Form an LLC in Missouri with Inc Authority for Free

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.

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. 

You need to designate a registered agent, either a person or a business entity, to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. 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.

Missouri offers flexibility in forming LLCs. You can establish a single-member LLC 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.

An LLC operating agreement, though not mandatory 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. 

The official step to establish a Missouri limited liability company 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.

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 LLC’s financial operations and credibility. 

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.

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.

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for your personal liability protection. 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, 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.

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.

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

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

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 fictitious 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.

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.

Maintaining your LLC’s good standing 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.

The free plan gets you the core LLC formation essentials. Here are the features Inc Authority’s free plan offers:

• Business name search: You can use the free business name search tool Inc Authority offers to ensure your chosen name is available and complies with state regulations. This can help you avoid potential delays and legal issues.

• 1-year registered agent services: With the free plan, Inc Authority provides free registered agent service for one year. The agent will act as your official point of contact for legal documents, keeping you informed and in control.

• Online document management: The free plan offers a secure online repository for all your documents. You can access them from any device, ensuring they are always readily available whenever you need them.

• Tax planning consultation: The free plan also includes a complimentary tax planning consultation with a dedicated tax professional who will answer your questions and help you understand relevant tax laws and deductions. 

• LLC formation: Inc Authority takes the burden off your shoulders by handling the LLC formation paperwork. Its team will meticulously review your LLC formation documents to ensure they comply with Missouri state regulations.

• S-corp election and filing: With the free plan, the team handles the filing of the form for S-corp election with the IRS to ensure that your LLC meets the requirements and receives consideration for the S-corp tax status.

• Business funding analysis: Inc Authority’s free plan includes business funding analysis. The team of experts will assess your current financial situation to determine the most suitable funding options for your business.

With Inc Authority’s free plan, you have access to all the essential business formation services you need to get your Missouri LLC started. If you require additional features or premium services, check out the paid plans. 

Price: Free

Here are the add-on services the Starter plan provides:

• LLC operating agreement: An operating agreement establishes the operational framework for your LLC. Inc Authority will guide you through the creation process of your LLC operating agreement, ensuring your agreement addresses all the necessary elements for effective business management.

• Ownership certificates: With the Starter Plan, you’ll get pre-designed templates and reference materials to create and issue ownership certificates to your LLC members. These certificates can serve as a formal record, promoting transparency in ownership rights and interests.

• Employer Identification Number: An EIN is important for tax purposes and is often necessary for opening a business bank account, or hiring employees. Inc Authority streamlines the process of obtaining an EIN by assisting you with the application, ensuring your EIN is obtained swiftly.

• Corporate forms and documents package: If you opt for the Starter plan, you’ll get professionally-designed templates for essential legal documents, including contracts, agreements, and certificates. These templates ensure you have the necessary documentation ready in no time.

• Compliance notifications: With Inc Authority’s Starter plan, you get helpful reminders and updates on upcoming deadlines you need to meet to stay compliant with important regulations. This helps ensure your business operates smoothly and avoids any potential penalties.

• Detailed tax consultation: The Starter plan offers one-on-one guidance from a tax specialist who will help you develop a tax plan that minimizes your tax burden and maximizes deductions and credits. This goes beyond the brief consultation offered in the free plan. 

• Web domain + 5 business email addresses: A professional website is important to boost your digital presence. Inc Authority can connect you with trusted web design partners to build a user-friendly website. You’ll also receive up to 5 business email addresses.

Price: Custom

Here are the additional services you’ll get over the Starter plan:

• Customer success advisor: In addition to the useful features of the Starter plan, Inc Authority includes a dedicated customer success advisor with the highest-tier plan. This advisor acts as your business advisor, answering all your questions, and providing ongoing support and guidance to run your limited liability company.

• Private banking expert: Inc Authority’s Fasttrack plan offers complimentary access to a private banking expert. The expert will guide you through the process of selecting the best business banking options for your LLC and choosing an account that suits your transaction volume, growth plans, and cash flow requirements.

• Personalized business advisory: With Inc Authority’s Fasttrack plan, you’ll receive tailored business advisory services that go beyond business formation. This includes a comprehensive business evaluation, which helps you understand your business objectives and strategies to help you achieve your goals.

• Expedited preparation & filing: The Fasttrack plan is designed to get your business up and running in record time. By opting for the Fasttrack plan, you become a priority client, receiving dedicated attention and swift application processing. This saves you valuable time and allows you to establish your business efficiently.

If you prefer expedited and personalized LLC formation service, Inc Authority’s Fasttrack plan is tailored to meet such requirements. However, if you don’t mind waiting for some days or weeks, you can opt for the free plan.