Form an LLC in Missouri with Tailor Brands for Free

With 10+ years of experience, Tailor Brands has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs launch their LLCs in Missouri or anywhere in the country. Leverage Tailor Brands’ services to launch an LLC in Missouri and save time, effort, and money.

Start Your LLC in Missouri Today

Quick and Easy Missouri LLC Setup

Tailor Brands handles the LLC paperwork and filing with the Missouri Secretary of State, saving you time.

Enjoy expedited filing no matter which plan you choose, so you can get your business up and running even faster.

Access crucial add-on services, including EIN registration, tax and bookkeeping, and online business and branding tools.

Things to Know Before Starting an LLC in Missouri

Before you form your Missouri LLC, it’s wise to understand the key requirements and considerations. This will ensure a smooth setup process and prepare you to run your business successfully. 

Here’s an overview of some important things to know:

  • If you’ve already incorporated your LLC in another state and want to conduct business in Missouri, you will need a Certificate of Authority from the Missouri Secretary of State. There is a $155 fee for this certificate.
  • You must pay the initial cost of $50 to file your Articles of Organization online to the Secretary of State to start an LLC in Missouri. The fee increases to $105 if you decide to file your formation documents via mail.
  • While LLCs in Missouri are not required to file an annual report or pay annual tax or fees on LLCs, you must pay employer taxes to the federal and state governments if your LLC in Missouri has an employee.
  • You may need a Doing Business As (DBA) registration, which costs $7, if you want to operate under a name besides your legal Missouri LLC name. Each desired name requires a separate filing and is valid for five years.   

If you are a Missouri resident and plan to conduct business within the state, it’s better to form a domestic LLC in Missouri rather than registering in another state and paying for a foreign LLC in Missouri.

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Select an LLC Name

The first step in forming an LLC in Missouri is to choose a unique LLC name that’s not already taken by another business. You need to choose a name that reflects your business and complies with Missouri’s naming regulations

It must contain the terms “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or their abbreviations (LLC, L.L.C., LC, LLC). Conduct a business name search using the Missouri Online Business Filing database to ensure availability.

Select an LLC Name
Reserve a Business Name and Domain

Reserve a Business Name and Domain

In Missouri, you can secure your LLC business name for 60 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25 and can ensure your chosen name remains available. 

If you need more time after the 60 days are over, you can renew the reservation for two additional 60-day periods. This brings the maximum reservation window to 180 days giving you time to complete the necessary steps.

Appoint a Missouri Registered Agent

You need to designate a registered agent, either a person or a business entity, to accept necessary legal documents on behalf of your LLC in Missouri. The agent must have a permanent physical Missouri address and be available during business hours. 

You can act as your registered agent but you must be available to receive all legal correspondence at the registered address during business hours. This is why many LLCs opt for professional registered agent services.

Appoint a Missouri Registered Agent
Choose an LLC Type

Choose a Type of LLC

Missouri offers flexibility in forming LLCs. You can establish a single-member LLC in Missouri if you’re the sole LLC owner or a multi-member LLC if there are several LLC owners involved, allowing for shared profits, losses, and decision-making.

If your business operates entirely within Missouri, a domestic LLC is the most suitable option. However, if you have an LLC registered in another state but want to conduct operations in Missouri, form a foreign LLC.

Create an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement, though not a required document for starting an LLC in Missouri, is highly recommended to establish clear rules and expectations for the business. It spells out ownership structures, voting rights, and a lot more. 

Additionally, it establishes procedures for important decisions, capital contributions, and revenue and income tax distributions. With a clear agreement, you can avoid potential conflicts and misunderstandings down the road.

Create an LLC Operating Agreement
File Your Missouri LLC Articles of Organization

File Your Missouri LLC Articles of Organization

The official step to establish an LLC in Missouri is filing the Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. This can be done online for just $50. If you prefer paper filing, the filing fee increases to $105.  

An interesting advantage Missouri offers is the ability to form Series Missouri LLCs at no additional cost. These function like an LLC holding a collection of LLCs underneath it, allowing for compartmentalization within your business.

Obtain Your Certificate of Organization

Once you’ve filed and received approval for your LLC formation documents, the state will grant you a certificate signifying the LLC’s legal existence. This certificate acts as a vital document for the financial operations and credibility of your LLC in Missouri

To obtain certified copies of your Missouri LLC Articles of Organization, you can order them by fax, mail, email, in-person, or online for a $10 processing fee. If you choose mail delivery, there’s an additional per-page cost of $0.50.

Obtain Your Certificate of Organization
Get an Employer Identification No.

Get an Employer Identification No.

An EIN is a federal tax identification number for your business assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can apply online or by mail. The online application has a processing time of 2-3 business days.

An EIN allows you to open a dedicated business bank account, separating your business income from your personal funds. This keeps your finances organized and is beneficial when applying for business loans or credit cards.

Open a Business Bank Account

Crucial for your personal liability protection is the ability to keep your personal and business finances separate. By running all your business transactions through a dedicated business bank account, you can establish a clear distinction. 

This reinforces the limited liability status of your LLC in Missouri, which shields you from liability in case of business debts or lawsuits. It also simplifies bookkeeping and tax filing, as you won’t have to untangle personal expenses from business costs.

Open a Business Bank Account
Acquire Business Licenses and Permits

Acquire Business Licenses and Permits

Depending on your business type and location, you may need to obtain specific licenses or permits to operate legally in Missouri. You can check with your local city or county clerk’s office for information on the licenses required.

On the state level, however, LLC businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services within the state need to obtain a sales tax license. This is issued free of charge by the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Choose Your Tax Structure

You can choose to be taxed as a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership depending on your preferences. By default, an LLC in Missouri is taxed as a pass-through entity, meaning the profits and losses are reported on the members’ tax returns. 

This simplifies tax filing for many small businesses. However, if your LLC in Missouri has significant profits or you plan to have many members, choosing a C-Corporation or S-Corporation tax status could be advantageous.

Choose Your Tax Structure
File for a DBA

File for a DBA (Optional)

In Missouri, if you want to operate your business under a name different from your legal LLC name, you’ll need to register a fictitious business name, also known as a Doing Business As (DBA). This involves a filing fee of $7. 

You’ll need to submit a separate application for each DBA name you wish to use and your DBA registration lasts five years. Once that period expires, the renewal involves the same process to keep the fictitious name.

Get a Trademark (Optional)

To shield your brand identity from being used by others, consider registering a trademark for your LLC in Missouri. This applies to your business name, logo, tagline, or any other unique elements that distinguish your brand. 

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Corporations Section of Business Services oversees trademark and service mark registration for a fee of $55. By registering your mark, you gain exclusive rights within Missouri for ten years.

Get a Trademark
Stay Compliant with State Policies

Stay Compliant with State Policies

Maintaining the good standing of your LLC in Missouri goes beyond the initial formation process. You’re required to maintain a registered agent and registered office within Missouri to ensure you’re notified of any legal matters promptly.

This address will be listed on public records and used for official communication. By keeping a registered agent and office in Missouri, you demonstrate to the state that your LLC is actively operating and adhering to legal requirements.

Why You Should Outsource LLC Formation Instead of Doing It Yourself

Although launching your LLC in Missouri is straightforward, the formation process is time-consuming and requires filing several pieces of paperwork. This is why you outsource LLC formation to a pro to free up your time and ensure a smooth launch of your LLC in Missouri.

Efficient Processing

Efficient Process

When you hire a professional, they handle the process smoothly, making it hassle-free.

 Instead of dealing with extensive paperwork and different government department procedures, you need only complete a form and provide the necessary documents.

Error-Free Formation

Error-Free Formation

One mistake in your application can cause delays or even rejection of your application.

 Professionals specializing in LLC formation have the experience to review legal documents and minimize costly errors that could stall your business launch.

Expedited Filing

Expedited Filing

Getting your LLC formed can take a while and might get overwhelming if you do it yourself.

Business formation service professionals can handle the filing process for all the necessary documents quickly and efficiently, so you can focus on getting your business going.

Start Your LLC in Missouri Today

Liability Protection For Members

One of the most significant benefits of starting an LLC in Missouri is the liability protection it offers to its owners, also known as members. LLCs are considered a separate legal entity and are responsible for their own debts and obligations.

This means that if the company incurs debt or faces legal action, members’ personal assets are protected. This protection allows an LLC to operate as an independent business entity, knowing your personal belongings are safeguarded.

Liability Protection For Members
Flexible Tax Structure

Flexible Tax Structure

By default, LLCs in Missouri are considered pass-through entities. This means the business doesn’t pay taxes. Instead, the profits or losses of the LLC pass to the LLC members who then report them on their personal tax returns.

An LLC in Missouri can elect different tax classifications beyond pass-through taxation. You can opt to be taxed as a Sole Proprietorship, a Partnership, or even an S-Corporation. This allows you to select the best tax option for your LLC.

Affordable

Forming and maintaining an LLC in Missouri is a relatively affordable process. The filing fee with the Missouri Secretary of State is low compared to other states, and there are no annual franchise taxes or minimum capital requirements.

This makes it an attractive option for small business owners who want to keep their startup costs low. Compared to corporations, LLCs have simpler administrative formalities, reducing the need for legal services and keeping costs lower. 

Affordable
Less Paperwork

Less Paperwork

Missouri LLCs benefit from streamlined paperwork compared to corporations. Paperwork filings with the state are minimal, requiring fewer formalities, with Missouri not mandating annual reports or franchise taxes for LLCs. 

While maintaining good business practices is still important, an LLC in Missouri provides relief from the strict requirements corporations must adhere to. There are no strict formalities for meetings, recordkeeping, or maintaining detailed minutes.

Ease of Management

You have the freedom to choose how your business will be managed, whether by a single member, multiple members, or managers. This allows you to tailor the management approach to your specific needs and preferences.  

There are also fewer legal restrictions on profit-sharing arrangements within an LLC in Missouri. Members can agree on how profits and losses will be distributed, providing greater control and flexibility compared to a rigid corporate structure.

Ease of Management
Ownership Flexibility

Ownership Flexibility

An LLC in Missouri offers flexibility in ownership and management. Unlike a sole proprietorship, where you and the business are the same or a corporation with a rigid ownership structure, an LLC allows you a lot more flexibility in ownership structure.

Your LLC in Missouri can have multiple members, with varying ownership percentages based on their contributions. You can also decide voting rights within your LLC in Missouri, where members are entitled to varying levels of decision-making power.

Ability to Hold Assets

One of the benefits of forming an LLC in Missouri is the ability to hold assets separately from your personal holdings. Since an LLC is considered a separate legal entity, it can hold assets under its name, separate from your personal holdings. 

This offers liability protection for LLC owners and creates a clear distinction between what the business owns and what you own. If your business gets sued or defaults on a loan, your personal assets and accounts are generally protected.

Ability to Hold Assets
Ability to Enter Into Contracts

Ability to Enter Into Contracts

Unlike a sole proprietorship, where the owner and the business are considered the same, an LLC is a distinct legal entity. This separation empowers LLC members to freely enter into contracts with various stakeholders or form joint ventures.

Additionally, having separate legal identities for your business and yourself simplifies record-keeping and finances. Contracts are made with the LLC, not you personally, which makes it easier to track business income and expenses.

Lite

Tailor Brands’ Lite plan offers small business owners a straightforward, no-cost solution for forming their LLC in Missouri. This plan is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a budget-friendly yet efficient way to launch their business entity.

  • LLC formation: Tailor Brands handles all required documentation to establish your LLC in Missouri correctly and promptly. This eliminates the hassle of navigating complex state requirements independently.
  • Quick processing: Your LLC in Missouri will be professionally formed within two business days. This allows you to start your business operations quickly and efficiently without bureaucratic delays. 
  • Business coaching: Get professional guidance on crucial aspects like income taxes, digital presence, and strategic business planning, helping your LLC in Missouri thrive from day one.
  • Legal structure support: Tailor Brands ensures your LLC in Missouri meets state requirements. Your business entity will be established in full compliance with Missouri regulations, providing a solid foundation for growth.

The Lite plan offers an economical way to establish your LLC in Missouri with professional support. While it may not include extensive compliance features, it remains an excellent starting point for small business owners.

Price: Free

Essential

The Essential plan from Tailor Brands is a comprehensive option that offers fast processing and valuable resources for establishing your LLC in Missouri. It’s perfect for LLC owners who want professional assistance managing critical business aspects.

  • Quick LLC formation: Get your LLC in Missouri fully operational within two business days, allowing you to quickly transition from planning to active business operations.
  • Compliance management: Tailor Brands simplifies the maintenance of your LLC in Missouri by handling annual reports and keeping you informed of important deadlines.
  • Operating agreement assistance: Receive expert support in developing a customized operating agreement that clearly outlines the structure and operational procedures of your LLC in Missouri.
  • Ongoing business coaching: Receive valuable advice on Missouri-specific business regulations, tax obligations, and strategies for long-term growth — expert guidance included across all plans.
  • $30 Amazon credit: A welcome bonus to help cover initial expenses or purchase essential items for your new LLC in Missouri. This provides a helpful boost as you start.

The Essential plan is an excellent choice for first-time LLC owners in Missouri. It appeals particularly to those who prefer professional support in handling critical tasks like compliance and document creation.

Price: $199/year

Elite

For entrepreneurs aiming to build an established LLC in Missouri, the Elite plan can meet your business needs. It’s the ultimate package for entrepreneurs looking to form their LLC while establishing a professional brand identity.

    • Complete essential features: Get all Essential plan benefits, including quick LLC formation in Missouri and ongoing compliance support.
    • Upgraded $50 Amazon gift card: A larger bonus to help with startup expenses or invest in essential tools for your LLC in Missouri.
    • Free domain for one year: Secure a professional web address that enhances the identity and credibility of your LLC in Missouri.
    • DIY website or online store builder: Build a strong online presence using customizable templates tailored to Missouri business needs.
    • Digital business card: Seamlessly share the contact information of your LLC in Missouri with a professional link.
  • Social media post maker: Generate engaging, branded content for your LLC in Missouri to connect with your target audience.
  • Free professional logo designs: Choose from a curated selection of eight logo designs to create a memorable brand image.
  • Business card creator: Develop custom business cards that represent your LLC in Missouri with style.

The Elite plan equips you with everything needed to establish a legally compliant LLC in Missouri while building a memorable brand. This all-in-one package ensures both legal compliance and marketing success.

Price: $249/year

Additional Services

To ensure your Missouri LLC operates smoothly and remains compliant, Tailor Brands offers several supplementary services tailored to meet your needs.

  • EIN registration: Quickly secure your Federal Tax ID as this is essential for hiring employees, managing taxes, and opening a business bank account for your LLC in Missouri.
  • Business licenses and permits: Navigate the complexities of local and state requirements for your LLC in Missouri with professional assistance in securing necessary permits.
  • Taxes and bookkeeping: Maintain accurate financial records and ensure tax compliance for your LLC in Missouri with expert bookkeeping services, including tax preparation and financial reporting.
  • Business bank account setup: Separate personal and business finances effortlessly with assistance in setting up a dedicated business bank account for your LLC in Missouri.
  • Business insurance: Safeguard your LLC in Missouri with tailored insurance solutions that cover liability, property, worker’s compensation, and other essential coverage options.

Your LLC in Missouri requires ongoing support beyond formation. These additional services help ensure continued success and compliance.

Why Choose Tailor Brands to Form an LLC in Missouri

Tailor Brands has been simplifying LLC formation in Missouri for 10+ years. Its experienced team ensures a smooth process, and its services are completely free, as you only pay the state filing fees.

Free Service

Free Service, No Hidden Fees

Forming an LLC in Missouri with Tailor Brands involves no hidden charges or exorbitant surprise costs.

You only need to cover the state filing fees and the team handles the rest. You can invest your money into growing your business.

Unmatched Expertise

Expert Guidance and Assistance

The team at Tailor Brands consist of experienced professionals across various fields in business management.

These experts bring years of experience to the table and offer valuable services and assistance with setting up your business.

Convenience

Stress-Free Formation Process

Forming an LLC often involves complex paperwork and dealing with unfamiliar state regulations. 

The team of experts at Tailor Brands will review and file all necessary documents with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Form an LLC with Tailor Brands

FAQ

Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow to form an LLC in Missouri:

  • Select a Business Name: Choose a unique name that complies with Missouri naming regulations.
  • Reserve a Business Name and Domain: Secure your chosen name for 60 days by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Secretary of State.
  • Appoint a Missouri Registered Agent: Designate a registered agent with a physical Missouri address to receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC in Missouri.
  • Choose a Type of LLC: Decide between a single-member or multi-member LLC, and a domestic or foreign LLC.
  • Create an LLC Operating Agreement: Though not mandatory, it’s recommended to establish clear rules and expectations for your LLC in Missouri.
  • File Missouri LLC Articles of Organization: File online or by paper with the Missouri Secretary of State and pay the required fee.
  • Obtain Your Certificate of Organization: Once approved, receive a certificate signifying your LLC’s legal existence.
  • Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN): Obtain an EIN from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes and opening a business bank account.
  • Open a Business Bank Account: Get a business account to keep personal and business finances separate for legal protection and easier financial management.
  •  Acquire Business Licenses and Permits: Check local requirements and obtain necessary licenses or permits.
  • Choose Your Tax Structure: Decide how you want your LLC in Missouri to be taxed based on its structure and needs.
  • File for a DBA (Optional): If operating under a different name, register a fictitious business name with the Missouri Secretary of State.
  • Get a Trademark (Optional): Consider registering a trademark to protect the brand identity of your LLC in Missouri.
  • Stay Compliant: Maintain a registered agent and address within Missouri and adhere to legal requirements to keep your LLC in good standing.

Starting an LLC in Missouri offers several benefits, including: 

  • Liability Protection: Members’ personal assets are protected, providing peace of mind when it comes to business debts and legal issues.
  • Flexible Tax Structure: An LLC in Missouri can choose from various tax classifications, including pass-through taxation, which offers tax advantages for members.
  • Affordability: Forming and maintaining an LLC in Missouri is cost-effective, with low filing fees and no annual franchise taxes or minimum capital requirements.
  • Less Paperwork: Missouri LLCs benefit from streamlined paperwork, with fewer formalities compared to corporations, reducing administrative burdens and costs.
  • Ease of Management: Owners can choose the management structure that best suits their needs, whether by a single member, multiple members, or through managers, providing flexibility and control.
  • Ownership Flexibility: LLCs allow for flexible ownership structures, accommodating one or multiple members, and offering different management options.
  • Ability to Hold Assets: An LLC in Missouri can hold assets separately from personal holdings, offering additional liability protection for owners.
  • Ability to Enter Into Contracts: LLCs, as distinct legal entities, can freely engage in contracts or joint ventures, just as the LLC owners can enter into contracts.

Missouri LLCs aren’t obligated to file annual reports or pay annual taxes, however, employer taxes must be paid if you have employees.

Missouri LLCs aren’t obligated to file annual reports or pay annual taxes, however, employer taxes must be paid if you have employees.

To form an LLC in Missouri, you need to file Articles of Organization online with the Secretary of State which costs $50. Alternatively, paper filing incurs a $105 fee. If you’re conducting business in Missouri with an out-of-state LLC, a Certificate of Authority is required which costs $155.