Business Names

• Mississippi doesn't require businesses to register a fictitious business name with the state. For example, if your name is Joe Smith and your business is "Main Street Plumbing," you can do business under that assumed name without registering. Additionally, if you are a sole proprietor and use your own name as your business name, you don't have to register. However, if your business is structured as a limited liability company, a partnership or a corporation, you must register your business entity with the state.
  
  

Registering a Business

• Corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships must register with Mississippi's Business Services Division of the Secretary of State's Office. The Secretary of State's website provides all the forms necessary to register your business entity (see Resources). The cost to register a business is between $50 and $500, depending on your business structure (as of January 2011). For example, articles of incorporation for an LLC costs $50, while an application for certificate of authority for a foreign, for-profit corporation costs $500.
  
  

Employer Identification Numbers

• The Mississippi government isn't the only entity you have to deal with when opening a business in the state; you also have to deal with the Internal Revenue Service. In most cases, your business will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), a nine-digit number assigned to businesses for tax reporting purposes. The EIN is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Employer Tax ID and you can obtain one by filling out form SS-4 (see Resources).
  
  

State Taxes

• Businesses in Mississippi need to register with the state for a variety of taxes, licenses and permits, depending upon your business structure and types. For example, if you are going to be selling items or providing services in the state, you are required to get a seller's permit, or a sales and use tax permit, before opening up for business. Mississippi provides a website where you can ascertain what taxes you need to register for and where you can figure out what professional licenses, if any, you need to get (see Resources).