Quick answer

Quick Answer

To start a Missouri LLC, you must file Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State and pay a $50 filing fee (if filing online). You are required by law to appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Missouri. Unlike most states, Missouri LLCs are not required to file an annual report, meaning there is no ongoing maintenance fee ($0) to the Secretary of State. Pass-through LLC profits are subject to a graduated personal income tax with a top rate of 4.95%.

Missouri LLC filing fee

The state filing fee for your Articles of Organization is $50 if you file online, but $105 if you file by paper mail. Filing online through the Missouri Secretary of State's portal is cheaper, faster, and highly recommended. Online filings are typically processed within 1 to 3 business days.

Step 1: Choose a name

Your LLC's name must be completely unique and distinguishable from other business entities registered in Missouri. It must also contain an appropriate LLC designator, such as "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.C." You can verify name availability by using the business entity search tool on the Secretary of State's website.

Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

Every Missouri LLC must have a registered agent. This is an individual or authorized business entity responsible for receiving service of process, lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of the LLC. The agent must have a physical street address in Missouri (P.O. Boxes are not accepted) and must be available during normal business hours.

Step 3: File formation documents

Your business is officially created when you file the Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. You must provide your LLC's name, its purpose, its principal office address, and the name and address of your registered agent. You can file this online for $50.

Step 4: Create an operating agreement

Missouri law does not require you to file an operating agreement. However, drafting one is an essential step for your business. It serves as the governing document for your LLC, establishing ownership percentages, voting procedures, and profit distribution rules. Furthermore, almost all banks will require a copy of your operating agreement to open a business bank account.

Step 5: Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free 9-digit tax ID assigned by the IRS. It functions like a social security number for your business entity. You need an EIN to hire employees, file federal taxes, and open a business checking account. You can apply for one online directly through the IRS website.

Step 6: Register for state taxes if needed

If your LLC sells physical goods, you must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue to collect the state's 4.225% base sales tax, plus any local county or city additions (which can frequently push the combined rate to 8%–10%). For income tax, standard LLC profits pass through to your personal return and are taxed at Missouri's graduated rates, which top out at 4.95%.

Step 7: File annual reports and stay compliant

Missouri is unique because standard LLCs are not required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. You do not have to pay a yearly maintenance fee or submit any regular updates just to keep your LLC entity active. Your only ongoing obligations are paying your standard state and federal taxes.

Missouri LLC Cost

Fee Type Amount
Formation fee $50 (online)
Registered agent estimate $39 - $150 / year
Annual report fee $0 (Not required)
Franchise tax $0 (None)
Publication fee if applicable $0 (None)
WHEN THIS MAY NOT APPLY

If you do not live in Missouri, do not operate from Missouri, and do not have a specific Missouri-related reason for forming there, a Missouri LLC may not be the best default choice. You may still need to register the LLC as a foreign LLC in the state where you actually operate, which can create duplicate filing fees, registered agent costs, and annual compliance requirements.

Missouri currently charges $50 online to form a domestic LLC. Annual reports are currently $0. For many purely online businesses, it is usually worth comparing your home state with commonly used business-friendly states such as Wyoming, which charges $100 to form an LLC and has a $60 minimum annual license tax, before choosing Missouri.

Should you form your LLC in Missouri?

A Missouri LLC usually makes sense if you live in Missouri, operate your business from Missouri, or have a clear legal or tax reason to use Missouri. If you live and operate somewhere else, forming in Missouri may create extra registered agent costs, foreign qualification requirements, and duplicate compliance obligations. Missouri may appeal to some owners, but compare it with Wyoming, Delaware, Nevada, and your home state in our guide to the best state for an online business LLC. For a comprehensive overview of starting a business, visit our LLC formation hub.

Situation Is a Missouri LLC usually a good fit?
You live in Missouri Usually yes
Your business operates in Missouri Usually yes
You want privacy Depends on state rules
You live in another state Usually only if you have a specific reason
You are a non-US resident Depends on banking, taxes, and compliance needs

Missouri LLC vs Wyoming LLC

Wyoming is generally superior to Missouri for non-resident business owners. While Missouri is technically cheaper to maintain ($0/year vs Wyoming's $60 minimum/year annual report), Wyoming has zero state income tax compared to Missouri's top rate of 4.95%. Wyoming also offers strong statutory anonymity, keeping LLC owner names off public registries. Missouri provides no such privacy protections. If you operate a brick-and-mortar business inside Missouri, you must register a Missouri LLC. If you run an online holding company, Wyoming is better.