Key Takeaways

  • Missouri LLC formation requires selecting a compliant business name, appointing a registered agent, and filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State.
  • Filing online costs $50 and is faster, while filing by mail costs $105.
  • Missouri does not require annual reports or franchise taxes, making it one of the most affordable states for LLCs.
  • An EIN is mandatory for taxes and hiring employees, and opening a separate business bank account protects liability.
  • An operating agreement, while optional, clarifies ownership rights, duties, and profit distribution.
  • Additional steps include obtaining local business licenses, registering for state taxes if applicable, and maintaining good standing.

Missouri LLC formation requires several important steps, including a proper name for your company and filing the correct formation documents. You will also need to pay certain filing fees before your company will be formally registered.

Basic Steps to Forming a Missouri LLC

One of the biggest benefits of establishing your limited liability company (LLC) in Missouri is that you will not need to file any ongoing paperwork or pay annual fees. That said, there are certain financial responsibilities, such as paying taxes, that your company will still need to fulfill.

When you're starting your company, you will need to include several pieces of information in your formation documents.

  • Your LLC name.
  • The address of your business.
  • The name of the person(s) forming your company and the name of your manager(s).
  • The industry in which your company is involved.
  • A statement of purpose.

Missouri LLC Costs and Ongoing Requirements

Forming an LLC in Missouri is relatively affordable compared to many states. The filing fee for Articles of Organization is $50 if submitted online and $105 if filed by mail. Name reservation requires an additional $25 if you choose to reserve before filing.

Missouri does not impose annual report requirements or franchise taxes on LLCs, which significantly reduces ongoing costs. However, businesses must still meet federal and state tax obligations, including income and employment taxes.

Picking Your Company Name

The first step of Missouri LLC formation is choosing an appropriate name for your LLC and then securing your company name. When choosing your name, you should make sure that it is not similar to another company's name and that you aren't using any words restricted by the state. You can visit the website of the Missouri Secretary of State to make sure that your desired LLC name is not already registered. It's also a good idea to search the U.S. Patent Office's TESS system to guarantee that your name will not violate a registered trademark.

Whatever name you settle on for your business, it should include the words Limited Company or Limited Liability Company. You can also use abbreviations of these words. Once you've found an available LLC name, you should reserve your name by mailing an Application for Reservation of Name. You should be sure to include a $25 filing fee with this application. You should remember that reserving your LLC name is a requirement in Missouri.

Prior to filing your reservation application, you should do some research to see if there is a suitable URL that matches the name for your business. If you find an appropriate URL, you should purchase it as soon as possible. Securing a domain name will allow your customers to easily find your business.

Appoint a Registered Agent

Hiring a Registered Agent is the next step needed to form your LLC. Your Missouri Registered Agent can either be a resident of the state or a business entity allowed to do business in the state and that can be contacted during normal business hours. Your registered agent will receive legal documents mailed to your business, including tax documents and notifications that you are being sued. Your business is legally required to have a registered agent.

File Formation Documents

After you have chosen an LLC name and hired a Registered Agent, you will need to file your company's Articles of Organization. You can download this document from the Secretary of State's website. After you've completed your Articles of Organization, you can mail this form, along with a $105 filing fee, directly to the secretary of state. You can also file online, which only costs $50. Your Articles of Organization should list some basic information about your LLC, including your name, the purpose of your company, and ownership percentages.

Missouri LLC Publication and Compliance

Unlike some states, Missouri does not require you to publish notice of your LLC formation in a local newspaper. However, you must ensure compliance with local business license and permit requirements, depending on your industry and location.

Additionally, LLCs engaging in taxable sales may need to register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. Employers must also register for Missouri employer taxes. Keeping these registrations updated helps maintain your LLC’s good standing.

Obtain an EIN and Open a Bank Account

Your LLC will need to acquire an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a number that the government will use to track the activities of your business. Obtaining an EIN is mandatory, as you will not be able to hire employees or pay your taxes without this number. You can apply for your EIN online with the Internal Revenue Service.

After you've received your EIN, you need to open a business bank account. Having a business bank account will help you to keep your business and personal finances separate, which is crucial if you want to maintain your personal liability protections. You should do your research to make sure you're getting a bank account that meets the needs of your business.

Business Licenses and State Taxes

Beyond your EIN, Missouri may require your LLC to obtain state or municipal business licenses. For example, professional services (like contractors, medical, or legal services) often need special permits.

If your LLC sells goods, you must apply for a Missouri Sales Tax License. Additionally, if you have employees, you’ll need to register for state withholding tax and unemployment insurance. These steps ensure that your LLC complies with all Missouri tax requirement

LLC Operating Agreement

You should also write an operating agreement for your LLC. While you are not legally required to have this document, an operating agreement can make running your business easier and more effective. In your document, you should fully explain the responsibilities of both your company members and managers. You should also describe ownership percentages and how you will distribute profits.

Maintaining Your Missouri LLC

Once your LLC is formed, ongoing maintenance is straightforward in Missouri. To keep your LLC compliant:

  • Keep business finances separate by maintaining a dedicated bank account.
  • File state and federal tax returns as required for your LLC’s tax classification.
  • Renew professional or business licenses annually if your industry requires them.
  • Update your registered agent information if it changes, to avoid losing good standing.

Because Missouri doesn’t require annual reports, staying compliant is easier than in most states, but failing to meet tax or licensing obligations could still result in penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to form an LLC in Missouri?
    Online filing costs $50, while filing by mail costs $105. A name reservation, if chosen, adds $25.
  2. Does Missouri require annual reports for LLCs?
    No, Missouri LLCs are not required to file annual reports, making ongoing compliance more affordable.
  3. Do I need a business license for my Missouri LLC?
    Yes, most LLCs need local business licenses, and certain industries require professional permits.
  4. How long does Missouri LLC formation take?
    Online filings are typically processed immediately, while mail filings may take a few weeks.
  5. Does Missouri have an LLC franchise tax?
    No, Missouri does not levy an annual franchise tax on LLCs, unlike many other states.

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