Mississippi LLC Annual Report: Complete Filing Guide

By Jake Lawson | Last updated: [4-Aug-2025]

Quick summary: Every Mississippi LLC must file a free annual report by April 15th each year. The entire process is online-only, takes about 10 minutes, and failure to file can result in your LLC being dissolved by the state.

Here’s the thing about Mississippi LLC annual reports—they’re completely free, which is fantastic. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. I’ve seen too many business owners get their LLCs dissolved because they forgot about this simple annual requirement.

Let me walk you through exactly how to file your Mississippi LLC annual report so you stay in good standing and avoid any compliance issues.

Mississippi LLC Annual Report Requirements

Filing Details:

  • Cost: $0 (completely free)
  • Due date: April 15th every year
  • Filing method: Online only (no mail option)
  • First report due: The year after formation
  • Processing time: Immediate (same day)

Key Dates to Remember:

  • Filing opens: January 1st
  • Due date: April 15th
  • Late penalty: Warning letters, then dissolution

Example timeline: If you formed your Mississippi LLC on March 10, 2024, your first annual report is due by April 15, 2025.

Why Mississippi Annual Reports Matter

Don’t let the “free” part fool you into thinking this isn’t important. Here’s what happens when you file vs. when you don’t:

When You File On Time:

  • Your LLC remains in good standing
  • You maintain legal protection and credibility
  • Banks and vendors continue recognizing your business
  • No penalties or administrative hassles

When You Don’t File:

  • State sends warning letters
  • Administrative dissolution proceedings begin
  • Loss of LLC protection and status
  • Potential personal liability exposure
  • Complex and expensive reinstatement process

Bottom line: This 10-minute task can save you months of headaches and potentially thousands in reinstatement costs and legal fees.

Step-by-Step Mississippi Annual Report Filing

Before You Start:

Make sure you have:

  • Your Mississippi LLC Business ID number
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN) number
  • Current business contact information
  • Access to your Mississippi Secretary of State online account

Can’t find your Business ID? Look on your original Certificate of Formation or search for your LLC here.

Step 1: Access the Mississippi Filing System

Start here: Mississippi Secretary of State Portal

Login to your account:

  • Use the username and password you created when you filed your Certificate of Formation
  • Don’t have an account? You should have created one during formation, but you can create one now if needed

Navigate to annual reports:

  1. From your dashboard, look for the “Annual Reports” section
  2. Click “File an Annual Report (Corporations and LLCs)”

Step 2: Enter Your LLC Business ID

Find your Business ID:

Enter the ID and click “Next”

If you can’t find your Business ID, don’t guess. Use the search tool or call the Mississippi Secretary of State at 601-359-1633.

Step 3: Update Contact Information

Business Email:

  • Enter a current email address
  • This is where state communications will be sent
  • You can use your personal email if needed

Business Phone:

  • Enter your current business phone number
  • Cell phone numbers are acceptable
  • Make sure it’s a number you actually answer

Pro tip: Use an email and phone number you check regularly. Mississippi sends important compliance reminders to these contacts.

Step 4: Enter Your Federal Tax ID (EIN)

Enter your EIN in the format: XX-XXXXXXX

Don’t have an EIN yet? You need one. Here’s why and how to get it:

  • Required for business bank accounts
  • Needed for tax filings
  • Takes 5 minutes to get online from the IRS

Get your EIN: Apply directly with the IRS at irs.gov

Step 5: Select Your NAICS Code

What’s a NAICS Code? It’s the North American Industry Classification System code that describes what your business does. The government uses this for statistical tracking.

How to find your code:

  1. Go to the NAICS search page
  2. Search by keyword (like “restaurant,” “consulting,” “retail”)
  3. Browse the results and pick the closest match
  4. Use the 6-digit code

Common NAICS codes for small businesses:

  • 541611: Administrative Management Consulting
  • 722513: Limited-Service Restaurants
  • 453998: All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers
  • 531210: Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
  • 238990: All Other Specialty Trade Contractors

Can’t find an exact match? Pick the closest one. It’s not critical to be perfect—the state mainly uses this for statistical purposes.

Need help? Call the US Census Bureau at 1-888-756-2427 for NAICS code assistance.

Step 6: Confirm Your Operating Agreement

Check the operating agreement box confirming that your Mississippi LLC has an operating agreement.

What if you don’t have one yet? Get one. Here’s why it matters:

  • Required by Mississippi law
  • Protects your LLC status and liability protection
  • Prevents conflicts among members
  • Provides operational structure for your business

Quick solution: You can download operating agreement templates online or work with an attorney to create a custom one.

Step 7: Enter Principal Address

Principal address requirements:

  • This is your LLC’s main business address
  • Can be your home address if you work from home
  • Must be a physical address (not a P.O. Box)
  • Should match your business records

Address tips:

  • Use the same format as your formation documents when possible
  • Make sure mail can actually reach this address
  • Update this if you’ve moved since formation

Step 8: Verify Registered Agent Information

Important note: You cannot change your registered agent through the annual report.

Current registered agent shows correctly? Great, continue.

Need to change your registered agent? You must file a separate amendment:

  1. Go to your online dashboard
  2. Find “Amendment Filings” section
  3. Click “File an Amendment for an Existing Business”
  4. Don’t use the “File Registered Agent Address Change” link—it’s misleading

Registered agent reminders:

  • Must have Mississippi address
  • Must be available during business hours
  • Receives important legal and state documents
  • Can be you, an employee, or a professional service

Step 9: Add Members and Managers

Click “Add Party” and enter information for:

  • All LLC members (owners)
  • All LLC managers (if manager-managed)
  • At least one person is required

Information needed for each person:

  • Full legal name
  • Complete address
  • Role (Member, Manager, or both)

Member vs. Manager confusion?

  • Member: Owner of the LLC
  • Manager: Person authorized to run day-to-day operations
  • Member-managed: All owners participate in management
  • Manager-managed: Designated managers handle operations

Single-member LLC? You’re likely both the member and manager.

Step 10: Sign the Report

Select your title from dropdown:

  • Member: If you’re an owner
  • Manager: If you’re designated to manage operations
  • Organizer: If you were the person who originally filed formation documents

Enter your information:

  • Full legal name (as it appears on formation documents)
  • Complete address
  • Click “Next” to continue

Signature authority: Only authorized persons can sign. This typically includes members, managers, or attorneys-in-fact.

Step 11: Review and Submit

Review everything carefully:

  • Business contact information
  • NAICS code selection
  • Member/manager information
  • Your signature details

Look for the confirmation message: “Your Annual Report has no errors and can be submitted”

Click “Next” to proceed

Step 12: Optional Attachments

Most LLCs skip this step. You can attach additional documents if needed, but it’s rarely necessary for routine annual reports.

Click “Next” to continue without attachments

Step 13: Final Submission

You’ll see a confirmation page showing your annual report has been submitted for filing.

What happens next:

  • Immediate processing (no waiting period)
  • Email confirmation within minutes
  • Downloadable report with tracking number
  • Your LLC remains in good standing

Save your confirmation: Print or save the email confirmation for your records.

What Happens After You File

Immediate Results:

  • Your LLC compliance status is updated
  • Good standing maintained with the state
  • Automatic email confirmation sent
  • Report available for download

Annual Cycle Continues:

  • Next year’s report due April 15th
  • State sends email reminders starting in January
  • Same online process each year

Record Keeping:

  • Save confirmation emails each year
  • Keep copies of filed reports
  • Maintain records with other LLC documents

Common Mississippi Annual Report Mistakes

Based on my experience helping clients, here are the errors that cause problems:

1. Missing the April 15th Deadline

Problem: State begins dissolution process

Solution: Set calendar reminders for January, March, and early April

2. Using Outdated Contact Information

Problem: Missing state communications and reminders

Solution: Update contact info whenever you move or change phone/email

3. Wrong NAICS Code Selection

Problem: Usually not a big deal, but can affect statistical reporting

Solution: Spend 5 minutes finding the right code, or use the closest match

4. Forgetting About the Requirement

Problem: Many business owners forget because it’s free and seems optional

Solution: Treat it like any other important business deadline

5. Not Keeping Confirmation Records

Problem: No proof of filing if questions arise

Solution: Save all confirmation emails and download copies

Mississippi Annual Report Timeline and Reminders

January 1st: Filing Opens

  • System becomes available for new year
  • Good time to file early and get it done

January-March: Reminder Emails

  • State sends 1-3 reminder emails
  • Reminders go to email address on file

April 15th: Due Date

  • Must be filed by 11:59 PM
  • No extensions available

Late April-May: Warning Letters

  • State sends notices to delinquent LLCs
  • Still time to avoid dissolution

Summer: Dissolution Process

  • State begins administrative dissolution
  • Much more expensive and complex to reinstate

My recommendation: File in January or February when you’re thinking about taxes and other business obligations. Don’t wait until April.

What If You Miss the Deadline?

Immediate Actions:

  1. File as soon as possible – Even late filing is better than no filing
  2. Check for warning letters – The state usually gives some grace period
  3. Contact the Secretary of State – Explain your situation

If Your LLC Gets Dissolved:

  • Reinstatement is possible but expensive and complex
  • You’ll need to file additional paperwork and pay penalties
  • Consider professional help from an attorney
  • Act quickly – The longer you wait, the more complicated it becomes

Prevention Strategy:

  • Set up automatic calendar reminders
  • File early in the year
  • Keep contact information current
  • Consider using a compliance service if you have multiple entities

Mississippi vs Other States: Annual Report Comparison

What Makes Mississippi Unique:

Advantages:

  • Completely free (most states charge $25-200+)
  • Simple online process (10 minutes)
  • Immediate processing (no waiting weeks)
  • Good email reminder system

Considerations:

  • Online only (no mail backup option)
  • Required operating agreement confirmation
  • Standard April 15th deadline (not anniversary-based)

Compared to Other States:

  • Delaware: $300 annual fee, more complex reporting
  • California: $20 fee, but much higher overall costs
  • Wyoming: $50 fee, but very simple process
  • Nevada: $150 fee, more detailed information required

Bottom line: Mississippi has one of the most business-friendly annual report requirements in the country.

Professional Help vs DIY

Do It Yourself If:

  • Your LLC has simple structure
  • You’re comfortable with online forms
  • You have all required information handy
  • You want to save money

Consider Professional Help If:

  • You have multiple LLCs in different states
  • Complex ownership or management structure
  • You’re frequently traveling or very busy
  • You want compliance management handled automatically

Mississippi-Specific Recommendations:

DIY is usually fine because:

  • The process is straightforward
  • It’s completely free
  • Online system is user-friendly
  • No complex calculations or decisions required

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I formed my LLC late in the year?

Answer: Your first annual report is still due the following April 15th, regardless of when during the previous year you formed.

Can I file early?

Answer: Yes, you can file anytime starting January 1st. I recommend filing early to avoid forgetting.

What happens if I don’t have an EIN yet?

Answer: Get one immediately from the IRS. You need it for the annual report and for proper business operations.

Can I change my registered agent through the annual report?

Answer: No, you must file a separate amendment. Don’t use the annual report for agent changes.

What if I can’t find my Business ID?

Answer: Check your original Certificate of Formation or use the Mississippi business search tool. Don’t guess.

Do I need to file if my LLC is inactive?

Answer: Yes, all Mississippi LLCs must file annual reports regardless of activity level.

My Recommendations for Mississippi LLC Owners

After helping numerous clients maintain their Mississippi LLCs, here’s my honest advice:

Best Practices:

  1. File early – Don’t wait until April
  2. Keep records – Save all confirmations and filed reports
  3. Update contact info – Make sure the state can reach you
  4. Set reminders – Don’t rely only on state email reminders
  5. Review annually – Use this as an opportunity to review your business structure

Mississippi Advantages:

  • Free filing saves you money annually
  • Simple process doesn’t require professional help
  • Good state support with helpful staff and clear instructions
  • Business-friendly approach to LLC maintenance

Long-term Strategy:

  • Stay organized with all LLC compliance requirements
  • Consider annual business reviews to optimize your structure
  • Maintain good standing to preserve liability protection
  • Plan for growth and potential multi-state operations

Contact Information and Resources

Mississippi Secretary of State:

  • Phone: 601-359-1633
  • Contact form: sos.ms.gov/contact-us
  • Online portal: corp.sos.ms.gov

Additional Resources:

  • NAICS code help: 1-888-756-2427 (US Census Bureau)
  • IRS EIN applications: irs.gov
  • Mississippi business search: Business entity lookup

Questions about your specific situation? Drop me a line at [contact email]. I read every message personally and respond within 48 hours.

Looking for more Mississippi LLC guidance?

The Bottom Line on Mississippi Annual Reports

Mississippi makes LLC maintenance about as easy as it gets—free, fast, and straightforward. The only way to mess this up is to forget about it entirely.

Key takeaways:

  • It’s free but absolutely required
  • Takes 10 minutes once you have your information ready
  • Due April 15th every year without exception
  • Online only with immediate processing
  • Missing it can dissolve your LLC and cost thousands to fix

My recommendation: Set a calendar reminder for January 15th every year to file your annual report. Get it done early, save the confirmation, and move on with running your business.

Don’t let a free, 10-minute task put your entire business at risk. Stay compliant, stay protected, and keep your Mississippi LLC in good standing.


Jake Lawson is an LLC Formation Strategist with over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs from 40+ countries navigate U.S. business formation and maintenance. He holds an MBA in Finance from UT Austin and is a Certified Tax Consultant (CTC). His practical approach has helped over 1,200 businesses maintain compliance and good standing across all 50 states.

Need help with LLC compliance? Download my free LLC maintenance checklist to stay on top of all your business obligations across every state.