How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Missouri?

Missouri LLC Online Filing Fee: $50

The main cost to start an LLC in Missouri is the $50 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Missouri Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Missouri

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Missouri, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Missouri.

The cost for registering a Missouri foreign LLC is $105. You can register a foreign LLC in Missouri by filing an Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC-4).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing the LLC Name Reservation Form (Form BE-1) and paying the $25 filing fee.

Fictitious Name

File a Registration of Fictitious Name form and pay the $7 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. This can also be done by mail.

Six Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Missouri

Step 1: Name Your Missouri LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Missouri LLC

When you name your Missouri LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Missouri
2. Meets Missouri naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Missouri guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Missouri.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you 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 today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Missouri must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Missouri registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Missouri
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Missouri Form LLC-1 - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Missouri Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $50 online or $105 by mail. This can also be filed by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Missouri Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

Missouri LLCs are required to create and maintain an operating agreement.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Missouri LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: Keep Your Company Compliant

In ensuring the smooth operation of your Missouri LLC, you must adhere to various compliance standards. This includes securing the right licenses and permits, keeping abreast of tax responsibilities, and meeting the regulations for employment.

• Obtain all necessary business licenses and permits based on the nature of your LLC's activities. Compliance requirements may include federal, state, and local rules.
• Stay current with Missouri LLC tax obligations, potentially involving:
• Sales Tax if you're selling physical products.
• Employer taxes if you're hiring staff.
• Submit your federal income tax return using the appropriate IRS form as per your LLC structure.
• For hiring employees, be sure to:
• Confirm their eligibility to work in the US.
• Report them as “new hires” to the state.
• Provide workers' compensation insurance.
• Withhold employee taxes.
• Display compliance posters in the workplace.

For further details, consult the Missouri Department of Revenue and Missouri's Division of Employment Security. For hiring assistance, our Small Business Hiring Guide may be helpful.