How to Find a Registered Agent in Mississippi (Step-by-Step Guide)
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Mississippi registered agent requirements
Whether a registered agent is an individual or a business entity, Mississippi State law requires that all registered agents first accept their appointment by the client company. It is imperative that they accept the requirement to receive important documents. They must also be prepared to forward these documents to the client company in a timely manner.
Furthermore, registered agents need to be residents of the State of Mississippi (or registered to do business in-state) and be at least 18 years of age. Lastly, they need to have a non-P.O. box address that is in-state as well. They must be at this address during regular business hours on a consistent basis to receive service of process or other important documents for their client(s).
Why use a registered agent service
If you want to get the most out of your registered agent, hiring a registered agent company that specializes in these services is the way to go. Not only will they keep you in good standing with the state, but they will also provide the following key benefits.
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Opportunities for growth
A quality registered agent company will be of service to you as your business grows.
For most Mississippi businesses, incorporating in-state is the first step. From there, however, companies generally desire to begin selling their goods and services in other states. In terms of incorporation, this means that you will need to register your business with the secretary of state offices in those states as well.
Large registered agent companies have offices in every state. Therefore, if you start out with a large company in Mississippi, you will simply have to notify them that you want to expand your business into other states, and they can file the paperwork on your behalf.
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Privacy
Business owners who choose a registered agent company to serve as their registered agent can keep their private life and place of business separate. However, if you decide to be your own registered agent as a business owner, you will have to use your home address as your registered agent address.
This address has to be on public record. In other words, whenever anyone might search for your business online, they would be able to see your home address. Choosing commercial registered agent service company means you can allow them to use their official street address in Mississippi.
Additionally, if your small business were ever to be sued by another business or an individual, it’s always better to have a registered agent service company accept the service of process on your behalf. That’s because if you are your own registered agent when you are served, law enforcement may very well arrive at your home to deliver the legal documents.
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Time
Lastly, you will greatly increase your free time by going with a professional registered agent service instead of being your own agent. That’s because all registered agents in the State of Mississippi need to keep reliable business hours.
Professional registered agents make it their business to carry this out. They are always at their office address to receive important correspondence.
But as a busy business owner, you may not have time to stay at one registered address from 8am to 5pm every weekday. You need to be free to attend business meetings, corporate lunches, and other appointments for your business. You might also enjoy the freedom to travel when you please.
Mississippi registered agent costs
How much it costs for registered agent services every year depends not only on what company you choose but also on what specific services you want. For example, you can have your registered agent remind you of your Annual Report due date, tax deadlines, and more.
Generally speaking, costs range from $50 a year to $300 a year. However, many companies will charge a lower fee for the first year. Some companies will even throw in one year of registered agent services with their incorporation package fee. Then, after that, their standard pricing will return.
For any Mississippi company that prefers to employ an individual employee (or the business owner) to be their registered agent, there are no fees. However, keep in mind that it will cost you time. Registered agents need to be at the address listed on their Articles of Organization during all normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
How to change a registered agent in Mississippi
Changing who is listed as your Mississippi registered agent (also known as resident agent) is a fairly straightforward process.
Start by selecting a new registered agent. This can be an individual, or it can be a professional registered agent company. If you choose to hire the latter, they may perform your change of registered agent business filing for you so that you don’t have to. They may even pay the fee on your behalf.
If you prefer to perform your change of agent yourself or if the company you are hiring does not offer this service, follow the directions below:
- Notify your old registered agent that you are hiring someone new. This will ensure that you can transfer your important business documents to your new registered agent and that you won’t lose any service before making the shift.
- Go to the Mississippi Secretary of State website and obtain the necessary documents for changing your registered agent. A Change of Agent form is what you need. Fill this form out and submit it to the Business Services Division of the Mississippi Secretary of State. There is a fee to file this document and change your agent. You may submit the paperwork by mail or in person and pay the filing fees by credit card.
Why you need a registered agent
Registered agents are necessary positions that must be filled if you want to incorporate your LLC (limited liability company) in Mississippi. In Mississippi, the SOS (Secretary of State) asks that you list your registered agent on your Articles of Incorporation (Articles of Organization).
The role of a registered agent is to accept important business mail and official notifications on behalf of your business. Specifically, the registered agent must accept service of process and other critical legal correspondence.
In select cases, you can be your own registered agent. However, this runs counter to the goal of many business owners. Therefore, many businesses end up hiring a registered agent. You can also ask a friend or family member to be your registered agent or select an employee for the job.
When you need a registered agent
In order to form an LLC or corporation in the State of Mississippi, there are several steps that must be taken. Although selecting a registered agent is a critical step, it is not the first.
Rather, the first step is to select a company name. Keep in mind that you’ll need to cross-reference your name choice with the Secretary of State’s business entity database. That’s because it’s possible that another Mississippi company has already used your desired name, and in this case, you’d need to select another.
Additional business naming guidelines must be referenced as well. For example, only certain organizations can use words like bank, trust, insurance, or university in their names. There are also mandates in place that bans the use of any business names that might mislead the public in any way.
After choosing a name, the next step is to select your registered agent. You can either hire a professional registered agent company or choose an individual (like yourself) to be your registered agent.
Finally, you’ll need to obtain the required business permits and submit your formation documents to the Secretary of State of Mississippi. If accepted, they will confirm the establishment of your new corporation or LLC, and you’ll then want to draft your business’s Operating Agreement.
Useful links
Incorporating your business in Mississippi requires close attention to detail. Find exactly what you need to know about registering your business in Mississippi by using the links and forms found below.
FAQs
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in Mississippi?
Yes. Mississippi law requires that all LLCs and corporations that are registered with the state have an appointed registered agent. Choosing a registered agent is an integral step in the creation of your Articles of Incorporation and the formation of your business. When forming a business, you will choose your registered agent after selecting a name for your business.
How do I choose a good registered agent?
First, don’t just look at the cost of registered agents. Instead, look at the value they can provide. Going with a nationwide provider is often a good choice as you won’t have to find a new registered agent in every state where you want to do business. Finally, read reviews. Choose a professional company with many years of experience.
What does statutory representation mean?
Statutory representation is what a business has when they have a statutory agent or registered agent appointed in its formation documents (Articles of Organization). The job of a statutory agent or registered agent is to receive official documents and legal notices on behalf of an LLC or corporation. The statutory agent can be a business entity or an individual.
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