How to File an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve 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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The Certificate of Formation is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Mississippi. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Mississippi to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Certificate of Formation in Mississippi. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Mississippi to file the Certificate of Formation while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?

The Certificate of Formation for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Certificate of Formation is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Certificate of Formation, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Mississippi Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Certificate of Formation usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Mississippi,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Certificate of Formation in Mississippi is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Mississippi LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation

Filing an LLC Certificate of Formation with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Mississippi, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Mississippi Secretary of State to download the Certificate of Formation form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Mississippi LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Certificate of Formation form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Mississippi Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Mississippi that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Certificate of Formation with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Mississippi, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Mississippi.

What information does the Certificate of Formation application need in Mississippi?

The application form for the Certificate of Formation needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the SOS office. For online filing, you must log in to the Mississippi Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Mississippi Certificate of Formation

cost

LLC cost in Mississippi includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($25), Registered Agent costs, and Certificate of Formation fee. In Mississippi, the filing fee of a formation document is $50. The standard fee for filing the Certificate of Formation allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Mississippi Certificate of Formation: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Mississippi Certificate of Formation. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
An LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi is a document filed with the Secretary of State to legally create a limited liability company in the state.
How do I obtain an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
To obtain an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi, you must file the necessary paperwork and pay the required fees with the Secretary of State.
What information is required on the LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
The LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi typically includes the name of the LLC, the address of the LLC’s principal place of business, the name and address of the LLC’s registered agent, and the names and addresses of the LLC’s members/managers.
How long does it take to process an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
The processing time for an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi can vary, but it typically takes a few business days to several weeks.
Can I expedite the processing of my LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
Yes, you can expedite the processing of your LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi by paying an additional fee for expedited service.
What is the filing fee for an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
The filing fee for an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi is $50.
Can I file my LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi online?
Yes, you can file your LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi online through the Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need an attorney to file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
No, you do not need an attorney to file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi, but it may be helpful to consult with one to ensure all requirements are met.
Does the LLC Certificate of Formation need to be notarized in Mississippi?
No, the LLC Certificate of Formation does not need to be notarized in Mississippi.
Can I change information on my LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi after it has been filed?
Yes, you can amend your LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi by filing an amendment with the Secretary of State.
What is the difference between an LLC Certificate of Formation and an Operating Agreement in Mississippi?
The LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi is the document that officially creates the LLC, while the Operating Agreement outlines the internal rules and structure of the LLC.
Can I operate my LLC in Mississippi without a Certificate of Formation?
No, you must obtain an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi before conducting business as an LLC in the state.
What happens if I fail to file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
If you fail to file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi, you may face fines, penalties, and legal liabilities for operating without proper authorization.
Can I convert my existing business into an LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, you can convert your existing business into an LLC in Mississippi by filing a Certificate of Conversion with the Secretary of State.
Can a foreign LLC obtain a Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
Yes, a foreign LLC can obtain a Certificate of Formation in Mississippi by filing an application for authority to do business in the state.
Can I use a DBA name on my LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
Yes, you can use a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name on your LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi as long as it is not already in use.
Do I need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) to file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
It is recommended to have a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) before filing an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi, but it is not required.
Are there annual maintenance requirements for an LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, LLCs in Mississippi are required to file an annual report and pay a yearly fee to the Secretary of State to maintain good standing.
Can I dissolve an LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, you can dissolve an LLC in Mississippi by filing articles of dissolution with the Secretary of State.
Can I reinstate a dissolved LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, you can reinstate a dissolved LLC in Mississippi by filing an application for reinstatement and paying any required fees.
How long is an LLC Certificate of Formation valid in Mississippi?
An LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi is typically valid indefinitely unless the LLC is dissolved or voluntarily canceled.
Can I transfer ownership of an LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, ownership interests in a Mississippi LLC can be transferred according to the terms outlined in the operating agreement or by the unanimous consent of the members.
Will my LLC Certificate of Formation be publicly available in Mississippi?
Yes, the LLC Certificate of Formation is a public document and will be made available for public inspection by the Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change the name of my LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, you can change the name of your LLC in Mississippi by filing an amendment to the LLC Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State.
Are there any specific naming requirements for an LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, the name of an LLC in Mississippi must contain the words “Limited Liability Company” or the abbreviations “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” or “Ltd. Co.”
Can I reserve a name for my LLC in Mississippi before filing the Certificate of Formation?
Yes, you can reserve a name for your LLC in Mississippi by filing an application for name reservation with the Secretary of State and paying the required fee.
Does forming an LLC in Mississippi protect my personal assets?
Yes, forming an LLC in Mississippi can help protect your personal assets from business debts and liabilities.
Can I operate multiple businesses under one LLC in Mississippi?
Yes, you can operate multiple businesses under one LLC in Mississippi, but it may be advisable to separate them into separate LLCs for liability protection.
Can I apply for a business license in Mississippi with just an LLC Certificate of Formation?
In some cases, you may also need to obtain a business license or permit from the local city or county government in Mississippi to legally operate your LLC.
How do I file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi?
To file an LLC Certificate of Formation in Mississippi, you must submit the necessary forms and payment to the Secretary of State either online or by mail.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Certificate of Formation is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Mississippi. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Mississippi, filing the Certificate of Formation is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Good Standing for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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