How to Start an LLC in Missouri (2025 Guide)
To start an LLC in Missouri, you’ll need to pick a suitable business name, choose a registered agent, and file your Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. The cost to form an LLC in Missouri is $50.
You can do this independently, consult with a business attorney for specialized legal guidance, or join the other 65% of our readers and hire a specialized Missouri LLC formation service (recommended).
How to Form an LLC in Missouri in 5 Steps
In order to form your LLC in Missouri, there are certain steps you’ll need to complete:
- Name Your Missouri LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent
- File the Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
Step 1: Name Your Missouri LLC
The first step towards starting your Missouri LLC is choosing a name.
Your business name should be both easily searchable and memorable, as well as comply with state naming requirements.
1. Important Naming Guidelines for Missouri LLCs:
- Your name must include the words “limited company” or “limited liability company.” Keep in mind that these can be abbreviated (e.g., LC, LLC, etc.).
- Your name cannot contain the words “corporation,” “incorporated,” “limited partnership,” “limited liability partnership,” “limited liability limited partnership,” “Ltd.,” or any abbreviations of those words.
- Your name cannot contain any language that implies that your LLC was formed for any reason not outlined in its formation documents.
- Your name cannot include language that implies or suggests that your LLC is affiliated with a state or federal agency. Examples of such language include “FBI,” “Department,” and “State.”
- Your name must be sufficiently distinguishable (i.e., unique) from all existing business names registered with the Missouri Secretary of State.
For more information, have a look at Missouri’s official naming guidelines for LLCs.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Missouri
To check whether your desired name has already been taken by any other Missouri business entities, you can perform a Business Entity Search on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 60 days. You can apply to reserve your business name online, with a $25 filing fee.
For more information, you can have a look at our Missouri LLC Name Search guide.
3. Conduct a Domain Name Search
Finally, check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to create a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
FAQ: Naming a Missouri LLC
LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing personal liability protection for your assets. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?
Most LLCs do not need a fictitious name or DBA. The name of the LLC can serve as your company’s brand name and you can accept checks and other payments under that name as well. However, you may wish to register a DBA if you would like to conduct business under another name.
To learn more about DBAs in your state, read our How to File a DBA in Missouri guide.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Missouri
After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Missouri registered agent. All Missouri LLCs are required to appoint a registered agent.
What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.
Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Missouri or a business that is authorized to operate in the state with a physical street address in the state (a P.O. box cannot be used). You can choose to act as your own registered agent, work with a business attorney, or use a registered agent service.
Get Free Registered Agent Services
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Yes, as long as you are a resident of Missouri. If you’re planning to go down this route, keep in mind:
- Your registered agent’s address needs to be a physical address (cannot be a P.O. box)
- Your registered agent’s address will become publicly available
Read more about being your own resident agent.
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
Step 3: File the Missouri LLC Articles of Organization
To register your Missouri limited liability company (LLC), you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can do this online or via mail.
Before filing, make sure you have the information needed to complete your Articles of Organization correctly. To file, you will need:
- The name of your LLC
- The purpose for which your LLC is being organized
- The name and address of your LLC’s registered agent
- The management structure of your LLC
- The duration of your LLC (can be a fixed number of years, perpetual, etc.).
- The names and addresses of all LLC organizers
- The LLC’s principal office address (optional)
- The LLC’s effective date of filing (can be up to 90 days after submitting your formation documents)
File the Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With the Secretary of State
– OR –
OPTION 2: File by Mail
Download FormFiling Fee: $50 online, or $105 by mail, payable to the Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)
Mailing Address:
Corporations Division
P.O. Box 778
600 W. Main St, Rm. 322
Jefferson City, MO 65102
For help with completing the form, visit our Missouri Articles of Organization guide.
If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Missouri, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).
FAQ: Filing Missouri LLC Documents
According to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, the average processing time for an LLC’s Articles of Organization is between three and five business days for online filings and between five and seven business days for filings carried out via mail.
An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign limited liability company must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
The cost to start a Missouri LLC is $50 online or $105 by mail.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a Missouri LLC.
Step 4: Create a Missouri LLC Operating Agreement
In Missouri, LLCs are required to have an operating agreement.
An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:
FAQ: Creating a Missouri LLC Operating Agreement
No, you are not required to file your LLC operating agreement with the state of Missouri. However, your LLC is required to maintain an updated operating agreement to maintain good standing.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Missouri LLC
You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. You can think of an EIN as essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:
- To open a business bank account for the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
- To hire employees for the company
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
– OR –
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.
All LLCs with employees, or those with multiple LLC members, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Best LLC Services in Missouri Compared
| Service | Total Cost* | Filing | Registered Agent | EIN | Operating Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northwest
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25% TRUiC Discount
|
$129 | $29 | Free 1st Year $125/yr after | $50 | Free |
|
Tailor Brands
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$377 | $0 | $199/yr | $99 | $29 |
|
ZenBusiness
|
$347 | $0 | $99 1st Year $199/yr after | $99 | $99 |
|
LegalZoom
|
$477 | $0 | $249/yr | $79 | $99 |
For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.
Important Next Steps to Protect Your Missouri LLC
After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:
- Separate your personal and business assets
- Stay compliant with state and federal laws
Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
You can protect your business with these two steps:
1. Opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
- Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.
Get Insurance
Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Missouri, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.
What This Means:
Without insurance: If someone sues your bakery for $40,000, they could take your commercial mixer and empty your business account ($25,000 total), but won’t be able to touch your house or personal savings.
With insurance: Your business liability policy could cover the $40,000 claim, meaning that both your personal and business assets would remain untouched.
That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.
Want to learn exactly what coverage your Missouri business may need? Read our full Missouri Business Insurance Guide.
Obtain Business Licenses If Needed
While the state of Missouri doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.
- State-Level Licenses: Use the Missouri Department of Professional Registration to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
- Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
- Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.
For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Missouri Business License Guide.
If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.
Pay Missouri LLC Taxes
Your Missouri LLC will have several key tax obligations:
Federal LLC Tax Requirements
As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.
Income Taxes
There are two main income taxes imposed at a state level in Missouri that owners of LLCs based in this state need to be aware of, including:
- Individual Income Tax: For Missouri LLCs with a default tax structure, its members will be required to pay this tax on the salaries they receive from the companies profits at a rate that varies between 2% and 4.95%. Use Form MO-1040 to file this return.
- Corporate Income Tax: If your LLC has elected to be treated as a corporation for tax purposes, it will be subject to corporate income tax at a flat rate of 4%. LLCs taxed as C Corps may use Form MO-1120 to file this return. S Corps must use Form MO-1120S.
You can also file Missouri income tax returns online using the Missouri Department of Revenue’s MyTax Missouri system.
Sales and Use Taxes
If you are selling a physical product, you will need to register for a seller’s permit through the Missouri Department of Revenue website.
This certificate allows a business to collect sales tax on taxable sales.
Sales tax, also called “Sales and Use Tax,” is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions involving the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.
Read our sales tax guide to find out more.
Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Missouri, you will need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Missouri Department of Labor. You will also need to sign up for Employer Withholding Tax through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Local Taxes
Some Missouri cities and counties have their own tax requirements that may affect your LLC. These may include additional sales taxes, property taxes, and more.
You can find more information on local taxes imposed on LLCs on the State of Missouri State Tax Commission website.
Most Missouri LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Missouri LLC Tax Guide.
Need personalized help? Schedule a free consultation with 1-800Accountant to get expert guidance from CPAs who specialize in small business taxes.