How to Start an LLC in Missouri
Here are the 6 steps to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Missouri
For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, see the article How to Form an LLC.
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Learn about Missouri LLC formation, including information on Registered Agents, naming rules, business licenses, and more.
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Creating an LLC in Missouri
A limited liability company (LLC) offers many benefits to small businesses, including liability protection and tax advantages.
An Limited Liability Company LLC must be formed in Missouri by filing the Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State of State and paying the $50 filing fee online.
However, you’ll first need to choose a name and registered agent for your MissouriLLC .
Mail filings: Approval of mail filings for Missouri LLCs takes 4-6 weeks in total. This includes the processing time of 2-4 weeks as well as the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: Missouri LLC online filings are approved immediately. There is no additional transit time because you can download your documents as soon as they are approved.
An LLC can be easily formed in Missouri. Our step-by-step guide on How to Start an LLC in Missouri will help you get started today. Find out more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide.
Step 1. Choose a Name for Your LLC Missouri
Creating an LLC in Missouri requires you to choose a business name before you can file a Articles of Organization. Be sure that your business name complies with the Missouri naming requirements and can be searched by potential customers.
- Missouri law requires an LLC name to contain the words “Limited Liability Company” or “Limited Company,” or the abbreviations “Ltd.,” “LLC,” or “LC.” “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.” or “LTD,” and “Company” as “Co.”
- It is not acceptable for your Missouri LLC to have words associated with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- You should avoid using words or abbreviations that may make your LLC Missouri appear to be a different type of entity, such as “LP” or “corporation”.
- There may be additional documentation and licensure paperwork required for certain restricted words (bank, lawyer, attorney, credit union, etc.).
- Check the state’s business name database to ensure the name you want is not already taken(including businesses no longer in operation)
See a complete list of Missouri naming rules here.
Check URL availability: You are likely to need a web page even if you don’t think you do. Buying your domain name now will at least give you the option of having one in the future. It’s a good idea to check the URL availability before finalizing your Missouri LLC name.
All sole proprietorships, general partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs), limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and out-of-state companies that conduct business in Missouri under a name other than their legal name are required to file a DBA.
Yes, By filing an Application for Reservation of Name (BE 1) with the Missouri Secretary of State online or by mail, you can reserve a name for 60 days (and renew for two additional 60-day periods). The cost of filing is $25.
An LLC stands for a Limited Liability Company. A simple business structure that is more flexible and offers many of the same benefits as a traditional corporation. For more information, see “What is a Limited Liability Company?”.
Step 2: Appoint Your Registered Agent in Missouri
Your next step in forming an LLC in Missouri is to appoint a Registered Agent, an individual or company authorized to receive legal and state mail on your behalf.
All Missouri LLCs must have a registered agent. Please include your registered agent’s name and address on your Articles of Organization.
Registered Agent Requirements in Missouri
To comply with Missouri law, your LLC’s registered agent must be a resident or business entity that maintains a physical address in Missouri. The “registered address” cannot be a P.O. box. It must be a real physical address that can be visited in person.
- Registered agent services must be provided by entities (or companies).
- The agent must have a Missouri address.
- During regular business hours, the agent must be on-site and available to accept documents.
Although you do not have to submit this form to the Secretary of State, your business must record it. Learn more about Missouri Registered Agents by reading our full guide.
A Registered Agent must be a Missouri resident or a corporation authorized to conduct business in Missouri, such as a registered agent service. You have the option of electing someone from your company, including yourself.
It’s a simple process to change your LLC’s registered agent, but it’s critical to do it correctly to avoid compliance issues. A registered agent is someone or a company that receives and sends legal documents on behalf of your LLC. After you have formed your LLC, you can change your registered agent.
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Wise Business Plans offers a free year of registered agent service when forming an LLC in Missouri.
Step 3.Prepare and File Articles of Organization
To create a Missouri LLC, you will need to file Form LLC-1 – Articles of Organization with the Missouri Division of Corporations. You may apply online, by mail, or in person.
If you choose one of our business formation plans, we can handle this step for you.
The following information is typically required to create a Articles of Organization:
- Your LLC name and principal place of business.
- Name, address, and signature of the LLC’s registered agent
- Decide whether your Missouri LLC will be member-managed or manager-managed. Indicate the names and addresses of each member and manager.
- The reason for forming the LLC in Missouri.
- Name and address of the LLC’s organizer.
- The effective date of the certificate,
- The person forming the LLC must sign the Certificate.
Foreign LLCs: You must file a Missouri Application for Certificate of Authority with the Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division, to register a foreign corporation in Missouri. This document can be submitted online, by mail, fax, or in person.
The fee is $105 plus a convenience fee.
Two Ways to File the Articles of Organization
The 1st option is:
Online filing through the Missouri Department of State
The 2nd option is:
Filing the Articles of Organization by Mail
Address to Mail
$50 Online, or $105 By Mail, Payable to the Secretary of State (Nonrefundable)
Corporations Unit
James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center
P.O. Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
In a member-managed LLC, the members (owners) take on the business’s daily responsibilities. Manager-managed LLCs are managed by managers who are elected by the members. Those who manage your LLC will have the authority to do a wide range of tasks-from hiring staff to opening bank accounts.
When an LLC conducts business in the state where it was formed, it is referred to as a “domestic LLC.” Normally, when we talk about an LLC, we’re talking about a domestic one. When an existing LLC wants to expand its operations to another state, it must form a foreign LLC.
Step 4. Get a Certificate From the State
Upon filing your Articles of Organization, the secretary of state will review it. As soon as the Articles of Organization is approved, the LLC becomes a legal entity.
By obtaining this certificate, LLCs will be able to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), licenses, and business accounts.
Step 5. Write an Missouri LLC Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legally-binding document that sets out how your LLC will operate, from the voting process to mergers.
Written operating agreements are helpful for different reasons, including resolving disputes over financial agreements and other potential litigation.
The LLC declaration can prove that your LLC is a separate entity, which can help preserve your limited liability.
An operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the possibility of future conflict.
How should an operating agreement be drafted?
The operating agreement should detail the LLC’s overall business purpose and other important matters, such as how the company will be taxed and how new members will be accepted. Legal agreements can clarify several important concerns, such as:
- Who makes decisions for the company, especially those who decide if partners disagree.
- Who is responsible for different aspects of the business as well as for strategic decisions.
- If a partner leaves the company, what will happen to their ownership interests in the corporation.
- The members and their contributions
- How profits and losses will be divided
- Procedures for admitting new members and removing outgoing members
In Missouri, you can include just about anything in your operating agreement, as long as it doesn’t violate the state law or the Articles of Organization.
Unlike the articles of incorporation, an operating agreement is not usually necessary to incorporate an SMLLC and is not filed with the state. An operating agreement, on the other hand, is optional—though highly encouraged. If you decide to have one, you’ll keep it on file at your company’s official address.
Missouri law mandates that all limited liability companies have an operating agreement in addition to their articles of incorporation.
Step 6. Get an EIN for Your Missouri LLC
Basically, an employer identification number (EIN) is a social security number for your LLC in Missouri.
To identify your LLC for tax purposes, the Internal Revenue Service assigns a nine-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN). You can apply for your EIN either by mail or online.
An EIN is used for the following purposes:
- Manage state and federal taxes
- Create a business bank account
- Hire employees
Get an EIN Number in Missouri
Getting an EIN number is easy and free, There are two ways to get an EIN number in Missouri.
The 1st option is:
Apply online for an EIN from the IRS
The 2nd option is:
Get an EIN by Mail or Fax
Address to Mail
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
In addition to a federal tax ID number, your LLC may require a Missouri state-level tax ID number.
A tax classification will be discussed with you when you obtain an EIN. In most cases, LLCs choose the default status.
Some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by electing S corporation status. Consult with a local accountant to find out which option is best for you.
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What to do After Forming Your Missouri LLC
Keep your personal and business assets separate
Your personal assets (such as your home, car, and other valuables) may be at risk when your Missouri LLC is sued if they are mixed with your business accounts.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your LLC in Missouri:
1. Create a Business Plan:
If you have decided that a Missouri LLC will be a good choice for your business in Missouri, your next step is to create a business plan (although it is not required), so that you have a roadmap for what you will do and how you will accomplish it.
Free: Business Plans Examples
Do you need help creating a business plan? Check out these six free, proven business plan examples from different industries to help you write your own.
2. Open a Bank Account
As soon as your LLC is officially formed, you should open a business bank account. Why? Keeping separate bank accounts will help you maintain the legal distinction between the LLC and you (the owner).
Because LLCs are limited liability companies, creditors and litigants can’t take your assets.
It is essential for small business owners to partner with the right bank. Find out which banks offer the best business checking accounts, have low or no fees, ATM accessibility, and interest-earning accounts as well as online or mobile banking tools.
Recommended: Check out our business bank account page to learn which banks offer the best business check accounts, ATM access, interest-bearing accounts, and online and mobile banking options for businesses.
3. Obtaining a business credit card:
- Allows you to separate personal and business expenses.
- Develops your company’s credit history, which can be helpful to raise capital (e.g., small business loans) later.
4. Hiring a business accountant:
- It prevents your business from overpaying taxes while preventing penalties, fines, and other costly tax mistakes.
- Gives you more time to focus on your growing business by simplifying bookkeeping and payroll.
- Manage your business’s funding more effectively. Find out where extra profit or loss can be made
Getting Business Insurance for Your LLC
You can manage risks and grow your LLC with business insurance. Here are the most common types:
- General liability insurance protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses purchase general liability coverage.
- Professional liability insurance protects professionals and businesses from claims of negligence from their clients or customers. Liability insurance typically covers negligence, copyright infringement, personal injury, and more.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: Covers illnesses, injuries, and deaths resulting from a worker’s work.
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Let us help you with your business insurance needs.
- General business liability insurance
- Medical insurance
- Term life insurance
- Workers’ Comp
- Surety bonds
- Commercial auto
Missouri LLC FAQs
The Missouri Secretary of State charges $50 for online filings and $105 for paper filings for Articles of Organization. An additional $1.25 is required of online filers. For $7, you can reserve the name of your LLC with the Missouri Secretary of State.
Mail filings: Approval of mail filings for Missouri LLCs takes 4-6 weeks in total. This includes the processing time of 2-4 weeks as well as the time your documents are in the mail.
Online filings: Missouri LLC online filings are approved immediately. There is no additional transit time because you can download your documents as soon as they are approved.
To dissolve your LLC in Missouri, you must first fill out (and mail, fax, or in person) either a Notice of Abandonment of Merger or Consolidation of Limited Liability Company (Form LLC-2) or a Notice of Winding Up (LLC-13) form, which discloses that a dissolution is in the works.
You should submit a completed Amendment of Articles of Organization form to the Secretary of State if you want to change the name of your Missouri LLC. You have the option of filing by fax, mail, or in person. You’ll also need to add $25 to cover the filing fee.
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