Uncover In-Depth Information on
Business Entities
- Uncover In-Depth Information on Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Mississippi?
- Why Conduct a Mississippi Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Mississippi Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Mississippi?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Mississippi?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Mississippi?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Mississippi?
- Additional Information Available on the Mississippi Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Mississippi
According to the United Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, small businesses accounted for more than 99% of businesses registered in Mississippi. Also, between March 2020 and March 2021, 6,055 establishments opened in the Magnolia State.
Business registrations are completed at the Mississippi Secretary of the State website, specifically at the Business Services and Regulations division of the office. Therefore, if you need to find a registered business in the state, contact the office of the Mississippi Secretary of State.
Choose Your Search Criteria
Business Name:The official name of a business entity registered with the state. When searching with a business name, you may choose other search criteria such as 'starting with', 'all words', 'any words', 'sounds like', and 'exact match.'
Business ID:A unique identifier assigned to a business entity during registration. It is used to track the entity in state records and is often referred to as a file or entity number.
Officer Name:The name of an individual holding a leadership or governance role within the business.
Registered Agent:An individual or entity designated to receive legal documents, tax notifications, and other official correspondence on behalf of the business.
Review Search Results
After selecting any of the four search options, providing the search term, and selecting the search button, you will get a list of matching results. Besides the name of the businesses matching the provided search term, you will also be able to view the business ID, business structure type, business status (good standing or dissolved), and business creation date.
Further Assistance
For further assistance with finding information on businesses registered in the state, contact the business services division of the Office of the Secretary of State by phone at (601) 359-1633. The division may also be contacted by fax at (601) 359-1607.
Alternatively, you may visit the secretary of state offices in Jackson or Gulf Coast at:
401 Mississippi Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone (601) 359-1350
125 S. Congress Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 359-1633
The Gulf Coast Office is located at:
1141 Bayview Avenue, Suite 120
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 432-0541
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Mississippi?
If a business manager or registered agent is the owner of the business, then you may use the business search tool on the secretary of state's website to find the owner of the business entity. However, in situations where the owner is neither an officer, or the agent of the business, you may use the following options to find the identity of the entity’s owner:
The Business's Website: Visit the company website's "About Us" or "Contact" section. These sections may list the owner's name or the entity’s leadership team.
Local Chambers of Commerce:Local chambers of commerce in Mississippi typically have directories of businesses operating in their jurisdictions. You may visit their websites or request member information, as these organizations may maintain details on local business owners.
Better Business Bureau (BBB):The Better Business Bureau also lists businesses in Mississippi. While not all their listings have information on the identity of business owners, some do.
Why Conduct a Mississippi Entity Search?
One way of finding important information about a business is to conduct an entity search. If you intend to find out if a business is legitimate or is in good standing with the state, a Mississippi entity search would be useful.
Consumers may use an entity search to verify a business's legitimacy, confirming its registration and status. This fosters confidence in the business and ensures transactions with a legally recognized, reputable entity.
Investors may assess a company’s structure, financial credibility, and registration history to make well-informed decisions. This research is useful for identifying stable, well-managed businesses for investment opportunities.
A Mississippi entity search allows businesses to confirm a supplier’s legitimacy, ensuring they are working with a properly registered and trustworthy partner.
Identifying fraudulent businesses becomes easier with an entity search, as it reveals unregistered or inactive companies. This step protects individuals and organizations from scams and financial losses.
Who Holds Data for Mississippi Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Mississippi?
Businesses may be formed in Mississippi using different entity types. Permitted business entities in Mississippi include:
A sole proprietorship is a business entity owned and operated by one individual. This business is not incorporated and does not require filing with the Secretary of State. The individual who is the owner is personally liable for the business's debts and obligations. Also, in a sole proprietorship, earnings in the business are typically taxed as personal income for the sole proprietor.
A general partnership is an entity operated by two or more persons. Typically, a partnership agreement is drafted to outline the specific responsibilities of each partner. Assets in the business are jointly owned by the partners and each partner is personally liable for the actions of other partners, including taxes, debts, and tort liability. Also, earnings are taxed as each partner's personal income. General partnerships are not required to be filed with the Mississippi secretary of state.
A limited partnership requires two levels of partnership: general and limited. A general partner typically makes the decisions and controls the entity. The limited partner in an LP owns a stake in the entity, generally via a capital investment, and has limited control over the decisions made in business operations.
General partners in an LP are usually liable for the debts and obligations of the business, while limited partners are only liable to the extent of their investment in the business. Earnings for all partners in an LP are usually taxed as personal income.
A Mississippi limited liability company is owned by one or more persons, called members. These members may choose one or more managers to make decisions for the business or participate in managing the business themselves.
LLC members are not personally liable for the liabilities or debts of the business. Here, earnings may be taxed in separate ways and the entity may have different membership levels. While an operating agreement is not required in LLCs, an entity set up as an LLC may develop one to govern the operation of the company.
Corporations are owned by shareholders who may be one or more persons. It is created by the filing of Articles of Incorporation with the Mississippi secretary of state. Mississippi corporations operate by bylaws which are generally drafted by the entity and adopted by shareholders. Although bylaws are required by statute, they are not required to be filed with the state.
Corporation shareholders are not personally liable for the debts of the company but are subject to corporate income taxes on revenues. LLC profits are distributed to shareholders and may be taxed as income.
A DBA, also called a fictitious name in Mississippi, is another name separate from a business's legal name, that an individual, corporation, or other entity type chooses to operate in public under. A DBA may also be referred to as a trade name, assumed name, alias, or doing business as a name.
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Mississippi?
How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Mississippi?
After defining your business concept and drafting a business plan, it is important to select an entity type, decide on a business name, and confirm that it is not already in use by another entity.
Next, you may follow these steps to set up your business in Mississippi:
- Register Your Business Entity with the Mississippi Secretary of State: To register your business in Mississippi, use the Secretary of State's (SOS) online filing system. Note that you must create an account on the website to begin the business registration process. Once logged in, you may access and complete the necessary formation documents, submitting them electronically. Note that certain business types may not require formal filing with the state.
- Apply for Mississippi Licenses and Permits: Starting a business in Mississippi often requires obtaining licenses, permits, and registrations tailored to your operations. For tax purposes, businesses selling taxable goods or services must register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect sales tax and obtain a sales tax permit. Employers also need a withholding account number, both of which can be registered via the Mississippi Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).
- Choose a business location and assess local zoning regulations: Choosing a business location in Mississippi requires evaluating affordability, location benefits, and zoning compliance. You should ensure that you do not contravene local zoning laws by checking local ordinances and consulting planning departments.
- Obtain Insurance: To protect your Mississippi business, obtain insurance to protect yourself and the business against lawsuits, damages, and unexpected events like natural disasters. You may consult an insurance agent to explore coverage options such as general liability or worker's compensation insurance.
- Open a Business Account: Open a separate business bank account to streamline finances and ensure liability protection, especially for LLCs and corporations.
Additionally, businesses may require regulatory licenses from state departments like health or environmental quality, as well as professional licenses from specific agencies. Employers needing EINs may apply online through the IRS website at no cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Mississippi?
The cost of starting a business in Mississippi varies based on the business type and requirements. Typical fees associated with an entity start-up in Mississippi include the following:
Formation Fees:Registration fees typically cost between $50 and $250. Registering an LLC costs $50 online, while a foreign limited partnership costs $250.
Permits and Licenses:Costs vary depending on local or industry-specific permits, ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars.
- Application for the appointment of Registered Agent:
This fee varies depending on the entity structure and may be up to $25.
Note that other costs such as business insurance, equipment, and other operational expenses will add to initial business set-up costs.
Additional Information Available on the Mississippi Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Website
You may find information on the following on the Mississippi Secretary of State website:
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Mississippi
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding business entity searches in Mississippi.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in Mississippi?
You may need to search for a business entity in Mississippi to verify its legitimacy, check its registration status, confirm ownership details, or gather information for legal, financial, or partnership purposes.
- What types of entities can I search for in Mississippi?
You may search for sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, and DBA names.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in Mississippi?
You may perform a business entity search in Mississippi using the business search tool on the Secretary of State website.
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Mississippi?
The business name, business ID, officer name, or registered agent is required to search for a business entity in Mississippi.
- How do I find the official name of a Mississippi business?
The official name of a Mississippi entity may be found using the business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website. You may provide the business ID, officer name, or registered agent name of the business to find the official name of the business.
- Can I search for foreign entities in Mississippi?
Yes, you may use the business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website to search foreign entities in Mississippi.
- What information can I find in the Mississippi entity search?
You may find the business structure type, business ID, business registration status, registration date, state of incorporation, principal office address, DBA, officer's and director's name and address, and registered agent's name and address.
- How do I verify if a Mississippi business is in good standing?
Using the business registration status information available from a business search on the secretary of state’s website, you may determine if a Mississippi business is in good standing with the state. If the status is active, the entity is in good standing.
- Can I search for an entity in Mississippi by its owner’s name?
If the officer or registered agent of the Mississippi entity doubles as its owner, you can find the identity of the owner via the business search tool on the Secretary of State website, using the business name and business ID search option.
- How often is the Mississippi business entity database updated?
The database for the business search tool provided by the state is updated regularly, usually within a few days after a change in entry details.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in Mississippi?
You may request copies of business filings from the secretary of state website. You may be able to access some business filings using the business search tool or by contacting the office of the secretary of state.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of a Mississippi business is?
By providing the business name, business ID, or officer name of a Mississippi business on the Secretary of State business search tool, you may find the identity of the entity’s registered agent.
- How can I search for Mississippi businesses by their tax ID number?
The Mississippi Secretary of State does not provide a search by tax ID number option on its business search tool. You may contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue to find an entity using its tax ID number.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Mississippi search?
You may use other search options when choosing the business name search criteria on the Secretary of State website, such as "any words" or "sounds like" to find businesses that sound or contain similar names as the one you are looking for. This is especially useful if you are not certain about the name of the business. However, if you still cannot find a business entity, contact the Mississippi secretary of state.
- Uncover In-Depth Information on Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Mississippi?
- Why Conduct a Mississippi Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Mississippi Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Mississippi?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Mississippi?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Mississippi?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Mississippi?
- Additional Information Available on the Mississippi Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Mississippi