Changing a business name can give your company a new lease on life, but following the correct legal procedures is essential to ensure a smooth transition. The name is the first identity of your business. If you run it for a while and then decide to change, you must update the new name everywhere. In Mississippi, popularly known as The Magnolia State, the process of modifying your business name can be quite straightforward, provided you adhere to the necessary rules and regulations.
You must follow some steps and regulations while changing your business name. For example, if you start an LLC in Mississippi, you must follow specific regulations the Mississippi state government sets. The current population of the so-called The Magnolia State is 2,959,473. Changing the name of your existing business in any city (especially in the capital, Jackson) might affect your business reputation and existing customers adversely. Hence, before you change the name of your business, make sure the decision is rightfully taken.
Technically, the process of changing your business name in Mississippi involves three major steps. In this article, I have shared how to change a business name in Mississippi. To learn everything about changing a business name, I recommend you read the whole article till the end.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Reasons to Change a Business Name in Mississippi
- Rebranding: A business may want to change its name in Mississippi to reflect the new brand identity, target a different market, or signify a shift in the company’s vision and goals.
- Merger or acquisition: If a business in Mississippi merges with or is acquired by another company, a name change may be necessary to represent the combined entity accurately.
- Legal reasons: A business in Mississippi may need to change its name due to trademark disputes, cease and desist letters, or other legal issues.
- Expanding to new markets: If a business in Mississippi is looking to expand into new regions or countries, a name change may be needed to avoid confusion with existing businesses in those markets or to appeal to a broader audience.
- Negative associations: A business in Mississippi may want to change its name if the current name has become associated with negative events, such as scandals or poor customer experiences.
- Simplifying the name: A business in Mississippi may choose to change its name to a simpler or more memorable one, making it easier for customers to remember and find.
- Reflecting a change in ownership: If a business in Mississippi changes ownership, the new owners might change the business name.
Things to Consider Before Changing Your Business Name in Mississippi
There are a few things to consider before you change your existing business name. A business name change is a huge decision for any company. Changing the business name in Mississippi frequently is neither easy nor desirable. If it is absolutely necessary to change the business name, you must consider the following points-
- Legal requirements: Ensure you follow the necessary legal steps to change your business name in Mississippi.
- Name availability: Search the Mississippi business registry to make sure your desired new name is available and does not infringe on any existing trademarks or business names.
- Impact on branding and marketing: Assess how a name change will affect your existing brand identity, marketing materials, and overall company image in Mississippi.
- Customer perception and loyalty: Consider how your current customers in Mississippi will react to a name change and whether it may cause confusion or negatively impact customer loyalty.
- Costs associated with the name change: Changing your business name in Mississippi may involve costs such as new signage, website updates, and reprinting marketing materials. Be sure to budget for these expenses.
- Updating licenses and permits: You must update any licenses, permits, and registrations with the new business name in Mississippi.
- Maintaining continuity: Consider maintaining continuity with your old name during the transition period and address any potential confusion among customers and clients in Mississippi.
- Tax implications: Consult with a tax professional to understand any tax consequences or implications of changing your business name in Mississippi.
- Reputation management: Be prepared to manage your online reputation during the transition, as customers may leave reviews or comments on social media related to the business name change.
How to Change a Business Name in Mississippi
Changing your business name in Mississippi is not difficult, as I mentioned. But, before we start with the steps, you must know that one must follow some LLC naming guidelines while naming their LLC. Based on the type of business structure, naming guidelines may vary. Following are some of the guidelines an LLC must follow while changing the business name-
- The name should be available to use
- Any other business does not use the name.
- The new name must include “LLC” if it is a limited liability company.
- The name should not be confused with a government entity, such as banks, treasury, or any governmental organization.
Read Mississippi LLC name search to learn about LLC naming if you form an LLC. Now, let’s dive into the steps to change the business name-
Step 1: Choose the New Name for Your Business
The first step is to choose a new name for your business. Many people file a DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name before filing their business with the SOS. Later, they can change that name and get a new one when filing their business. When you decide to change the name of your business, you can search for the name to check if the new name is already taken or available for you to use.
To choose a new name, you must go through the same process you did when you first named your business. You go to the Mississippi SOS, search for the name, check if the name is available to use if it is available, finalize it and proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare Documents to File the Amendment
As soon as you are ready with the new business name, you must start preparing to file the Mississippi Amendment. Along with the name change form, you must submit the following details,
- Current business name
- New business name
- The entity number of the business – issued by Mississippi state
- Board of Directors’ approval statement (for corporations)
- Information of shares (if applicable)
- Signatures of members (LLC) or Shareholders (Corporation)
- Mississippi amendment filing fee
You must submit the above-mentioned list of details to the Mississippi SOS while filing the new business name. Ensure the details you provide for the Amendment are consistent with the initial filing documents. Failing to do so might result in the cancellation of the registration.
Step 3: File the Mississippi Amendment
Once everything is arranged and checked, you can file the Amendment. You must amend Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation for LLC or amend Mississippi Articles of Incorporation for the corporation. Remember, you must attach the name reservation form with the Amendment forms. You can file it online or by mail, whichever is available.
What Will Happen If I Change My Business Name in Mississippi
You can change the name of your business in Mississippi. You must file the Amendment for changing your name to the Mississippi Secretary of State. The process of filing the amendment is the same for an LLC and a corporation. However, the forms are different. The forms are available on the official website of Mississippi Secretary of State.
It is recommended to check if the name change is absolutely necessary. Because it can affect the whole business. In some cases, it is better to start a new Business than change the name of an existing one.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team
Things to do After Filing the Mississippi Amendment
As soon as you are done with the filing process, you must update the new business name in other areas as well. Following are some points to consider after you change your business name in Mississippi-
- Legal documents: Mississippi statement of information, loan documents, active legal contracts, or any other legal documents must be amended with the changed name.
- Informing stakeholders: Ensure that you communicate the name change effectively to all your stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and partners in Mississippi.
- City/local registration: Some cities/local authorities in Mississippi might need business registration. If your city has the same rule, then you must register your new business name with the city by submitting appropriate documents.
- Business License: The business licenses you obtained previously to run a business in Mississippi have the current name of your business. Hence, you must update your new name with the proper department to obtain appropriate business licenses and permits.
- Bank Accounts: It is obvious that all your business accounts in Mississippi have a current business name. Once you change the name, file the amendment, and pay the fees, you must update the bank accounts to avoid any inconvenience.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): It is essential to update the IRS once you change your business name in Alabama. Neglecting to notify the IRS and other relevant entities may lead to confusion and disorganization within your business operations. It is absolutely necessary to amend with the IRS once you change the current business name in Mississippi. Failing to amend with the IRS or any other places results in confusion and disorganization of the business.
- Others: If you have employees, you must inform the employment development authority of the name change. Additionally, it is important to update various business permits and other legal documents as needed.
- Website: Finally, if you have a domain, update the name there to avoid confusion. Signage, visiting cards, merchandise, and any other places where your business name is mentioned should be updated. Changing the domain name will not be a good idea as it can affect your SEO results.
FAQs
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Why Mississippi Change Business Name is So Important
For decades, the name “Mississippi” has been synonymous with a painful past marked by discrimination, racism, and oppression. As one of the former Confederate states, Mississippi played a significant role in the Civil War and has long been associated with the defense of slavery and segregation. This legacy has left deep scars that continue to impact the state’s image and reputation today.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to reassess the symbols and narratives that shape our collective understanding of history and identity. The debate over the state flag, which bore the Confederate battle emblem for over a century, was a clear example of this reckoning. The decision to remove the divisive symbol was a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and reconciliation among Mississippians.
The proposed change of the state’s business name is another important opportunity to address the legacy of racism and exclusion that has overshadowed Mississippi’s past. By choosing a new name that reflects the state’s values and aspirations, Mississippi can begin to redefine its identity and move towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
Changing the business name is not just a symbolic gesture – it is a tangible manifestation of a broader shift towards addressing the deep-rooted issues of racism and division that continue to hold back progress and prosperity in the state. It is a statement of intent that signals a commitment to fostering a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents and businesses.
Moreover, a new business name presents a unique opportunity to rebrand Mississippi and redefine its image on a national and global scale. By shedding the baggage of the past and presenting a fresh, forward-looking identity, Mississippi can position itself as a modern, progressive state that is open for business and welcomes diversity and innovation.
Critics may argue that changing the business name is a superficial gesture that does little to address the underlying issues of inequality and injustice. While it is true that a name change alone cannot solve all of Mississippi’s problems, it is an important first step towards acknowledging and confronting the legacy of racism and exclusion that has hindered progress for too long.
Ultimately, the decision to change the business name is a vital opportunity for Mississippi to signal a new beginning, to break free from the shackles of the past, and to chart a path towards a more inclusive and prosperous future. It is a chance to redefine the state’s identity, to create a more welcoming and progressive environment, and to move towards a future where all Mississippians can thrive and succeed.
Conclusion
It is not desirable to change business names frequently. But if it is required, you must change it. Whether you are rebranding or restructuring your company, this guide walks you through the essential steps to change your business name in Mississippi efficiently and effectively. The process of changing the name and filing the amendment form in Mississippi is not so difficult. However, a list of details is needed to submit. Make sure they all are accurate and consistent with the previous filing documents.