How long does it take to register a business in Mississippi?

Processing times vary: 3-5 business days. Online filings are typically faster than mail submissions. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

Do I need a business license in Mississippi?

Yes, most cities in Mississippi require a general business license. Requirements vary by location and industry. Contact your local city or county clerk's office for specific requirements.

Can I use my personal name as my business name?

Yes, you can use your personal name as your business name. For an LLC, you'll need to add "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" to the end. However, using a unique business name often provides better branding opportunities and legal protection.

What if my desired business name is already taken?

If your preferred name is unavailable, you have several options: 1) Choose a different name, 2) Add descriptive words to make it unique, 3) Use a different LLC suffix (LLC, L.L.C., etc.), or 4) Consider filing a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name while keeping a different legal name.

How much does it cost to start a business in Mississippi?

The LLC filing fee is $50. Additional costs include business licenses ($50-500), registered agent fees ($50-300/year if using a service), and other startup expenses. Total first-year costs typically range from $150.

Do I need a trademark for my business name?

While not required, trademark registration provides nationwide protection for your business name. Registering your LLC with the state only protects your name within Mississippi. If you plan to expand beyond the state or want stronger legal protection, consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO.

Can I change my business name later?

Yes, you can change your LLC name by filing an amendment with the Mississippi Secretary of State. This typically costs $20-100 and takes a few weeks to process. However, changing your name can be expensive when you consider updating all your marketing materials, domain, signage, and legal documents.

Mississippi Business Name Generator

Generate unique business names for your Mississippi LLC or startup. Get AI-powered suggestions tailored to Mississippi businesses and local market.

Generate Business Names for Mississippi

Describe your business idea

Choose naming style

Professional & corporate

Why Start a Business in Mississippi?

$50

Filing Fee

3-5

Processing (days)

250K

Total Businesses

25K/yr

New Businesses

Low filing fee ($50)

No annual report required

Lowest cost of living in US

Growing manufacturing sector

Starting a Business in Mississippi

Top Cities for Business

Jackson153,701
Gulfport72,076
Southaven55,026
Biloxi46,212
Hattiesburg48,114

Popular Industries

Agriculture
Manufacturing
Healthcare
Gaming
Shipbuilding

Cost to Start a Business in Mississippi

LLC Filing Fee$50

Name Reservation (optional)$25 for 180 days

Business License (varies by city)$50-500

Estimated Total First Year$150

Processing time: 3-5 business days

Mississippi Tax Overview

Mississippi has income tax rates from 0-5%. Corporate tax is 5%. Sales tax is 7%.

Mississippi Business Name Requirements

Must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
Must be distinguishable

Restricted Words: The following words cannot be used without special approval:

Bank, Trust, Insurance

Business Name Ideas for Mississippi

Explore 30 pre-generated business name ideas across popular industries. Use these as inspiration or starting points for your own unique name.

restaurant

Magnolia Table
Mississippi Cuisine
Jackson Kitchen
Southern Dining
Gulf Coast Eats
Local Flavors

barbershop

Jackson Cuts
Premium Grooming
Magnolia Barbers
Classic Style
Mississippi Shave
Expert Service

construction

Mississippi Builders
Quality Construction
Magnolia Build
Building MS
Jackson Construction
Trusted Partners

consulting

Jackson Strategy
Business Growth
Magnolia Advisors
Strategic Solutions
Mississippi Consulting
Expert Guidance

retail

Mississippi Mercantile
Local Goods
Magnolia Market
Quality Products
Jackson Supply
Premium Retail

Home Services

Mississippi Home Care
Complete Solutions
Magnolia Services
Professional Care
Jackson Home Pros
Expert Maintenance

technology

Jackson Tech
Innovation
Magnolia Digital
Tech Solutions
Mississippi Software
Custom Development

healthcare

Mississippi Wellness
Quality Healthcare
Magnolia Medical
Patient Care
Jackson Health
Trusted Providers

Real Estate

Mississippi Properties
Dream Homes
Magnolia Realty
Expert Service
Jackson Living
Premium Properties

fitness

Jackson Fitness
Peak Performance
Magnolia Strong
Community Fitness
Mississippi Athletics
Elite Training

Official Mississippi Business Resources

Mississippi Secretary of State

Business registration

MS Department of Revenue

Tax information

Mississippi SBDC

Business counseling

How to Register a Business in Mississippi

Annual Compliance Requirements

After forming your Mississippi LLC, you'll need to maintain compliance with these ongoing requirements:

No annual report required
Maintain registered agent
Pay state taxes
Obtain local licenses

Check Domain Availability

Enter your business name to search for available domains

Business name

Opens GoDaddy search in a new tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Tools for Mississippi Business Owners

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax liability

Profit Margin Calculator

Calculate your profit margins

S-Corp Salary

Optimize salary vs distribution

Generate Names for Nearby States

Ready to Launch Your Mississippi Business?

Jupid AI Accountant handles everything from LLC formation to ongoing tax compliance. Focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Information is accurate as of 2026-01. Always verify current requirements with the Mississippi Secretary of State and consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.