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to make it easier to identify the type of business for tax purposes and taxes in general. The EIN is necessary for any active business or any form of business, for that matter.
For an LLC in Mississippi, an EIN is required when the LLC hires employees. Apart from that, banking services, tax filings, and many other government documents require an LLC to obtain an EIN in Mississippi. On the other hand, if your LLC is based in another state (home state) and you are expanding your business in Mississippi, you must get an EIN to establish a Foreign LLC in Mississippi.
To obtain an EIN (aka FEIN), one must fill out a form (Online or by mail) and submit it to the IRS. Enter details of your LLC, and finally, complete the form and send it to the address given. You can also get an EIN Assistant to help you with the process.
Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935 | Fee: Free
After Starting Your Mississippi LLC
After forming your LLC, there are still some things that you will need. The most important thing is to separate your business and personal assets. LLCs have limited liability protection that protects your personal assets from business liability. However, if the LLC is sued. In that case, the owners of the LLC become personally liable for their corporate debts. A few things, like appointing a legit registered agent, having enough capital, and filing all the major documents with the state, can save the LLCs.
BOI Report Filing
According to the Corporate Transparency Act, foreign entities registered to do business in the U.S. must file a BOI report with FinCEN. However, note that as of March 26, 2025, FinCEN issued an interim final rule removing BOI reporting requirements for all domestic U.S. companies and U.S. persons. If your LLC was formed under U.S. law, you are currently exempt from BOI filing obligations — consult the FinCEN BOI page for the latest guidance, as this regulatory area remains subject to change.
Apart from that, there are a few things you need to take note of,
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Get a company business bank account.
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File Mississippi business permits & licenses
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Get general liability insurance and professional liability insurance with coverage for employees.
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File a Mississippi LLC annual report, due on April 15 every year.
This page has provided you with steps for LLC formation and filing processes. You now have to remember upcoming filing deadlines and filing fees or filing costs, including fees for late filings, to make sure your LLC is up-to-date.
The LLC formation processing time in Mississippi, there is no paper filing. The processing time for online filing is almost immediate. There's no expedited filing. Check how long it takes to form an LLC to know about the tentative timelines.
Cost of Mississippi LLC
LLCs can be formed for less cost. Apart from the mandatory state filing fees, you don't have to bear additional service charges if you do it yourself. The following are the fees and taxes LLCs in Mississippi must pay to register and run a business in the state. Forming an LLC is no doubt cost-effective compared to other business structures. However, the fees and charges (tax-deductible) that you must pay to the state, such as name reservation fee, name filing fee, LLC filing fee, and Franchise Tax & Sales Tax (If applicable). Here are the main fees and taxes you must pay while forming your limited liability company in Mississippi,
| Fees/Tax | Amount to be Paid |
|---|---|
| Name Reservation Fee (online) | $25 |
| Certificate of Formation Fee | $50 |
| LLC Annual Fee | $0 |
| Sales Tax | 7% general (5% grocery) on taxable sales |
| State Income Tax | 4% |
In Mississippi, an LLC name reservation is not mandatory. You can register your LLC name at the time of registering your LLC. If you wish to hold the name for some time without registering your LLC, then you can do that online. Your LLC name will be reserved for 180 days without registering your LLC. It can be renewed by paying $25. However, you cannot renew the name for the next 60 days once the 180-day span is over. After that if the name is still available, you can get it back.
In Mississippi, an Annual Report has to be produced every year. It costs $0. Also, the State of Mississippi requires the payment of a Sales Tax of 7% in general (5% grocery). Read our guide on LLC costs in Mississippi for more information.
Mississippi Foreign LLC
If you are interested in forming a Foreign LLC in Mississippi, then you need to file the Certificate of Foreign LLC with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Foreign LLCs allow you to operate your business in more than one state. Along with the Certificate of Foreign LLC, you need to submit some more documents, like the Certificate of Good Standing, etc., to the Mississippi SOS to form your foreign LLC in Mississippi. To know more in detail, check out our guide on Mississippi Foreign LLC.
Mississippi LLC Formation Review
Time needed: 5 minutes.
Just to recap, here are the easy steps again when forming an LLC in Mississippi. Click on the steps in this list to read the full details.
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The first thing you must do is to choose a company name, which should be unique, easy to find, and available in the state.
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In Mississippi, it is mandatory to select a registered agent for your LLC. Get a professional Registered Agent from LLC formation services to get things done hassle-free.
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Filing a formation certificate is necessary when forming an LLC in Mississippi. Depending on the state, it could be called any of the following: Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, or Certificate of Organization.
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An operating agreement is not a strict requirement in Mississippi, but something encouraged when you start an LLC to avoid future conflicts.
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The Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called Federal Tax Identification Number, serves to identify a business entity, like a Social Security number, but for a company.
F.A.Qs
Can I file an LLC in Mississippi by myself?
If you are a resident of Mississippi, then you can file your LLC by yourself. However, if you're new to the world of business it might worth having a professional rather than doing it yourself to handle legal complexities, paperwork, and other documentation.
What is the cost of forming an LLC in Mississippi in a year?
Apart from the formation fee of $50 (domestic LLC) and $250 (foreign LLC), LLC costs in Mississippi are $0 for Annual Reports every year. LLCs are liable to pay sales tax of 7% every year.
How long does it take to get an LLC in Mississippi?
You will get an LLC in Mississippi immediately if you file it online. In Mississippi, there is no paper filing. There's no expedited filing.
How to renew my LLC in Mississippi?
Every year, all the LLCs have to submit an Annual Report to the Mississippi Secretary of State and renew the LLC, due on April 15. It is mandatory to renew your LLC every year. Missing deadline can lead to administrative dissolution of the LLC.
What is the tax structure for an LLC in Mississippi?
Generally, for LLCs, it is a default tax structure. Once you obtain the EIN, you will get the various tax structure options to select. Sometimes LLCs choose an S Corp to reduce federal tax burdens. Read more on the Mississippi Classification of LLC Tax.
In Conclusion
When it comes to forming an LLC in Mississippi, it is much simpler than other business structures. In Mississippi, starting a small business or a start-up is easy because of its diverse resources. For small budget holders, forming a limited liability company is desirable. The steps explained in this article are generic steps for starting a business in Mississippi. It is recommended to consult an attorney or service provider.