Start a Free LLC in Mississippi

How to Form an LLC in Mississippi in 5 Steps

You form an LLC in Mississippi by filing a Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State, either online through the state's Business Services Portal or by mail. You need your business name, registered agent details, and a NAICS code to complete the form.

Once your LLC is approved, you'll want to put your ownership terms in writing with an operating agreement and get an EIN from the IRS. From there, keep your LLC in good standing by filing a free annual report every year.

Mississippi is one of the least expensive states in which to form and maintain an LLC, and it doesn’t require you to disclose the owner names on the public Certificate of Formation, so pay close attention to the steps below to make the most of that.

Swyft Filings offers LLC formation services in all 50 states. Select our basic package to create your Mississippi LLC for a $0 service fee, or choose a higher package for registered agent service, an operating agreement, and other Mississippi LLC services.

Step 1: Choose a Business Name for Your Mississippi LLC

If you haven't chosen a name yet, use our free business name generator tool to get creative name ideas. Name your business something that reflects your products or services. It should be easy to spell, say, or remember.

Your Mississippi LLC name has to meet these requirements as per the Mississippi Limited Liability Company Act of 2010:

• Include a designator such as "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC."
• Be distinguishable from every other business entity already on file with the Secretary of State, not just spelled differently, but different enough that it wouldn't look the same in the state's records.
• Avoid restricted words like "Bank" or "Trust" without approval from the appropriate state agency, and avoid anything that implies a government affiliation or illegal activity.

Step 2: Appoint a Mississippi Registered Agent

A Mississippi registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Mississippi where legal documents and official notices can be delivered during normal business hours. The registered agent's name and address are part of the public record on your Certificate of Formation, which is why many owners hire a professional service to keep their home address private.

Step 3: File Your Mississippi Certificate of Formation (Form F0100)

The Mississippi Secretary of State mandates that all business entity formations be initiated online. Even if you plan to choose a mail-in payment option at the end of the process, you must first create an account and fill out the details through the official state portal to generate your official filing packet.

Mississippi charges $54 online (including the $4 convenience fee) and a $50 by-mail fee for this form. Before you can file, Mississippi requires you to set up a Registered Filer account on the Secretary of State's website, which asks for your name, contact information, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

What information do you need to file Form F0100?

• LLC name
• Business email
• NAICS code (look yours up on the NAICS Association website)
• Registered agent name and Mississippi street address
• Effective date (optional, up to 90 days out)
• Name and signature of the person filing

If you'd rather file by mail, send your completed form and payment to:

Mississippi Secretary of State Office of Business Services

P.O. Box 136, Jackson,

MS 39205-0136

For the fastest processing, you can file online through the Secretary of State's Business Services Portal. Most online filings are approved the same day or within 1–2 business days. Mail filings are also accepted, but typically take longer to process.

Step 4: Create a Mississippi LLC Operating Agreement

You can write your operating agreement using a template, or let Swyft walk you through a short questionnaire and generate a customized Mississippi operating agreement for your business. Either way, make sure every member signs it and keep a copy with your business records.

Main terms to add in a Mississippi LLC operating agreement:

• General business information, including your business address, member details, and LLC term.
• LLC structure (member-managed or manager-managed) and each member's voting rights.
• Names, addresses, roles, and ownership percentages of each member.
• Current tax status and who has authority to change it later.
• How membership can be transferred and how a member can leave.
• Instructions for dissolving the LLC and distributing any remaining assets.

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Mississippi LLC

The IRS issues a nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) to businesses for federal tax purposes, including hiring employees, opening a bank account, and filing taxes. You can apply for an EIN directly on the IRS website for free. The application requires:

• SSN or ITIN of the business owner
• Business name or any DBA names
• Mailing address
• Entity details
• Reason for applying

If you don't have a Social Security Number or ITIN, you may still apply for an EIN by following IRS procedures, including filing Form SS-4.

What Are the Post-Formation Requirements for a Mississippi LLC

File Your Mississippi Annual Report

Every domestic Mississippi LLC must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. It's free to file, can be submitted starting January 1, and is due by April 15 every year. The report updates the state on your LLC's registered agent, principal address, and management information. There's no late fee, but failing to file eventually leads to administrative dissolution.

Open a Business Account for Your LLC in Mississippi

Once your Certificate of Formation is approved, bring it to the bank along with your EIN and operating agreement to open your account. Keeping business and personal funds separate separates your personal and professional income, helping to maintain the liability shield created by an LLC, so this isn't a step to put off.

Most banks let you start the application online or in person, and many ask for a government-issued ID and an initial deposit. Compare a few options first, since minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, and online banking features vary. Read our guide on how to open a business bank account for more on choosing the right one.

Apply for a Business License in Mississippi

Mississippi doesn't issue a general state business license, so you won't file for one just to operate as an LLC. That doesn't mean you're in the clear on every front, though.

If your LLC sells tangible goods or provides taxable services, register for a sales tax permit through the Department of Revenue's TAP portal before you make your first sale. The permit doesn't expire and doesn't need renewing as long as you keep operating at the same location, but you'll need a separate permit for each additional location.

Beyond sales tax, what you need depends on your industry and where you're based. Restaurants, contractors, cosmetologists, childcare providers, and similar fields typically need a professional or occupational license from the relevant state board, and most cities and counties add their own local permits on top.

Run your business type and address through Mississippi's Business One Stop Shop to get a checklist built around your specific city, county, and industry. If you'd rather not track down every requirement yourself, Swyft Filings offers business license research to handle that work for you.

How Much Does an LLC Cost in Mississippi?

DIY vs. Swyft Filings: Mississippi LLC Formation Differences

Starting an LLC in Mississippi yourself is possible, but it requires time, research, and follow-up. Here’s how forming a Mississippi LLC on your own compares with using Swyft Filings:

*Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about forming an LLC in Mississippi and is not a substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice.*