Mississippi Secretary of State

The Mississippi Constitution of 1817 established the Mississippi Secretary of State (SOS) as an officer of the state. The latter must be at least 25 years old, a state citizen 5 years before his/her election day, and should serve for a 4-year period without term limits. 

The State Legislature determines the specific duties of the SOS office. The secretary is designated as the “Keeper of The Capitol” by the state constitution and is claimed to receive and save all election results.

Corporation & Business Entity Search

People conduct a Mississippi business entity search for numerous reasons, the most evident of which is to check the name database to confirm the chosen entity name’s uniqueness. This step is essential to take before creating a new business.

Moreover, this lets business owners and representatives learn about the detailed business info and the registering history of any provided business recorder in the MS SOS online database.

Search by Mississippi Business Name

First, enter the webpage of business services on the Mississippi SOS website. There you will have to select any of these search options:

• Starting with

• All words

• Any words

• Sounds like

• Exact match

After choosing one of them, the search field will show a list of all the names, which correspond to your query. Scroll through them until you find the one you’d like to examine. To get more info about the entity, click on details. It will view detailed information on file with the SOS.

Search by Business ID in Mississippi

If you know your business ID, this is the fastest option to have access to the data. Just enter the ID into the empty field on the same webpage to appear on the summary page. As with the previous option, this one will also view all previous filings, dug into business details, and the like. 

Search by Officer Name

In case you don’t remember the name of a certain entity but know an officer or other member, you can apply that information to search for the company's information. You just need to enter the webpage, write the name into a particular field and click submit.

The appeared list will bring all the officers’ names, which correspond to your submission, as well as their titles with the business, its name, and details about it.  

Like the previous two options, the opened window will show the status and all other available data on the entity in question.

Search by Registered Agent in Mississippi

In case you know the registered agent who presents the company you want to research, you can enter their name into the provided field on the same webpage and click on the search button. The next page will show all the available agent names that correspond to your initial search and the ID, name, and details of the company they present.

How Much is an LLC in Mississippi?

The primary cost to start an LLC is the $50 fee to register your LLC’s Certificate of Formation online with the Mississippi Secretary of State. The state also requires LLCs to make an annual report with the SOS, but it is free. 

Yet, LLCs also need to do a name reservation 180 days before the company’s formation. Online reservation costs $25. Many banks and lending organizations require a Mississippi certificate of good standing, which costs $14.

How to Register Your Business With the State of Mississippi?

For registering your business with MS, you have to conduct the below-listed steps.

1. Name your MS business

The first critical step before registration is deciding on a company name. Naming may seem simple but it is, in fact, a more demanding and critical step during the process. The name must be memorable and catchy for future customers. 

2. Choose a business structure 

After you choose the proper name for your brand, you must start to legalize it. So, before the registration process starts, you must decide which structure best meets your needs. 

LLC may be the best option for you if you don’t intend to go public in the upcoming few years. Registering an LLC brings plenty of legal and financial assets. As a sole proprietorship/partnership, your business debts are regarded as personal debts and your assets can be grabbed in case of a lawsuit. Yet, LLC will protect your personal benefits and offer you more flexibility.

3. Decide whether you want to register your business in MS

After you choose the formal structure and register your company’s new name, you may want to check the state’s business registration requirements. Each has its unique set of rules, and you have to follow them accurately. 

4. Record for taxes for your company

Tax requirements are various and depend on the nature of the company’s activities. For instance, companies selling tangible items/ taxable services are claimed to gain sales and use tax on all sales.

5. Get permits/licenses for your MS business

In this state, not all companies are claimed to have a general business permit. Most industries, on the other hand, require industry-specific local or state permits to operate legally. So, make sure to check it with the Mississippi Regulatory Department and your local government beforehand.

How Much Does a Business License Cost in Mississippi?

When applying for a Mississippi sales and use tax permit, you don’t need to make any payments. However, other licenses at the city/county/state/federal level may vary in cost, depending on the type and the industry you are in. So, you need to check it with the officials to know the costs of each one.