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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Missouri (MO)
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Incorporate in Missouri (MO)

Learn the basic facts about Missouri corporations and Missouri limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Missouri corporations and Missouri LLCs and learn about Missouri rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.

Forming a Missouri Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Missouri business. The most advantageous entities to form in Missouri are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Missouri. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Missouri, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.

Get Started

If you decide that a Missouri corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Missouri, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:

$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.


Incorporating in Missouri

Missouri Corporate Name Endings
Missouri Corporation Requirements
Missouri Corporate Taxes and Fees
Missouri Business License Requirements


Missouri Corporate Name Endings

The name shall contain the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. The name may not contain any word or phrase indicating or implying the corporation is a governmental agency, or that it is organized for any purpose other than the purpose for which corporations may be organized under the laws of Missouri. The name shall be distinguishable from the name of any domestic or foreign corporation authorized to do business in Missouri, or any limited partnership, limited liability company, or reserved name filed with the state.


Missouri Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: Not less than three, unless there are only one or two shareholders of record; then the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
  • Residence Requirements: No provision.
  • Age Requirements: Directors must be a natural person at least 18 years of age.
  • Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Officer Information

  • Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.

    Stock Information

  • An increase in shares may cause an increase in initial filing fees.

    Corporate Records

  • The stock transfer ledger must be kept at the principal corporate office.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit dor.mo.gov.

    S Corporation

    S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Missouri. A separate state election from the federal election is not required; however, an S corporation is subject to the franchise taxes.


    License Requirements

    Missouri requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if operating certain types of businesses in the state. The following is a partial list:
  • Auctioneers
  • Employment agencies
  • Hotels
  • Insurance brokers and agents
  • Merchants
  • Motels
  • Resorts
  • Securities brokers
  • Strip coal mining
  • Treated timber products
    Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Missouri

    Missouri LLC Name Endings
    Missouri LLC Requirements
    Missouri LLC Taxes and Fees
    Missouri Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "LC," "LLC," or "L.L.C."


    Missouri LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number: one or more
  • Residence Requirements: no provision
  • Age Requirements: directors must be a natural person at least 18 years of age
  • Members/Managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization


    Missouri Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit dor.mo.gov.


    License Requirements

    Missouri requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in Missouri

    Missouri corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Missouri. The Missouri registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A Missouri registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Missouri. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Missouri.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Missouri. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Missouri, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in Missouri benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Missouri. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Missouri benefit by providing a consistent Missouri address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your Missouri registered agent is that the information of your Missouri registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Missouri.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    Corporations often gain tax advantages such as: the deductibility of health insurance premiums paid on behalf of an owner-employee; savings on self-employment taxes, as corporate income is not subject to Social Security, Workers Compensation and Medicare taxes; and the deductibility of other expenses such as life insurance.


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