Starting an LLC in Missouri can be challenging, especially when faced with a lot of information when you look it up. Given the steps involved, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But fear not—we’re here to guide you through this process.
Following each step in the checklist below will help you launch your new LLC confidently. Missouri promotes a low-cost business climate and numerous incentives for new business owners, so you’ve chosen an excellent location to initiate your company’s operations.
1: Name your Missouri LLC
2: Choose a Registered Agent
3: File an Articles of Organization
4: Received a Certificate From the State
5: Create an Operating Agreement
6: Get an Employer Identification Number
Step 1: Name your Missouri LLC
When starting a business in Missouri, selecting a name for inclusion in your articles is the first step. It’s crucial to adhere to Missouri’s naming requirements. Here are the key points to remember:
- Your business name must include “limited liability company,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.”
- Ensure your name is unique and not already used by another state business. You can check the Secretary of State’s website for name availability.
- Avoid using words that suggest affiliation with a government agency (e.g., State Department, CIA, FBI, Treasury).
- Certain words, such as “bank,” “lawyer,” “attorney,” “credit union,” etc., may require additional requirements and paperwork.
Refer to this resource for a detailed list of Missouri’s naming rules.
Additional considerations:
Reserve your name: If you need more time to register your LLC but are worried someone might take your desired name, you can reserve it for 60 days and renew it twice for another 60 days each time. You can file online or by mail with a fee of $25.
Website domain: Even if you don’t need a webpage right away, it’s a good idea to prepare for the possibility of securing your domain name now. Before settling on your LLC name, check if the URL you want is available and intelligent.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Missouri mandates that LLCs choose a registered agent. This person should be responsible for legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This agent can be either a person (such as yourself or an employee) or an entity that offers registered agent services. Here are the criteria they must meet:
- Entities (or companies) must provide registered agent services.
- The agent must have a Missouri address.
- They must be available during regular business hours to accept documents on-site.
Alternatively, you can hire an individual or business within Missouri to be your registered agent. The fee for their services and filing costs is between $50 and $300 annually. Before selecting, read reviews and conduct due diligence to secure the best long-term arrangement.
Step 3: File an Articles of Organization
You must submit Articles of Organization (LLC 1) to the Missouri Secretary of State to establish a Missouri LLC. These articles should contain the following information:
- The LLC’s name
- A specific statement of the LLC’s purpose for profit
- The name and address of the registered agent
- Indication of whether the LLC will be member-managed or managed by a manager
- Determination of whether the LLC’s duration is perpetual or for a specified period
- The name and address of each organizer
- The effective date of the Articles, which may be upon filing or a specified future date
- The signature of the organizer.
You can file the articles online through the Missouri Secretary of State’s online filing portal or by postal mail. The filing fee is $50 for online submissions and $105 for paper filings. Additionally, online filers are subject to a $1.25 convenience fee.
Step 4: Received a Certificate From the State
After the approval of your LLC’s documents, the state will issue a certificate for the official existence of your LLC. This certificate allows the LLC to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN), open a business bank account, and apply for business licenses.
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement.
This agreement is a document that outlines how your LLC will operate.
While Missouri mandates that LLC members adopt a written operating agreement, it is not obligatory to file it. However, maintaining a readily accessible, written operating agreement holds significant benefits. It facilitates the resolution of disputes about financial agreements and potential litigation. With a formal agreement, courts base their decisions on state law, which may only sometimes fully align with the LLC’s and its members’ best interests.
The operating agreement can cover many aspects, including
- The LLC’s name and principal address
- Duration of the LLC
- Name and address of the registered agent,
- Information about the certificate of organization,
- Purpose of the business
- Members and their contributions
- Distribution of profits and losses
- Procedure for admitting new members and handling outgoing members
- Management of the LLC
- Indemnification and liability clauses
Step 6: Get an Employer Identification Number
Obtaining an EIN may be preferable for privacy reasons. An Employer Identification Number functions like a Social Security number for your business. The IRS issues this unique nine-digit identifier, which is essential for many purposes, including opening a business bank account, paying income taxes, and filing tax returns. While individuals operating solo businesses can use their Social Security number instead of an EIN, obtaining an EIN may be preferable for privacy reasons.
You can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS website, and you’ll receive your number immediately upon submission.
LLC State Guides
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How To Start an LLC in Missouri FAQs
What is the cost of starting an LLC in Missouri?
Forming an LLC in Missouri typically includes $50 for online and $105 for paper filings. Additionally, online filers may incur an additional convenience fee of $1.25.
How can I check if my LLC name is available?
To check if your LLC name is available in Missouri, you can perform a search on the Secretary of State’s website, which will allow you to see if another business entity is already using the name.
How can I include a new member in an LLC?
You must amend the operating agreement to include a new member in your LLC. You must convene a meeting and vote on the amendment if existing members exist. If the members approve the change, you must adopt and update the agreement accordingly.
Is it necessary to submit an annual report for my Missouri LLC?
No. Missouri doesn’t mandate LLCs to file annual reports, unlike many other U.S. states.
