How to File Mississippi Articles of Incorporation


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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File Mississippi Articles of Incorporation

Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in Mississippi can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file Mississippi Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.

Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi, popularly known as The Magnolia State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to Mississippi, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in Mississippi.

What is Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi?

The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the Mississippi Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in Mississippi officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation while filing an LLC in Mississippi.

Mississippi, also known as The Magnolia State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the Mississippi SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.

It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the Mississippi SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to File Mississippi Articles of Incorporation

You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In Mississippi, you can file it in one method, that is online. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-

Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details

The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the Mississippi Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $50 for filing online when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-

Name of the Entity

The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the Mississippi corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,

  • You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
  • You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
  • Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
  • You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.

Address of the Corporation

The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in Mississippi. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.

Mississippi Registered Agent

The next point is to provide information about the Registered Agent. The Mississippi Registered Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Registered Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Registered Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.

Shares and Stocks

The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In Mississippi, to start a corporation, you need at least One director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.

If you amend Mississippi Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the Mississippi SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.

Additional Documents

You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In Mississippi, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in Mississippi, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in Mississippi must submit the Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.

Signature

Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in Mississippi. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.

Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi

Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in one method, that is online. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.

  • Online filing: Create an account/Log in to the SOS site, get the online form, fill it, and submit online
  • Offline filing: there’s no offline method of filing the documents

Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi

The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of Mississippi. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their Mississippi in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $50 for filing online.

FAQs

How do I form a corporation in Mississippi?
To form a corporation in Mississippi, you must file an Articles of Incorporation with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
What information do I need to file Mississippi Articles of Incorporation?
You will need to provide the name of your corporation, the name and address of the statutory agent, the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, and the name and address of the incorporator.
Is there a filing fee when registering a Mississippi corporation?
Yes, there is a filing fee of $20.
How long does it take to form a Mississippi corporation?
The filing process can take anywhere from 2-7 business days, depending on the speed of processing.
How do I file Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi?
You can file Articles of Incorporation in Mississippi by submitting the required documents and filing fee to the Mississippi Secretary of State.
How can I check the status of my Mississippi Articles of Incorporation?
You can check the status of your Mississippi Articles of Incorporation by contacting the Mississippi Secretary of State.
What is the difference between a Mississippi corporation and an LLC?
A corporation is a distinct legal entity formed under Mississippi law, while an LLC is a limited liability company which is not a distinct legal entity.
Does Mississippi require corporations to hold annual meetings?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to hold annual meetings of shareholders.
Does Mississippi require corporations to issue stock certificates?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to issue stock certificates to shareholders.
Does Mississippi require corporations to maintain corporate records?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to maintain corporate records such as meeting minutes, shareholder lists, and financial records.
Does Mississippi require corporations to file annual reports?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to file annual reports with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Does Mississippi require corporations to have a registered agent?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to have a registered agent located in the state.
Does Mississippi require corporations to have a Board of Directors?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to have a Board of Directors responsible for managing the corporation.
Does Mississippi require corporations to have a corporate seal?
No, Mississippi does not require corporations to have a corporate seal.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to issue stock?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to issue stock to shareholders.
Does Mississippi have a corporate income tax?
Yes, Mississippi has a corporate income tax rate of 5.00%.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to issue preferred stock?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to issue preferred stock to shareholders.
Does Mississippi recognize foreign corporations?
Yes, Mississippi recognizes foreign corporations that register with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to be formed without a Board of Directors?
No, Mississippi does not allow corporations to be formed without a Board of Directors.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to issue bonds?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to issue bonds to investors.
Does Mississippi require corporations to file an annual Franchise Tax report?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to file an annual Franchise Tax report with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Does Mississippi allow the formation of professional corporations?
Yes, Mississippi allows the formation of professional corporations by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Does Mississippi allow the formation of non-profit corporations?
Yes, Mississippi allows the formation of non-profit corporations by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Does Mississippi require corporations to pay franchise tax?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to pay an annual franchise tax based on the number of authorized shares.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to form in any county?
No, Mississippi only allows corporations to form in the county where the registered office is located.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to adopt bylaws?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to adopt bylaws, which are the rules and regulations for the corporation’s internal operations.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to issue different classes of shares?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to issue different classes of shares to shareholders.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to have multiple shareholders?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to have multiple shareholders.
Does Mississippi require corporations to appoint officers?
Yes, Mississippi requires corporations to appoint officers such as a President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Does Mississippi allow corporations to amend their Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, Mississippi allows corporations to amend their Articles of Incorporation by filing an Amendment with the Mississippi Secretary of State.

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Why Mississippi Articles of Incorporation is So Important

One of the primary reasons why Mississippi Articles of Incorporation is so important is because it protects individuals involved in the corporation. By clearly defining the purpose and structure of the company, the articles serve as a roadmap for how the business should operate and how decisions should be made. This helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes among owners, directors, and officers, ultimately protecting their interests and investment in the company.

Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation help establish credibility for the corporation. By registering with the Secretary of State and publicly filing the articles, the company is showing that it is a legitimate entity that intends to do business in a lawful and compliant manner. This can give partners, investors, and customers confidence in the company’s legitimacy and commitment to conducting business ethically.

Furthermore, the Articles of Incorporation can also help the company take advantage of certain benefits and protections. For example, by incorporating, the company can establish limited liability protection for its owners, shielding them from personal liability for the company’s debts and obligations. Additionally, being a formal corporation can be a requirement for obtaining certain licenses or permits, accessing certain financing or investment opportunities, or even bidding on certain government contracts.

Moreover, the Articles of Incorporation can also help with the company’s branding and marketing efforts. By clearly articulating the company’s purpose, values, and structure in the articles, the company can more effectively communicate its identity and mission to customers, employees, and stakeholders. This can help build trust, loyalty, and engagement with stakeholders, ultimately supporting the company’s growth and success.

In conclusion, the Mississippi Articles of Incorporation is a critical document for any corporation looking to establish itself as a legal entity and operate in a compliant and successful manner. It provides clarity, protection, credibility, benefits, and branding opportunities for the company, ultimately contributing to its long-term sustainability and success. While it may not be the most exciting document to create, its importance should not be overlooked or underestimated by any corporation in the state of Mississippi.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of filing Mississippi Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of Mississippi’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.

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