Legal Bueno

    How to Start Your LLC in Missouri

    Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!

    Quick Summary:

    • Filing Fee: $50
    • Turnaround time: immediately

    How do I start an LLC in Missouri?

    Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.

    If you want to check the name availability for Missouri, visit https://bsd.sos.mo.gov/BusinessEntity/BESearch.aspx.

    After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.

    What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in Missouri?

    Here's the rundown for Missouri:

    • The filing fee is: $50
    • There are ongoing fees of $0 (no fee and no information report)
    • It usually takes immediately if you're filing online or 3-4 weeks (plus mail time) if by mail.

    Why Missouri is a great state for your LLC

    Starting a company in Missouri offers several compelling advantages that can foster business growth and success. Here are the key benefits:

    • Incentives and Financing: The Missouri Works program provides substantial benefits for both new and existing businesses that focus on job creation and retention. This program can help reduce costs and enhance cash flow, making it easier for startups to thrive.
    • LLC Formation: Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Missouri is a straightforward process, ideal for entrepreneurs. The streamlined rules and regulations simplify the setup, making it accessible for startups and small to medium-sized enterprises.
    • Tax Advantages: Filing taxes for an LLC in Missouri is generally easier, and there are potential benefits for tax treatment specific to LLCs. This can improve a company's financial outlook while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
    • Personal Asset Protection: By forming an LLC, business owners can safeguard their personal assets from business liabilities and debts. This protection is essential for reducing risk and providing peace of mind for entrepreneurs.
    • Affordability: The cost of registering an LLC in Missouri is relatively low, with a filing fee of $50 plus a $2 online transaction fee. This affordability allows new business owners to allocate more resources toward growth initiatives.

    In summary, Missouri provides a conducive environment for starting a company, with financial incentives, simplified business structure options, enhanced tax treatment, asset protection, and low startup costs. These factors position Missouri as an attractive state for entrepreneurs looking to establish and grow their businesses.

    Legal Requirements

    Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for Missouri:

    Articles of Organization

    The articles of organization must include: 1. The name of the LLC;

    1. The purpose or purposes for which the LLC is organized, which may be stated to be the transaction of any or all lawful business for which an LLC may be organized;
    2. The address, including street and number, if any, of the registered office and the name of the registered agent at such office;
    3. A statement as to whether management of the LLC is vested in managers or in members;
    4. The events by which the LLC is to dissolve or the number of years the LLC is to exist, which may be any number or perpetual; and
    5. The name and physical business or residence address of each organizer.

    The articles of organization may set forth any other provision, not inconsistent with law, that is in the LLC's operating agreement.

    Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.039

    Filing fee: $105

    Filing Process

    After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what Missouri laws require for filing:

    The original copy of the articles of organization, an amendment or restatement of such articles, articles of termination, statement of change of registered agent or registered office, or any other statement, document or notice required or permitted to be filed with the secretary of state, must be delivered to the secretary of state. A person who executes articles or other documents as an agent or fiduciary need not evidence his authority as a prerequisite to filing. If the secretary determines that the documents substantially conform to the requirements and all required filing fees have been paid, it must:1. Endorse on the accepted signed original the word “Filed,” and the date of its acceptance for filing;

    1. Retain the accepted original filing and certificate as a state record and return a copy of both to the person who submitted said document or the person's representative.

    The executing parties will promptly deliver or mail a copy of the filed documents to each member unless the operating agreement provides otherwise.

    Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.051

    Additional Legal Considerations

    Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in Missouri:

    Operating agreement, contents–policy statement–enforceability, remedies

    Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.081

    Series LLC Provisions

    Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.186