How to Start an LLC in Missouri
Forming an LLC in Missouri involves a few key steps: naming your company, appointing a registered agent, and filing the Articles of Organization. Let's walk through exactly how to do it.
5 Steps to Form an LLC in Missouri
Name Your Missouri LLC
The first step to starting your business is choosing a unique name that complies with Missouri state laws. Your business name must be distinguishable from any other entity already registered with the state.
Naming Requirements
- Must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or an abbreviation like "LLC" or "L.L.C."
- Cannot contain words that confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., FBI, Treasury).
- Certain restricted words (Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and licensing.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Missouri requires all LLCs to appoint a Registered Agent. This is an individual or business entity authorized to receive service of process (legal mail) and official government correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
Why hire a professional? A Registered Agent must maintain regular business hours at a physical street address within Missouri. If you use your home address, it becomes part of the permanent public record. BookMyLLC provides this service, allowing you to use our address on state filings to protect your privacy.
File Articles of Organization
To officially create your LLC, you must file a formation document (typically called the Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation) with the state. The state charges a non-refundable filing fee of $50.00.
Articles of Organization
This is a simulation of the exact data required by the Missouri Secretary of State to legally form your LLC.
Company Information
When you hire BookMyLLC, we draft and submit this exact paperwork for you electronically, ensuring it is accepted without errors or rejections.
Draft an Operating Agreement
An Operating Agreement is an internal document that outlines how your LLC will be run, managed, and financially structured. Even if you are a single-member LLC, having an Operating Agreement is crucial for proving that your business is a separate legal entity from yourself (maintaining the "corporate veil").
While you don't file this with the state, you will need it to open a business bank account. BookMyLLC includes a custom Operating Agreement in all of our packages.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a social security number for your business. You will need an EIN to hire employees, pay taxes, and open a US business bank account.
You can apply for an EIN for free directly with the IRS. However, if you don't have a US Social Security Number, the process can take weeks via fax. BookMyLLC specializes in obtaining EINs for both US residents and non-US residents.
Missouri Filing Fees & Annual Requirements
These are the official government fees charged directly by the Missouri Secretary of State. BookMyLLC charges a separate service fee on top of these state costs.
$50.00
One-time, non-refundable state fee to file Articles of Organization
10 days
Expedited: 3 days (+$25.00)
Important Filing Due Dates for Missouri
Filing fees can change. Always verify the latest fees directly on the official Missouri state government website before filing.
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