Missouri LLC Costs
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A limited liability company, or LLC, is a common business structure that provides business owners with liability protection, special state-specific tax breaks, incentives, and a flexible management structure. A common misconception among small business owners and entrepreneurs is that LLC formation in Missouri is too costly and overly complicated. But, in reality, it is a straightforward process and worth the investment for many companies.
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Costs to start an LLC in Missouri
1
LLC Articles of Organization ($50 online)
- You must file your Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State.
- The cost to file your Articles of Organization in Missouri is $50 if you file online and $105 by mail.
- Missouri does not offer any expedited LLC services.
2
Missouri registered agent fee (varies between $50 to $300)
- In Missouri, you must appoint a registered agent to form an LLC in the state.
- By appointing a Missouri registered agent, you are letting the Secretary of State know someone is available to accept tax notices, subpoenas, and other vital correspondence.
- You can appoint anyone as a registered agent in Missouri if they meet the state requirements. That includes you.
- The cost for appointing a registered agent will depend on the commercial service you choose, the needs of your LLC, and the state filing fees.
3
Fees to form a foreign LLC in Missouri ($105)
- In Missouri, if you have an existing LLC in another state and are looking to expand, you must register your LLC as a foreign LLC.
- Using the Missouri Business Registration Online Portal, you can register a foreign LLC online.
- Or, you can complete the Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC-4) and submit it by mail.
- The LLC filing fee to register a Missouri LLC is $105.
4
LLC name reservation fee ($25)
- You do not have to reserve an LLC name in Missouri prior to formation as long as it is available for use.
- When you reserve a name, you are ensuring no one else can register the same name before you begin LLC formation.
- An LLC name in Missouri must be unique or similar to another LLC name in the state.
- You can reserve an LLC name for up to 12 months prior to formation.
- You can reserve your Missouri LLC name online using the Missouri Business Registration Online Portal.
- Or, you can complete the Application for Reservation of Name (Form BE-1) and submit it by mail to the Missouri Secretary of State.
- The cost to reserve a Missouri LLC name is $25.
5
DBA filing fees in Missouri ($7)
- The business acronym DBA stands for ‘doing business as.’ In Missouri, a DBA, or assumed name, is any registered name a business uses to operate under that is not the business’s legal name.
- You must register a DBA in Missouri if you use a company name that is not its legal name.
- By registering the DBA name, you are ensuring no one else can register the same company name.
- You can register a DBA online using the Missouri Business Registration Online Portal.
- Or, you can complete the Registration of Fictitious Name form and submit it by mail to the Missouri Secretary of State.
- The cost for a DBA name in Missouri is $7.
6
Cost of certified document copies ($10)
- You will follow the State of Missouri schedule fees and charges to request certified LLC document copies.
- The cost for certified LLC documents in Missouri is $10 plus $.50 for each page.
7
Certificate of Good Standing ($10)
- In Missouri, banks and lenders will require you to present a Certificate of Good Standing for your LLC before allowing you to open a business bank account.
- You can order your LLC’s Certificate of Good Standing online using the Missouri Business Registration Online Portal.
- Or, you can follow the instructions and submit the form by mail, email, or in-person to the Missouri Secretary of State.
- The filing cost for a Certificate of Good Standing in Missouri is $10.
Steps to start an LLC in Missouri
1
Choose a business name
You will want to consider a few things before you decide on your LLC name.
- An LLC name in Missouri must be unique and not similar to any other LLC name in the state.
- An LLC name in Missouri must meet all naming requirements.
- Check for web domain availability to keep your branding simple.
You will use the Missouri Secretary of State business entity search to conduct a name search.
LLC name reservation fee
You do not have to reserve an LLC name in Missouri before formation.
You can reserve a Missouri LLC name for up to 12 months before formation online or by mail.
The cost to reserve a Missouri LLC name is $25.
The cost to reserve a company name in Missouri is $25. An LLC name is good for up to 120 days. Missouri does not require you to reserve an LLC name.
2Appoint a Missouri registered agent
In Missouri, you must appoint a registered agent when forming an LLC in the state.
The price for a Missouri registered agent or service varies between $50 and $100 a year. The cost depends on the state and your LLC needs.
A registered agent in Missouri is an individual or business entity that receives tax forms, legal documents, subpoenas, civil notices, service of process, and other official government correspondence on behalf of a sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC.
The registered agent you choose must be a resident of Missouri or a registered agent service authorized to conduct business in the state.
ZenBusiness
- Starter Plan – $39 a year plus State Fees
- Pro Plan – $149 a year plus State Fees
- Premium Plan – $249 a year plus State Fees
ZenBusiness offers stand-alone Missouri LLC registered agent services. The price is $99 per year.
Northwest
- Total Out The Door Missouri LLC Formation Service Package – $40 a month and includes:
- Missouri State Fee
- Filing Service Fee
- Registered Agent
- Tax ID
- Annual Plan – $225 plus State Fees a year
LegalZoom
- Economy – $79 plus $153 Missouri filing fees
- Standard – $329 plus $153 state filing fees
- Express Gold – $349 plus $255 state filing fees
3
File Missouri Articles of Organization
You will file your Missouri Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State.
You can file online using the Missouri Registration Online Portal.
Or, you can complete the Articles of Organization form and submit it by mail to the Secretary of State.
The LLC cost to file your LLC’s Articles of Organization is $50 online and $105 if you file by mail.
The state of Missouri does not offer any expedited LLC services.
Mailing address:
Corporations Unit
James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
The Articles of Organization form will ask you for various information about your Missouri LLC.
- LLC name
- The purpose of LLC organization
- Registered agent information
- LLC organizer(s) contact information
The fee in Missouri for filing your LLC Articles of Organization is $50 online, or $105 if you file by mail.
4
Get a Missouri LLC EIN
An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, can also be referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax ID Number (FTIN).
The 9-digit EIN acts like a Social Security Number for companies for income tax purposes. The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, issues an LLC’s EIN.
You must apply for an EIN if you are converting a sole proprietorship into an LLC in Missouri.
Applying for an EIN is a simple process online through the IRS website.
Business banking for a Missouri LLC
In Missouri, it is recommended that you keep your personal banking account separate from your business banking accounts. It will protect personal assets and credit scores.
Financial institutions will require a copy of your LLC’s Articles of Organization, operating agreement, and the issued EIN.
Business banking accounts are generally free, and do not have additional charges or fees.
Business attorney fees in Missouri
You keep the LLC formation process straightforward when you retain a business attorney in Missouri. A lawyer is also handy in the case of business-related issues that may arise.
A business attorney typically offers first-time clients free constellations.
Professional services such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer offer LLC formation packages that include comprehensive legal services.
On average, a business lawyer in Missouri will cost $300 per hour.
LLC taxes in Missouri
- An LLC in Missouri is considered a pass-through entity, meaning you will file your personal tax return rather than your LLC’s state tax return.
- If your LLC sells physical products, you will register for a seller’s permit through the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- The Missouri state tax rate is 4.255%, and a max local and county rate of 5.65%.
- LLCs that hire employees must register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Missouri Department of Labor.
- You must also register for Employee Withholding Tax through the Missouri Department of Labor.
- State taxes in Missouri can get complicated. When you hire a tax expert, it helps you to avoid missed deadlines, penalties, and possible dissolution.
Business licenses and permits in Missouri
The overall cost for business licenses and permits for your Missouri LLC will depend on your location and the type of business it is.
You will use the Missouri Secretary of State’s website to locate the business license you require for your LLC.
The cost of a business licence in Missouri varies between $50 to $205. The total cost of permits and licences will depend on where your LLC is, and the type of LLC.
In Missouri, city, and county government agencies will have different processes and guidelines regarding permits and business licenses. You will need to contact the office for questions about price, process, and business hours.
Notary public
Some LLC documents in Missouri may require a notarization from a notary public.
Most government agencies have a notary public in the office if you fail to locate one.
In Missouri, a notary public can only charge a tax of $1 per notarial act.
Employer obligations in Missouri
- LLCs with employees have specific obligations in Missouri.
- You must verify that all employees are eligible to work legally in the United States by using Form I-9 from the USCIS Website.
- You will need to enroll in worker’s compensation insurance.
- You will use the Missouri Department of Social Services website to report all new hires.
- You can find a complete list of your Missouri employer obligations using the Missouri Department of Labor’s website.
Benefits of a Missouri LLC
- When you form an LLC in Missouri, you are keeping business banking simple. A bank will require you to open an LLC banking account separate from your personal banking account.
- As an LLC, you have different compliance requirements than other business structures. For example, incorporations have to answer to shareholders and board members when they make critical business decisions.
- LLCs are pass-through entities in Missouri. LLC earnings are only taxed once through your personal tax returns.
- You avoid double-taxation as an LLC. C-corporations are double-taxed while LLCs are not.
- The cost of forming an LLC in Missouri is affordable. It only costs $50 to file Articles of Organization when filed online.
- In Missouri, you access specific business incentives as an LLC. Missouri Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit and Enhanced Enterprise Zone Tax Credits are two incentive programs that are currently available.
FAQs
How long does it take to register an LLC in Missouri?
LLC formation is processed immediately in Missouri when you file online. It will take 2 to 4 weeks for the Missouri Secretary of State to process the documents.
The state of Missouri does not offer any expected LLC services.
How do I dissolve my Missouri LLC?
Does Missouri have a biennial/annual report fee?
Missouri does not impose a biennial or annual report fee on LLCs in the state. You will not have to pay an annual fee to Missouri.
Does Missouri have an annual franchise tax?
In Missouri, LLCs do not have a franchise tax. Only LLCs that are taxed as a corporation have a franchise tax.
Do I need a business operating agreement for my LLC in Missouri?
In Missouri, you are required to submit your LLC’s operating agreement to the state.
It is also helpful to have it in the company files to decrease the chances of future misunderstandings within the organization. It can be oral or written.
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