Forming an Mississippi LLC
(2025 Guide)
2025 LLC Guide
Special Offer alert!
forms your LLC with Northwest for $39 (60% off). Details inside.
How to Start an LLC in Mississippi (Step-by-Step Guide)
Discover how to start an LLC in Mississippi, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.
To establish an LLC in Mississippi, you’ll need to submit a Certificate of Formation to the Mississippi Secretary of State. The filing fee is $50, and approval typically takes 2 days.
There are five essential steps to complete:
Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File a Certificate of Formation
Create an Operating Agreement
Get an EIN
If you prefer to set up your LLC on your own, you can follow our complimentary guide below.
If you’d rather have assistance with the process, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
Need to save time?
Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).
(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)
What is the cost to establish an LLC in Mississippi?
The fee to start an LLC is $50. This amount is required to file the Certificate of Formation, which officially establishes an LLC. For further details on expenses, refer to LLC Costs in Mississippi.
How quickly can you obtain an LLC in Mississippi?
If you submit your application online, approval typically takes 1-2 business days. Note that filing by mail is not an option in Mississippi. For updates on any potential delays, see How long does it take to get an LLC in Mississippi.
Here’s how to establish an LLC in Mississippi
1. Conduct an LLC Name Search
Begin by searching your LLC name to confirm its availability in the state. This step is crucial as no two businesses can share the same name within the state. First, compare your desired LLC name with those of existing businesses. Ensure your chosen name is distinct by using the Business Services Name Search.
Second, acquaint yourself with the state’s naming regulations to guarantee your LLC’s approval. We’ll dive deeper into these aspects here: Mississippi LLC Name.
Note:
Most people choose “LLC”.
2. Select a Mississippi Registered Agent
The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Mississippi Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Mississippi Limited Liability Company.
Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:
You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service
Mississippi mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.
If you lack an address in Mississippi or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.
We suggest Northwest Registered Agent
One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.
Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.
Special offer:
Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)
3. Submit a Certificate of Formation
To establish an LLC, you must submit an LLC Certificate of Formation to the Mississippi Secretary of State.
The online filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $50. This fee is a one-time payment required to set up your LLC. If you prefer to handle this yourself, check out our detailed guide: Mississippi Certificate of Formation. Alternatively, you can hire a professional service to complete the process on your behalf.
Need to save time?
Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).
(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)
4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement
An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.
Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.
Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Mississippi Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.
Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:
Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word
(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)
5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC
The following step is to secure a Mississippi EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.
An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits
How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.
How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.
How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.
What should I do after my LLC is approved?
After your LLC is approved, there are some additional steps.
LLC business bank account
You’ll want to open a business bank account for your LLC.
This makes accounting and record-keeping much easier for your business finances.
Having a separate business bank account also maintains your personal liability protection. This is because it keeps your business entity finances separate from your personal finances.
Get business licenses and permits
Business LicenseGood news, Mississippi doesn’t have a state general business license.
However, depending on where your LLC is located, you may need a local business license or permit.
For example, if you want to start a daycare, you may need a business license from the city or county.
You can learn more on our Mississippi Business License page.
File your LLC Annual Report
LLC Annual ReportAll Mississippi LLCs must file an Annual Report every year.
The Annual Report keeps your LLC in good standing with the state.
How much does a Mississippi Annual Report cost?
The LLC Annual Report costs $0 to file.
Said another way, there is no fee to file your Annual Report each year.
When is the Annual Report due?
LLC Annual Reports are due by April 15 every year.
When is my first Annual Report due?
Your first Annual Report is due the year after your LLC was approved.
For example, if your LLC was approved on February 3, 2025, your first Annual Report is due by April 15, 2026.
How do I file my LLC Annual Report?
You can file your LLC’s Annual Report online or by mail. We recommend the online filing because it’s easier to complete.
Follow our step-by-step guide here: Mississippi LLC Annual Report.
File and pay taxes
LLC TaxesLLCs don’t pay federal taxes. Instead, the LLC Members pay the taxes for the LLC.
Said another way, the owners pay taxes for the LLC as a part of their personal tax return.
How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, an LLC is taxed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) based on the number of owners your LLC has:
A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can ask the IRS to tax your LLC like a C-Corporation or S-Corporation.
Besides federal income tax, there are also state and local income taxes – and sales tax.
Learn more in Mississippi LLC Taxes.
Helpful Resources
How to Start an LLC in Mississippi FAQs
Can I start an LLC online in Mississippi?
Absolutely, you can establish your LLC online in Mississippi. The fee for filing your Certificate of Formation is $50. When you opt to start your LLC online, it typically gets approved within 1-2 business days.
What are the benefits of an LLC?
One of the primary benefits of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. This means that if your business faces a lawsuit, personal assets like your house, vehicles, and bank accounts remain safe. This safeguard applies to all LLC owners (referred to as LLC Members), whether it’s a Single-Member or Multi-Member LLC. All members are shielded from business debts and liabilities. Such protection isn’t available if you operate as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners are exposed in lawsuits. This is why Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are often preferred as a business structure. Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation, where the LLC doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits “pass through” to the LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their personal returns. State income taxes generally follow this federal tax approach. To explore further, see How are LLCs taxed.
Is Mississippi a good state to start an LLC?
Whether Mississippi is a suitable state to launch an LLC depends on your location and business activities. If you’re residing or conducting business in Mississippi, then starting your LLC there is advisable. While some websites discuss tax rates and benefits of certain states, these are irrelevant if you don’t live and do business there. For instance, if you set up an LLC in Delaware but live and work in Mississippi, you must also register your Delaware LLC in Mississippi, incurring extra fees and still paying Mississippi taxes. This results in higher costs and complications without any benefits. In short, if you live and operate in Mississippi, it’s a viable state to start a business. Conversely, if you don’t live and work in Mississippi, it isn’t ideal.
Real estate exception: For real estate investments outside Mississippi, establish your LLC in the state where the property is situated. For further details, refer to Best State to Form an LLC.
About Us
We specialize in guiding individuals through the process of forming LLCs across all states, while also offering a range of comprehensive business services tailored to entrepreneurs.
Basics
Our Services
contact details
- support@uniprime.online
- +1 (646) 347-3833
- 1494 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304,