Forming a Mississippi LLC starts at just $50. That’s the whole government bill. Here’s how to start an LLC in Mississippi: file the Certificate of Formation (form F0100) with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services, and pay the $50 fee listed on the Secretary of State’s fee schedule. The yearly annual report that keeps your LLC active is listed at $0.
A formation service is optional. It can save you time, but you don’t need one.
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Last updated: October 13, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $50 (Mississippi Secretary of State fee schedule).
- The annual report is required every year. The fee is $0, and it’s due by April 15.
- An EIN is free from the IRS. You never have to pay a fee for one.
- Doing it yourself costs $50. A service adds its own fee on top.
Mississippi LLC Costs at a Glance
“Free” here means no middleman fee. The state fee goes to the state, and you can’t avoid it.
| Item | Cost | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (form F0100) | $50 | One time, when you form |
| Annual report | $0 | Can be filed on or after January 1; due by April 15 each year |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | After your LLC is formed |
Sources: Mississippi Secretary of State fee schedule, Mississippi Secretary of State annual report page, and IRS. Figures current as of October 13, 2026.
How to Start an LLC in Mississippi, Step by Step
Seven steps, start to finish. For the same process in any state, see our 7-step overview.
1. Choose and check your business name
Your LLC needs a name nobody else has taken. An LLC is a limited liability company, a business structure that generally separates your personal assets from the business’s debts.
Use the business name search on the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services website to see if your name is available. Search a few variations in case your first pick is gone. The Secretary of State’s site also explains naming rules, including whether your name needs a designator such as “LLC.”
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company that receives legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You have three common options:
- Yourself, if you meet the state’s requirements
- Someone you trust who meets those same requirements
- A commercial registered agent service, which is optional and typically carries a fee
Check the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services website for the current registered agent requirements before you choose.
3. File the Certificate of Formation
This is the document that creates your LLC. Many states call it “articles of organization,” but Mississippi calls it the Certificate of Formation. The state filing fee is $50, per the Secretary of State’s fee schedule.
You file with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services. Check their website for the current filing method, the form, and current processing times.
Picture a freelance designer in Mississippi. She searches the name, picks herself as registered agent, files form F0100, and pays $50. That’s her minimum formation cost.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that spells out how your LLC runs: who owns it, how profits are split, and who makes decisions. Even a one-owner LLC can benefit from having one, because it documents that your business is separate from you personally.
To find out whether Mississippi requires you to file it with the state, check the Secretary of State’s website or the state statutes. You can write the agreement yourself.
5. Get a free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (employer identification number) is a federal tax ID for your business. The IRS says you can get one directly from the IRS in minutes, for free, and you never have to pay a fee for an EIN.
Apply only at IRS.gov. Any site that charges you for an EIN is a third party, not the IRS.
Not sure how your LLC will be taxed? Read our guide on LLC vs. S corp differences.
6. Open a business bank account
Once you have your formation document and EIN, open a business account so business and personal money stay apart. Banks typically ask for your Certificate of Formation, EIN confirmation, and operating agreement, though requirements vary by bank.
Online options such as Novo are worth comparing against local banks and credit unions. Our guide to business bank accounts for new LLCs covers what to compare before you apply.
7. File your annual report on time
Mississippi LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State. Per the Secretary of State’s annual report page, it can be filed on or after January 1 and is due by April 15. The fee schedule lists the MS LLC Annual Report at $0.
How to Start an LLC in Mississippi Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
Doing it yourself: $50 in state fees. That’s your total first-year formation cost if you act as your own registered agent and write your own operating agreement.
Using a service: $50 in state fees plus the service’s own fee. A service files the paperwork for you and may bundle extras such as a registered agent, document templates, or compliance reminders. Bizee is one such service. Packages and prices vary, so see our formation services comparison for real pricing.
A service can genuinely help if:
- You don’t have a Mississippi address to use for a registered agent
- You’d rather list a service’s address than your own as your registered agent
- You want reminders for your annual report
- You value convenience over cost
What can you skip? Paying anyone for an EIN, and any extras you don’t need.
Keeping Your Mississippi LLC in Good Standing
Good standing means your LLC is current with the state’s requirements. In Mississippi, the main ongoing task is the annual report. File it between January 1 and April 15, at no fee.
Mark April 15 on your calendar. Better yet, file early in the window.
For what happens if you miss the deadline, including any late fees or administrative action, check the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services website. Also keep your registered agent and address information current with the state. Ask a licensed tax professional which state or local registrations or licenses your specific business needs.
Comparing costs elsewhere? Our LLC filing fees by state roundup puts Mississippi’s $50 next to other states.
Mississippi LLC FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Mississippi?
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Formation is $50, according to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s fee schedule. Any formation service fee is extra and optional.
Is there an annual fee for a Mississippi LLC?
The Secretary of State’s fee schedule lists the MS LLC Annual Report at $0. The report is still required every year.
When is the Mississippi LLC annual report due?
It can be filed on or after January 1 and is due by April 15, according to the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Do I have to pay for an EIN?
No. The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS for free and never have to pay a fee for one.
Do I need a formation service to start an LLC in Mississippi?
No. You can file the Certificate of Formation yourself with the Mississippi Secretary of State, Business Services. A service is a convenience, not a requirement.
Your Next Step
Search your business name on the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website today. Then read our guide on how to incorporate your business for free in 2026 so you know exactly which costs you can skip.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
