How to Form an LLC in Missouri (2026)

1. 1Choose a name for your LLC and verify availability by searching the Missouri Secretary of State business entity database. Your name must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
2. 2Appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Missouri.
3. 3File Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State. The filing fee is $50. Online filing processes same day to 3 business days.
4. 4Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at no cost.
5. 5Create an operating agreement. Missouri is one of five states that legally requires an operating agreement. It can be oral, written, or implied, but a written agreement is strongly recommended.
6. 6Open a business bank account with your Articles of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement.
7. 7Obtain any required state and local business licenses or permits.
8. 8Missouri does not require annual reports, so no initial report filing is needed.

• ✓Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free, apply online at irs.gov)
• ✓Open a dedicated business bank account
• ✓Register for Missouri state taxes with the Department of Revenue
• ✓Get business insurance (general liability at minimum)
• ✓Set up an accounting system to track income and expenses
• ✓Apply for any local business licenses or permits

Your Missouri LLC name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." Restricted words like "Bank," "Insurance," or "Trust" require additional licensing. The name must be distinguishable from existing business entities in Missouri.

Missouri LLCs are pass-through entities by default. Members pay Missouri individual income tax on their share of profits (top rate of 4.8%). Missouri does not impose a franchise tax, annual report fee, or any ongoing state filing costs for LLCs. Ongoing state costs are $0.

LLC vs. other structures in Missouri

Missouri is one of the cheapest states overall for LLCs: $50 to file with zero ongoing state costs. No annual report, no franchise tax, and no renewal fees of any kind. Missouri also legally requires an operating agreement, which is actually a benefit — it forces proper documentation of your LLC structure.

• •Missouri does not require annual reports — no annual state filing is needed
• •Maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Missouri at all times
• •Keep your operating agreement current — this is a legal requirement in Missouri
• •File Missouri state income tax returns for all members receiving pass-through income
• •Renew any local business licenses or permits as required

Missouri is one of the most affordable states for LLC formation with a low $50 filing fee and zero ongoing state costs. If you live and do business in Missouri, this is an excellent choice.

In general, you should form your LLC in the state where you physically live and conduct business. Forming in a "tax-friendly" state like Wyoming, Delaware, or Nevada sounds appealing, but if you operate in Missouri, you will still need to register as a foreign LLC there — paying fees in both states.

An LLC is almost always a better choice than operating as a sole proprietorship because of the personal liability protection it provides. However, if your LLC is highly profitable, you should talk to a CPA about electing S-Corp tax treatment to potentially reduce your self-employment tax burden.

What Missouri LLC Owners Need to Know

• •Missouri is one of the cheapest states overall: $50 filing fee with zero ongoing costs
• •No annual report, franchise tax, or renewal fees of any kind
• •Missouri is one of five states that requires an operating agreement (can be oral, written, or implied)
• •Missouri processes online filings as fast as same-day

Official Missouri Resources

• Missouri Secretary of State — Business Services
• Missouri Online Business Filing