How to Form an LLC in Mississippi (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

Mississippi makes LLC formation straightforward with a single $50 filing fee and no publication requirements. You'll file your Certificate of Formation with the Secretary of State, appoint a registered agent, and obtain your EIN from the IRS. The state charges no franchise tax and has no special capital requirements. Annual reports cost $25 and are due by April 15 each year. Mississippi requires a $200 annual privilege tax for most LLCs, calculated on your net worth or income. Total first-year cost typically runs $325-400 depending on your registered agent choice. The entire process takes 5-7 business days for standard processing.

Year-1 Cost Table

Mississippi LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Certificate of Formation $50 cite
Annual Report (due April 15) $25 cite
Privilege Tax (annual, most LLCs) $200 cite
Registered Agent (Northwest, annual) $125 cite
Typical Year-1 Total $400 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the Mississippi Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every Mississippi LLC needs a registered agent with a Mississippi street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for Mississippi state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Mississippi LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Mississippi LLCs. They publish a Mississippi-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (Mississippi)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mississippi's $200 privilege tax for LLCs?

Mississippi charges an annual privilege tax of $200 minimum for most LLCs, calculated on either net worth or gross income. This is separate from the $25 annual report fee and is paid to the Department of Revenue, not the Secretary of State.

How long does LLC approval take in Mississippi?

Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. Mississippi offers expedited processing for an additional fee: 24-hour service for $50 extra, and same-day service for $100 extra.

Do I need a business license in Mississippi?

Mississippi has no statewide business license requirement for LLCs, but many cities and counties require local business licenses or permits. Check with your city clerk's office and county tax assessor to confirm local requirements.

Does Mississippi have state income tax on LLCs?

Yes, Mississippi has a 5% state income tax rate for pass-through LLC income. Multi-member LLCs and single-member LLCs report income on personal returns unless electing C-corp or S-corp taxation.

Can I be my own registered agent in Mississippi?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical street address in Mississippi and are available during business hours. Most owners use Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) to maintain privacy and ensure reliable service of process.

Annual Filing Deadline

Mississippi requires an annual report by April 15 each year ($25 fee) plus a $200 privilege tax for most LLCs based on net worth or income.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your Mississippi LLC