To register a business name in Mississippi, first check if the name is available by searching the Mississippi Business Search tool. If available, file paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office to officially register the name. Options include reserving the name for 180 days for $25, or registering a corporation, LLC, partnership, etc. using the appropriate paperwork and fees.
Once registered, obtain any necessary licenses, permits, and registrations. For example, you may need to register for sales tax or get a city business permit.
Key Registration Steps
- Choose a business structure (LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Check name availability
- File formation documents with the MS Secretary of State
- Get an EIN from the IRS
- Register for applicable licenses and permits
- Consider trademarking the business name
- Register a DBA if using an alternate business name
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the naming requirements?
- How much does it cost to form an LLC? ($50 filing fee)
- How long does it take the state to process? (2-25 days on average)
- Do I need a registered agent? (Yes, with a MS address)
- Do I have to live in MS to register there? (No)
- What are the penalties for not registering a DBA? (Up to $500 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment)
Carefully following all registration and compliance steps will help set up your MS business for success.
Name Reservation: One option is to reserve your desired business name through the Secretary of State’s office, valid for 180 days.
Your company name must contain "Limited Liability Company" or its abbreviations (L.L.C. or LLC) and should not include words that might confuse the public with a government agency.
Additional Registration Details
The franchise tax in Mississippi costs $2.50 per $1,000 of capital used in the state. Taxes for an LLC include: Social Security Tax: 12.4% and Medicare Tax: 2.9% (applied to net self-employment income).
The business term DBA (doing business as) in Mississippi is any registered name that a person or company uses that is not the legal name. A DBA costs $25 to register.
Mississippi is an attractive destination for entrepreneurs due to low labor costs and favorable cost of living and doing business.
To file an LLC in Mississippi, the cost is $50 online. After registering, apply for an EIN for free, which is necessary if your business files tax returns for employment, excise, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms.
By registering your DBA name in Mississippi, you create a public record of your business’s identity. When operating a DBA, consult an attorney or advisor in Mississippi to ensure you understand all obligations.