Start a Business in Mississippi

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This guide on starting your business in Mississippi provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

how to start a business

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

  • If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
  • If wish to form your business in a different state than Mississippi, click here.
Structure Paperwork Cost Time

Mississippi Limited Liability Company

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  • Form F0100: Mississippi LLC Certificate of Formation
  • Operating Agreement
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) system registration
  • Formation: $50
  • Formation: ~2-3 business days

Mississippi Corporation

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  • Form F0001: Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired
  • Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) registration
  • Incorporation: $50
  • Incorporation: ~2-3 business days

Mississippi Nonprofit

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  • Form F0001: Mississippi Articles of Incorporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Apply for EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: Application for 501(c)(3) Exemption
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) Registration
  • URS Charitable Registration, if applicable
  • Mississippi Charitable Organization Registration or Mississippi Charitable Notice of Exemption
  • Incorporation: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Mississippi Charitable Registration or Exemption: $50
  • Incorporation: ~2-3 business days
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Mississippi

  1. What many states call articles of organization for an LLC, Mississippi calls a certificate of formation.
  2. The Mississippi Secretary of State is persnickety about keeping all signatures within the designated blocks.
  3. Your business will register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue through their Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) system. You need your Business ID from the Secretary of State and your EIN from the IRS before registering.
  4. Be diligent about filing your required corporate or LLC annual report with the Mississippi Secretary of State. Your business can be revoked or administratively dissolved at only four months late. You will need you NAICS Code to file your annual report.
  5. The Mississippi Secretary of State will not approve a filing that lists only a PO box for the registered office. The address must be a physical street address.
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