How to Do a Mississippi Business Entity Search

Conducting a thorough business entity search in Mississippi is an essential first step for entrepreneurs planning to establish a new business in the Magnolia State. Whether you’re looking to reserve a business name, check if your desired company name is available, or research competitors, the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool provides a comprehensive database of all registered businesses in the state.

This guide offers detailed, Mississippi-specific instructions for using the state’s business search system, avoiding common pitfalls, and understanding the results you’ll encounter.

What is the Mississippi Secretary of State Business Services Portal?

The Mississippi Secretary of State’s office maintains the official “Business Services Portal,” which houses the records of all registered business entities in the state. This online database is the authoritative source for verifying the availability of business names, researching existing businesses, and accessing public records of registered entities.

Key Features of the Mississippi Business Entity Search

• Free access: There is no charge to search the database
• Multiple search options: Search by business name, business ID, officer name, or registered agent
• Public information: View entity details, filing history, and business status
• Official documentation: Order certified copies and certificates of good standing

How to Access the Mississippi Business Entity Search Tool

You can access the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool at:

https://corp.sos.ms.gov/corp/portal/c/page/corpBusinessIdSearch/portal.aspx

The search portal is available 24/7 and does not require registration to perform basic searches.

Step-by-Step Guide to Searching for a Business Entity in Mississippi

Step 1: Navigate to the Mississippi Business Entity Search Page

First, visit the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Business Services website and click on the “Business Search” or “Business Entity Search” link. This will take you to the official search portal.

Step 2: Choose Your Search Method

The Mississippi search tool offers several different ways to search for businesses:

• Business Name Search (most common)
• Business ID Search (if you know the entity’s ID number)
• Officer Name Search (to find businesses associated with a particular person)
• Registered Agent Search (to find businesses with a specific registered agent)

For this guide, we’ll focus on the Business Name Search, as it’s the most frequently used option.

Step 3: Enter Your Search Criteria

On the “Business Name Search” tab:

1. Type the business name (or part of the name) you want to search for in the search field.
2. Select one of the following search options:
   • Starting With: Returns results that begin with your search term
   • Any/All Words: Returns results containing any or all words in your search term
   • Exact Match: Returns only results that match your search term exactly
   • Sounds Like: Returns results that sound similar to your search term (helpful for catching misspellings)

Mississippi-Specific Tip: The Mississippi search tool is not case-sensitive, but it does distinguish between singular and plural forms. For example, searching for “Smith Construction” will not return results for “Smith Constructions.”

Step 4: Review the Search Results

After clicking “Search,” you’ll see a list of business entities matching your criteria. The results display:

• Business name
• Business ID
• Entity type (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• Status (Active, Dissolved, etc.)
• Formation date

Mississippi Search Result Insight: The Mississippi system displays both active and inactive businesses in search results. Pay close attention to the “Status” column to determine if a business is currently active.

Step 5: View Detailed Business Information

To see more information about a specific business entity:

1. Click the “Details” button next to the business name
2. This opens a new page with comprehensive information about the selected entity

The details page provides valuable information specific to Mississippi business filings, including:

• Principal office address
• Registered agent name and address
• List of officers/members (if available)
• Filing history
• Business name history
• Business entity status information

Understanding Mississippi Business Entity Statuses

When reviewing search results, you’ll encounter various status designations that are specific to Mississippi:

Active Status Types

• Good Standing: The business is legally registered and has filed all required reports and paid all required fees
• Active: The business is registered but may have pending requirements
• Qualified: For foreign entities authorized to do business in Mississippi

Inactive Status Types

• Dissolved: The business has been formally closed
• Administratively Dissolved: The business was dissolved by the Secretary of State for non-compliance (often for failing to file annual reports)
• Revoked: The business’s authority to operate in Mississippi has been revoked
• Withdrawn: A foreign entity that has withdrawn from doing business in Mississippi

Mississippi-Specific Note: In Mississippi, a business that has been administratively dissolved can be reinstated within five years by filing an application for reinstatement and paying all past-due fees and reports.

Using the Mississippi Business Entity Search for Name Availability

One of the most common reasons to use the business entity search is to check if your desired business name is available for registration. In Mississippi, business names must be distinguishable from existing registered entities.

Mississippi Name Availability Rules

When checking name availability in Mississippi, remember these state-specific requirements:

1. Your business name must be distinguishable from other registered entities
2. Limited Liability Company names must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
3. Corporation names must include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Limited,” or an abbreviation
4. Names cannot imply a business purpose that would require a license if the owners don’t have that license
5. Names cannot contain words that imply the business is a financial institution (like “Bank” or “Credit Union”) without proper authorization

Unique Mississippi Rule: Mississippi allows you to reserve a business name for 180 days by filing a Name Reservation form and paying a $25 fee to the Secretary of State. This is particularly useful if you’ve found an available name but aren’t quite ready to form your business.

Sample Mississippi Business Entity Search Walkthrough

Let’s walk through a sample search to demonstrate how the Mississippi system works:

1. Search Term: “Magnolia Builders”
2. Search Option: Select “Starting With”
3. Results: The system might display:
   • Magnolia Builders, LLC (Active)
   • Magnolia Builders Supply, Inc. (Dissolved)
   • Magnolia Builders and Contractors LLC (Active)
4. Detailed Review: Clicking on “Magnolia Builders, LLC” would show:
   • Business ID: 1234567
   • Formation Date: January 15, 2018
   • Registered Agent: John Smith
   • Registered Agent Address: 123 Main Street, Jackson, MS 39201
   • Principal Address: 456 Oak Avenue, Jackson, MS 39202
   • Officers/Members: Jane Doe (Member)
   • Annual Report Status: Current (Last filed March 10, 2025)

This example illustrates how Mississippi’s system displays both active and inactive businesses with similar names and provides detailed information on each entity.

What to Do If Your Desired Mississippi Business Name Is Taken

If your preferred business name is already in use by another Mississippi entity, you have several options:

1. Modify the name: Add words or change existing words to make it distinguishable
2. Use a different business identifier: If “Magnolia Builders LLC” is taken, consider “Magnolia Builders Inc.” or “Magnolia Construction LLC”
3. Check if the existing business is active: If the business is dissolved or administratively dissolved, you may be able to use a similar name (though this can create confusion)
4. Use a DBA (Doing Business As): Register under a different legal name but operate under your preferred trade name by filing a DBA in Mississippi

Mississippi DBA Filing Information: In Mississippi, filing a DBA (also called a “fictitious business name”) costs $25 and can be done through the Secretary of State’s office.

How to Reserve a Business Name in Mississippi

If you find your desired name is available but you’re not ready to form your business, Mississippi allows you to reserve the name for future use:

1. Create a Registered Filer account on the Secretary of State’s website
2. Complete the Name Reservation form
3. Pay the $25 reservation fee
4. Your name will be reserved for 180 days
5. If needed, you can renew for an additional 180 days for another $25 fee

After Your Mississippi Business Entity Search: Next Steps

Once you’ve completed your business entity search and confirmed your name is available (or reserved it), here are the next steps to form your business in Mississippi:

For a Mississippi LLC:

1. Prepare and file a Certificate of Formation with the Mississippi Secretary of State
   • Filing Fee: $50 (plus a $4 credit card processing fee if filing online)
   • Processing Time: Typically 1-2 business days for online filings
2. Designate a Registered Agent who maintains a physical address in Mississippi
   • Can be a member of the LLC or a professional registered agent service
   • Must be available during regular business hours
3. Create an Operating Agreement (not required by Mississippi law but highly recommended)
   • Outlines ownership, management structure, and operating procedures
4. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS
   • Free through the IRS website
   • Required for hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, and certain tax filings
5. File Annual Reports with the Mississippi Secretary of State
   • Due by April 15th each year
   • No filing fee for domestic LLCs (a unique benefit of Mississippi!)

For a Mississippi Corporation:

1. File Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State
   • Filing Fee: $50 (plus processing fees)
2. Appoint a Board of Directors
3. Create Corporate Bylaws
4. Issue Stock to Shareholders
5. File Annual Reports by April 15th each year

Mississippi Business Entity Search: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I search for Mississippi businesses by owner name?

Yes, the Mississippi Business Entity Search allows you to search by officer name. Select the “Officer Name” tab on the search page and enter the individual’s name.

What does “administratively dissolved” mean in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, administrative dissolution occurs when a business fails to file its annual report by the deadline (April 15th each year). The Secretary of State may administratively dissolve the entity, though it can be reinstated within five years by filing the appropriate paperwork and paying any outstanding fees.

How long does a business name reservation last in Mississippi?

Mississippi business name reservations last for 180 days and can be renewed for an additional 180 days if needed. The fee for each reservation period is $25.

Does Mississippi show owner names in business entity searches?

Yes, for many business entities, the Mississippi Secretary of State database does display officer and member information. However, the level of detail varies by entity type and when the business was formed.

Can I register my business online in Mississippi?

Yes, Mississippi allows online business formation through the Secretary of State’s Business Services Portal. You’ll need to create a Registered Filer account first, then you can file formation documents electronically.

What are the filing fees for business registration in Mississippi?

• Certificate of Formation (LLC): $50
• Articles of Incorporation (Corporation): $50
• Name Reservation: $25
• Annual Report: $0 for domestic LLCs and corporations (one of Mississippi’s business-friendly advantages)
• Certificate of Good Standing: $25

Can I get a Certificate of Good Standing through the business search portal?

Yes, you can order a Certificate of Good Standing directly through the Mississippi Business Services Portal. The fee is $25, and you can typically receive it electronically within 1-2 business days.

Conclusion

The Mississippi Secretary of State’s Business Entity Search tool is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs, business owners, and researchers looking to verify business information in the state. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently search for existing businesses, check name availability, and take the next steps toward establishing your own business entity in Mississippi.

Remember that business formation involves legal and tax considerations, so consulting with a qualified attorney or accountant familiar with Mississippi business law is always recommended before finalizing your business structure.

About the Author: This comprehensive guide to Mississippi business entity searches was created by BusinessAnywhere.io, your trusted source for state-specific business formation guidance. For more information on starting and running a business in the United States, visit our Business Registration services.

Related Articles:

• Should I Register an LLC for My Airbnb Business?
• Can an LLC Owner Collect Unemployment?
• Tax Benefits of an LLC for Rental Property
• Registered Agent Services