Quick Summary
- Total LLC Formation Cost: $50 one-time state filing fee
- Time to Form: Typically 5-7 business days for standard filing
- Annual Maintenance: $0 (No annual report required in Missouri!)
- Best For: Small business owners looking for liability protection with minimal paperwork
Why Choose an LLC for Your Missouri Business?
As a new business owner in Missouri, forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers you significant advantages:
- Personal Asset Protection: Shields your personal assets from business debts and liabilities
- Tax Flexibility: Choose how you want your business to be taxed
- Minimal Paperwork: Missouri has some of the simplest LLC maintenance requirements in the U.S.
- Professional Credibility: Establishing an LLC adds legitimacy to your business
Also See: How to Start a Missouri LLC
Complete Missouri LLC Cost Breakdown
One-Time Costs
| Requirement | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $50 | One-time state filing fee |
| Business Name | $0 | Included with Articles of Organization |
| Operating Agreement | $0 | Create your own (free templates available) |
| EIN Number | $0 | Free through the IRS |
| Total to Launch | $50 | Minimum required costs |
Optional Costs
| Service | Cost | Should You Pay For It? |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Agent Service | $100-$300/year | Worth it if you need privacy or don’t have a physical address in Missouri |
| LLC Formation Service | $0-$399 | Saves time and ensures proper filing |
| DBA (Doing Business As) | $7 | Only if you want to operate under a different name |
| Business Licenses/Permits | Varies | Depends on your industry and location |
Annual/Ongoing Costs
| Requirement | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $0 | Missouri doesn’t require annual reports for LLCs! |
| State/Federal Taxes | Varies | Depends on business income and structure |
| Business License Renewals | Varies | Industry-specific |
4 Steps to Start Your Missouri LLC
1. Choose a Business Name ($0)
Your business name must include “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable from other businesses registered in Missouri. You can check LLC name availability on the Missouri Secretary of State website.
Pro Tip: Even though Missouri doesn’t require name reservation, consider checking availability before submitting your formation documents.
2. Select a Registered Agent ($0 or $100-$300/year)
Every Missouri LLC needs a Registered Agent – a person or company that accepts legal documents on behalf of your business. You can:
- Serve as your own agent (free but requires a physical Missouri address)
- Designate a friend or family member (free)
- Hire a professional service ($100-$300/year)
Business Owner Tip: Using a professional service helps maintain your privacy and ensures you never miss important legal documents.
3. File Articles of Organization ($50)
This is the official document that creates your LLC. You’ll file it with the Missouri Secretary of State and pay the $50 filing fee. You can file:
- Online: Fastest processing
- By mail: Print and send the completed form
Processing Time: Standard processing takes 5-7 business days. There is no expedited option in Missouri.
4. Create an Operating Agreement ($0)
While not legally required in Missouri, an Operating Agreement is strongly recommended as it:
- Establishes ownership percentages
- Defines management structure
- Creates rules for decision-making
- Sets procedures for member changes
Smart Business Move: Even single-member LLCs should have an Operating Agreement to strengthen their liability protection.
Next Steps After Forming Your LLC
- Get an EIN: Apply for free through the IRS website
- Open a Business Bank Account: Keeps personal and business finances separate
- Set Up Accounting: Consider accounting software or hiring a professional
- Obtain Necessary Licenses: Research industry-specific requirements
- Get Business Insurance: General liability insurance protects your business
Tax Advantages of Missouri LLCs
Missouri is particularly business-friendly with:
- No annual report fees
- Pass-through taxation by default (business income passes to your personal tax return)
- Option to choose different tax classifications (S-Corp can save on self-employment taxes)
Why Missouri is Great for Small Business Owners
- No Annual Reports: Save time and money with zero annual filing requirements
- Low Formation Costs: $50 is among the lowest in the nation
- Business-Friendly Environment: Missouri consistently ranks well for small business support
- Central Location: Strategic position for distribution and logistics businesses
Common Questions from New Business Owners
“Can I form an LLC if I’m not a Missouri resident?”
Yes! You don’t need to be a Missouri resident to form an LLC in the state. However, you’ll need a Registered Agent with a physical address in Missouri.
“How long does my LLC last in Missouri?”
Unlike some states, Missouri LLCs have perpetual existence. Your LLC will continue until you formally dissolve it or fail to maintain legal compliance.
“Do I need a business license in addition to forming an LLC?”
Most likely. While forming an LLC establishes your business structure, many industries require additional licenses or permits. Check with your local city/county government and the state’s professional licensing boards.
“Can I convert my sole proprietorship to an LLC?”
Yes! Many Missouri business owners start as sole proprietors and later convert to LLCs as their businesses grow. The $50 formation fee is a small price for the added liability protection.
Ready to Start Your Missouri Business?
With just $50 and a simple filing process, Missouri makes it incredibly affordable to form an LLC and start your business with proper legal protection. The lack of annual reporting requirements makes it one of the lowest-maintenance states for ongoing compliance.
Last Updated: May 2025