How to Start an LLC in Missouri

With a $50 filing fee and no annual reporting requirements, Missouri is one of the most affordable states to start a limited liability company. You can file all the necessary paperwork online or launch your Missouri LLC through LegalZoom for no extra cost (and in even less time).  

How to form a Missouri LLC in steps

The Missouri Secretary of State (SOS) oversees business formation and will be the main agency you work with throughout this guide. If you plan on filing online—the recommended and most affordable option—you can start by creating an account with the SOS online business registration portal. Then, you can follow these steps. 

1. Choose your business name

Aside from choosing a suitable name that reflects your business and appeals to customers, you must ensure that it complies with Missouri’s LLC naming requirements (MO Rev. Stat. § 347.020). Here are the takeaways: 

• Pick a distinguishable name that hasn’t already been registered or reserved in Missouri. 
• Include an LLC designation in the name, whether that’s “limited company,” “limited liability company,” or the abbreviations “LC,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” 
• Don’t use other entity designations, such as “corporation,” “limited partnership,” or any abbreviation that suggests your business isn’t an LLC. 

Missouri has a business search tool that allows you to review existing entity names registered in the state. Search for exact matches and similar variations of your proposed name. For example, “Missouri Bakery” and “Missouri Bakeries” might be technically distinguishable, but the similarity could create confusion and even competition. 

If you find a compliant business name but aren’t ready to register your LLC, you can submit a name reservation request, pay a $25 fee, and hold it for up to 60 days. Otherwise, your name will automatically be reserved once the SOS accepts your articles of organization. 

2. Appoint a registered agent

Every Missouri LLC must appoint and maintain a registered agent to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. This ensures your business has a reliable point of contact, and failing to maintain a registered agent could result in serious consequences for your LLC. Your registered agent must also meet the following criteria (MO Rev. Stat. § 347.030).

• Residency: An individual resident of Missouri OR a business entity authorized to do business in Missouri
• Physical address: Must have a street address in Missouri that’s identical to the LLC’s registered office (P.O. boxes are not allowed)
• Availability: Must be available during normal business hours to receive official documents 

Still, you can serve as your own registered agent or appoint someone else, such as a friend or employee, as long as they meet the above requirements. While this might save you an annual recurring fee, you still might want to hire a professional registered agent service to maintain privacy, as the agent’s address becomes public record. 

3. File articles of organization

Next, you’ll use the information from the previous steps to fill out your articles of organization, the document that formally registers your LLC in Missouri. If you’re filing your articles of organization online, simply log into your account, navigate to “Business Filings,” select “LLC Filings,” then “Create LLC” to begin the registration process. 

While mail-in filing is available, keep in mind that processing times may be longer and costs $105 (compared to $50 for online filing). Either way, you’ll need the following information to complete and file the articles: 

• LLC name and purpose. List your chosen business name and briefly describe what the LLC will do.
• Duration. Specify the events, if any, on which the LLC is to dissolve or the number of years the LLC is to continue. It may be perpetual. 
• Registered agent information. Provide your agent’s name and address.
• Management structure. Choose whether the business will be managed by LLC members or managers.
• Organizers’ information. Include the names and addresses of all individuals forming the LLC. 
• Series LLC (optional). Attach Form LLC-1A if establishing a series LLC.
• Principal office address. List the primary business location where you maintain company records.
• Effective date. Specify when you want the LLC to become active (up to 90 days after filing, otherwise effective immediately upon filing). 

Lastly, you and any organizers will sign the articles and pay the filing fee.  

4. Create an operating agreement

All LLCs in Missouri must create an operating agreement, which is an internal document that establishes the ownership structure, rules, and procedures that govern how the business operates. 

Your operating agreement should address all points required by Missouri law (MO Rev. Stat. § 347.081), such as: 

• How the LLC is structured, including member roles, rights, and responsibilities 
• Distribution of profits and losses, member contributions, and tax treatment
• Voting procedures and requirements for major business decisions
• Procedures for adding or removing members and transferring ownership 

You aren’t required to file the LLC operating agreement with the SOS, but you should keep it for your records and provide a copy to all members. If you’d like some help drafting one, LegalZoom can create an operating agreement for your new MO LLC and send you a copy to sign. 

5. Obtain an EIN and open a business bank account

After establishing your LLC, you can apply for an employer identification number (EIN), also known as a federal tax ID. You can complete an online application through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for no cost, or you can use a service like LegalZoom to get your EIN

Many LLCs need an EIN to file taxes and hire employees, and it can also protect your personal information since you won’t need to use your Social Security number for business matters. Once you have an EIN, you can begin to look for business bank accounts for your MO LLC. 

Keep in mind that some banks may also ask for a copy of your operating agreement, articles of organization, or similar documents as part of the application process. 

6. Register for state taxes and business licenses

Unless you elect to tax your LLC as a corporation, it’s considered a pass-through entity by default. This means individual members report profits and losses on their state and federal tax returns rather than the LLC itself. 

If your business will sell taxable goods or services, hire employees, or meet certain other criteria, you’ll need to register with MyTax Missouri. Common MO tax registrations include the following: 

• Sales and use tax (Missouri’s base rate is 4.225%, though local jurisdictions may add additional taxes)  
• Unemployment insurance tax
• Employer tax withholding

In addition, you may need to register for business licenses and permits, but Missouri doesn’t require a general state business license. Still, be sure to review the Division of Professional Registration’s list of professions or contact your local government authorities to determine which registrations you’ll need. 

As another option, we’ll look into all the requirements for your business and identify the necessary licenses and permits you need to operate. 

What to do after forming your Missouri LLC

After you start your Missouri LLC, you might need to handle a few other tasks to get up and running or support future growth. Here’s what you should consider next: 

Register a domain name

If you ever plan on creating a website or want a professional email address, you should purchase a domain name shortly after registering your business. Simply search for domain registrars (e.g., Google Domains or Namecheap) and try to find a match for your business name. 

If you can’t find a good option, you can try slight variations of your name or use different domain extensions. When you find a suitable URL, you can complete the purchase, set up a website, and create a Google Business Profile to register your site with Maps and Search. 

Maintain compliance

Missouri doesn’t require LLCs to file annual reports or pay fees to maintain good standing. However, your LLC must still meet other ongoing business compliance requirements to operate legally in the state. 

In general, you want to keep your business and registered agent information up to date with the SOS and maintain accurate records, including any changes to your operating agreement or membership structure. 

Your business also needs to stay current with all state and local tax obligations, including sales tax payments and employer-related taxes (if applicable). Likewise, if your LLC has employees, you must have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. If you have any questions about maintaining compliance, it’s best to consult a business attorney for advice.

Obtain a certificate of good standing

A certificate of good standing verifies that your LLC is properly registered with the Missouri SOS. While not required for regular operations, you may need this document when applying for business loans, opening bank accounts, or moving your LLC to a different state. 

You can request a certificate of good standing through the MO SOS’ website for a $10 fee. Simply log into your account, locate your LLC, select “Copies/Certificates,” and choose “Certificate of Good Standing.” 

Alternatively, you can contact the Corporations Division directly to request a paper certificate. 

Consider a foreign LLC

If you ever conduct business outside of Missouri, you’ll typically need to register as a foreign LLC in the locations where you operate. In general, you’ll need to provide a certificate of good standing from Missouri and maintain a registered agent in each new state where you register. Still, you should research each state’s specific requirements and fees before expanding, as the process varies by location.

The cost of forming an LLC in Missouri

At the very minimum, you’ll pay $50 to register your LLC with the Missouri SOS. Here’s an overview of the common fees and charges: 

• Articles of organization filing fee: $50 (online) or $105 (paper)
• Business name reservation (optional): $25
• Registered agent services: $0 if you serve as your own agent, up to $300 annually for professional services 
• Certified copies: $10 (plus 50 cents per page if requesting paper copies)
• Certificate of good standing: $10
• LLC amendments: $25 
• Fictitious name (DBA) reservation: $7

Still, your actual expenses may vary based on your location in Missouri, business needs, and whether you need legal assistance. 

Special considerations for Missouri LLCs

Missouri has several advantages and unique requirements compared to other U.S. states. As a special benefit for military members, active duty military personnel are exempt from all filing fees when creating new business entities in Missouri. The state also doesn’t require new LLCs to publish notice of their formation or charge a franchise tax. 

However, if you plan to hire employees, you must comply with specific insurance requirements, including workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance coverage, as previously discussed. 

For additional support in starting or growing your business, you might reach out to your nearest Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC), as they offer free services and resources to small business owners throughout the state. 

How to start your Missouri LLC with LegalZoom

We’ve explored the complete process to start an LLC in Missouri, but if you’d rather focus more on building your business rather than all the paperwork, you can partner with LegalZoom for as low as $50 to cover the MO filing fee. Here’s how it works:

• Answer a few questions about your business.
• We’ll prepare and file your articles of organization with the MO SOS.
• Receive your completed LLC formation documents.

Once you’re up and running, we can also help you stay compliant with additional services, whether that’s preparing your operating agreement, looking into local permits, or connecting you with a business attorney. 

FAQs

What are the benefits of an LLC in Missouri? 

Compared to corporations, limited liability companies have fewer registration and reporting requirements in Missouri. Missouri LLC owners also benefit from low filing costs—among the most affordable in the nation—and no annual maintenance requirements, not to mention pass-through taxation, personal liability protection, and flexible tax and management options. 

How long does it take for a Missouri LLC to be approved?

LLC filings are processed in the order they are received. Online applications are typically processed shortly (sometimes within 24 hours), while mail-in applications take longer, sometimes two to three weeks. 

How do I correct filing errors in MO?

If the SOS notices errors in your filing, they should contact you directly with instructions for correction. You can then submit the necessary changes through your online account or by mail. You may need to pay a correction fee, but you should confirm with the SOS.

How do I dissolve a Missouri LLC? 

You can dissolve a Missouri limited liability company by filing Form LLC-5 (Articles of Termination for Limited Liability Company) or log into your account online. Before you submit the form, you should ensure that you’ve met all tax obligations and have no outstanding issues that may prevent you from dissolving the LLC.

Rudri Bhatt Patel contributed to this article.