Mississippi offers exceptional value for LLC formation with a $50 online filing fee and no annual report fees for LLCs. As of 2025, the state requires online-only filing through the Secretary of State's portal, providing faster processing and immediate confirmation compared to paper-based systems in other states.
Mississippi's approach eliminates ongoing paperwork burdens that affect businesses in other states. Domestic LLCs face no annual report costs—a rare benefit most neighboring states don't offer. This provides significant long-term cost savings and administrative simplicity for LLC owners.
Mississippi establishes clear formation requirements under state law while maintaining streamlined processes for online-only submissions.
Mississippi requires online-only filing as of 2025, providing consistent costs and faster processing compared to traditional paper systems.
The online-only system provides immediate submission confirmation and typically processes within 1-2 business days, making Mississippi one of the faster states for LLC approval.
Mississippi requires LLC names to include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." and be distinguishable from all existing businesses in the state database. Search the Secretary of State's business name database to confirm availability before filing.
Avoid restricted terms like "bank," "insurance," or "corporation" without proper licensing authorization. Words suggesting government affiliation will be rejected outright.
Reserve your chosen name for 120 days by paying $25 if you're not ready to file immediately. This prevents other applicants from claiming your name while you prepare formation documents or secure funding.
Mississippi law mandates that every LLC maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Mississippi to receive legal documents, state correspondence, and service of process. P.O. boxes are prohibited under state regulations.
Your registered agent must be:
You can serve as your own registered agent at no cost, but this puts your address on public record and requires your availability during business hours. Professional registered agent services typically cost $100-$300 annually and provide privacy protection, guaranteed availability, and professional document handling.
The Certificate of Formation legally establishes your Mississippi LLC through the online-only filing system. Include these required elements:
File through the Secretary of State's online portal with the $50 fee paid during submission. Processing typically takes 1-2 business days, after which you can download your approved Certificate of Formation.
While Mississippi doesn't require an Operating Agreement, creating one provides crucial legal and operational protections. This internal document defines ownership structure, management authority, and operational procedures without state filing requirements.
Essential provisions include:
For single-member LLCs, an Operating Agreement demonstrates business separation from personal affairs, strengthening liability protection. Multi-member LLCs especially benefit from written agreements preventing costly disputes over ownership, management decisions, and financial distributions.
Beyond LLC formation, complete federal and state registration requirements to operate legally. Obtain a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS using Form SS-4, required for business banking, tax purposes, and hiring employees.
Register for Mississippi sales tax if selling taxable goods or services. Check with local governments about municipal permits and industry-specific licensing requirements.
Open a dedicated business bank account using your formation documents to maintain proper separation between personal and business finances, strengthening your liability protection.
Mississippi's compliance obligations are minimal compared to other states, focusing on essential maintenance tasks that preserve your LLC's good standing and legal protections.
Your annual report is due every April 15th with no filing fee for domestic LLCs. Filing online through the Secretary of State's portal is quick and provides instant confirmation, but missing the deadline results in a $50 reinstatement fee and potential dissolution.
Additionally, your registered agent must stay current and available. Tax obligations vary by structure—single-member LLCs typically report on personal returns, while multi-member LLCs may face different requirements.
What is the cost to start an LLC in Mississippi?
The minimum cost is $50 for the Certificate of Formation. Add registered agent fees if using a professional service, plus optional name reservation for $25. Most entrepreneurs spend between $150-300 total to get started.
How long does formation take?
Online filings typically process within 1-2 business days. Mississippi only accepts online submissions as of 2025, which speeds up the approval process compared to paper filing systems.
Is an Operating Agreement required?
No, but it's strongly recommended. An Operating Agreement protects your personal assets, establishes business operations, and satisfies requirements from banks and investors.
Can I form an LLC in another state if I operate in Mississippi?
Yes, but you'll need to register as a foreign LLC in Mississippi, paying both home-state fees and Mississippi's $250 foreign registration fee. This typically costs more than forming directly in Mississippi.
Discern handles Mississippi LLC filings automatically, providing real-time processing updates and status tracking. Most Discern filings are handled within minutes, so you can eliminate any uncertainty or stress around formation deadlines and ongoing requirements.
Book a demo with Discern to get started.
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