Forming an Missouri LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Missouri (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Missouri, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Missouri, submit the Articles of Organization to the Missouri Secretary of State. The filing fee is $50, and approval takes just 1 day. Follow these 5 steps:

Choose an LLC Name

Select a Registered Agent

File Articles of Organization

Create an Operating Agreement

Obtain an EIN

If you prefer to set up your LLC independently, refer to our free guide below. Alternatively, if you want professional assistance, we suggest hiring Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

What is the cost to establish an LLC in Missouri?

The fee to set up an LLC in Missouri is $50. This amount covers the filing of the Articles of Organization, the essential document for forming an LLC. For more details on LLC expenses, refer to LLC Costs in Missouri.

How long is the process to obtain an LLC in Missouri?

When filing by mail, expect approval within 3-4 weeks, plus mailing time. However, online submissions receive immediate approval. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Missouri for any potential delays.

Here’s how to establish an LLC in Missouri

1. Check Your LLC Name

Verify the availability of your desired LLC name in Missouri. This step is crucial because no two businesses in the state can share the same name.

Begin by searching your business name and comparing it to those already registered in the state. Use the Business Entity Database Search to ensure your chosen LLC name is distinct from existing business entities. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the state’s naming regulations to ensure your LLC name receives approval. More detailed information can be found here: Missouri LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Missouri Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Missouri Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Missouri Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Missouri mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Missouri or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit LLC Articles of Organization

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Missouri Articles of Organization. This involves a one-time fee to officially form your LLC with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Filing your Missouri Articles of Organization online costs $50.

If you prefer to handle the filing independently, check out our detailed guide: Missouri Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you can hire a service to manage it for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Missouri Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a Missouri EIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

 After receiving approval for your LLC, there are a few more actions to take.

LLC Business Bank Account


Opening a business bank account is essential for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your company’s finances. Maintaining a separate account also reinforces your personal liability protection by keeping business finances distinct from personal ones.

Get Business Licenses and Permits


Fortunately, Missouri doesn’t require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, a local business license or permit might be necessary. For instance, starting a daycare may require a license from the city or county. More details can be found on our Missouri Business License page.

File and Pay Taxes


LLCs don’t pay federal taxes directly; instead, the members handle taxes through their personal returns. Essentially, the owners are responsible for the LLC’s taxes on their individual tax filings.

How will my LLC be taxed?
By default, the IRS taxes an LLC based on its ownership structure:
A Single-Member LLC is taxed like a Sole Proprietorship.
A Multi-Member LLC is taxed like a Partnership.
Alternatively, you can elect for your LLC to be taxed as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Besides federal taxes, you’ll need to consider state and local income taxes, along with sales tax. If your business involves collecting sales and use tax, your LLC must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue. More information is available on Missouri LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

How to Start an LLC in Missouri FAQs

Can I start an LLC online in Missouri?

Yes, you can establish your LLC online in Missouri. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $50. Once you file online, your LLC is approved immediately.

The primary advantage of an LLC is the protection of personal assets. This means if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets, such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts, remain protected. This safeguard is available to all LLC Members, whether you have a Single-Member LLC or a Multi-Member LLC. LLC owners are shielded from business debts and liabilities. In contrast, such protection isn’t available for Sole Proprietorships or Partnerships, where owners are exposed in lawsuits. As a result, LLCs are a more popular choice for business structures.

Another benefit is LLC pass-through taxation, where the LLC itself doesn’t pay federal income taxes. Instead, profits “pass through” to the LLC Members, who then report them on their personal tax returns. Missouri state income taxes align with this federal treatment. For more details, refer to How are LLCs taxed.

Deciding if Missouri is the right state for your LLC depends on your residence and business location. If you live or do business in Missouri, you should form your LLC there. While some websites discuss tax benefits of other states, these don’t apply if it’s not where you live and work. For example, forming an LLC in Wyoming while living and operating in Missouri means you’ll also need to register and pay fees in Missouri, leading to additional costs without benefits. Thus, if you reside and work in Missouri, it’s a suitable state for your LLC. Otherwise, it may not be ideal.

Real estate exception: If buying property outside Missouri, establish your LLC in the state where the property is located. For further information, see Best State to Form an LLC.

Most states require LLCs to file an Annual Report to maintain good standing. However, Missouri is an exception and doesn’t mandate Annual Reports for LLCs. Therefore, your LLC doesn’t incur an annual fee or need to submit an informational report. More details can be found here: Missouri LLC Annual Report.

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