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$199
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$499
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Comprehensive name check
Preparation of Articles of Incorporation
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Key Points of Missouri LLCs
Optional Pass‑Through Entity Tax (MO‑PTE)
Missouri allows LLCs and other qualifying pass‑through entities to elect a state‑level entity tax (MO‑PTE), letting the entity pay income tax on behalf of its owners, which can offer tax credits to members.
Default Pass‑Through Taxation
By default, LLCs in Missouri are treated as pass‑through entities, profits and losses flow through to members’ personal tax returns instead of being taxed at the entity level.
Flexible Formation & Management
Missouri LLCs offer flexible structure: can be managed by members or by appointed managers. The Articles of Organization allow optional entries like effective date, duration, and setting up series LLCs under certain conditions.
Understanding Missouri LLCs
A Missouri LLC combines the liability protection of a corporation with the tax flexibility of a partnership, making it an attractive structure for business owners seeking both personal asset protection and efficient taxation. It’s known for its pass‑through default treatment, the ability to elect MO‑PTE, and a relatively straightforward formation process.
What is a Missouri LLC?
A Missouri LLC provides limited liability protection and governance flexibility. It shields members from personal liability for business debts and allows for either member‑managed or manager‑managed operations.
A Missouri LLC offers several benefits, including:
Pass‑through taxation, optional MO‑PTE election, flexible operating agreements, and ability to establish series under the Missouri LLC statute. Owners benefit from clear statutes and lower ongoing formalities compared to corporations.
Why choose an LLC in Missouri?
Choosing an LLC in Missouri offers personal asset protection, tax options (including MO‑PTE), and flexible management in an affordable, business‑friendly environment. The filing process is simple, the legal obligations are clear, and many compliance burdens are lighter than for corporations.
Key Benefits Include:
Privacy Protection
No Double Taxation
Business Credibility
Legal Environment
Tax Flexibility
Clear Guidelines
Pros and Cons of an LLC in Missouri
Starting a Missouri LLC: Benefits
A Missouri LLC protects personal assets from business liabilities, offers flexible management structure, and default pass‑through taxation. The MO‑PTE option gives another way to manage state tax exposure advantages. Formation fees are reasonable, especially when filed online.
Taxation of a Missouri LLC
Missouri LLCs are taxed as pass‑through entities by default: income or loss is reported on the members’ individual tax returns. LLCs can elect MO‑PTE to have the entity pay state income tax on behalf of members, who receive a credit. If taxed as a corporation, corporate tax rules apply.
Starting a Missouri LLC: Drawbacks
Electing MO‑PTE or choosing non‑default tax classification adds complexity. Series LLCs are available but require careful handling to maintain separation among series. Public filings must include registered agent and organizer information. Failure to comply with tax or agent requirements can result in penalties or issues with good standing.
Who Can Form an LLC in Missouri?
Any individual or business entity can form an LLC in Missouri, including sole proprietors, partnerships, corporations, and foreign entities wishing to do business in the state. At least one organizer is required, and a registered agent with a physical Missouri address must be designated.
Types of LLCs in Missouri
Domestic LLC (Missouri‑based LLC)
A domestic LLC is formed under Missouri law and operates within the state, offering limited liability protection and default pass‑through taxation.
Foreign LLC (Out‑of‑state LLC registering in Missouri)
A foreign LLC is one formed in another state or country but doing business in Missouri. It must register with the Missouri Secretary of State, designate a Missouri registered agent, and meet Missouri’s tax and reporting requirements.
Series LLC
Missouri allows formation of Series LLCs. A Missouri LLC may indicate in its Articles of Organization that it is a Series LLC, with separate series having separate liabilities under statute, provided series‑specific conditions are met.
Professional LLC (PLLC)
Missouri allows professionals to form LLCs; but there is no separate statutory “Professional LLC” classification in all cases. Professions that require licensing must meet licensing board rules; the LLC may need to satisfy profession‑specific requirements.
How to Start an LLC in Missouri
Choose a Business Name
Select a unique name that includes "LLC" or "L.L.C." and ensure it’s distinguishable from existing entities in Missouri . Use the Secretary of State’s name search tool to verify availability.
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent to accept legal documents. This can be an individual or a registered service company with a physical address in Missouri .
File the Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC to the Missouri Secretary of State, providing LLC name, principal office address, and registered agent details.
Create an Operating Agreement
Though not required, it’s recommended to draft an Operating Agreement outlining ownership, governance, and profit distribution to reinforce liability protection and support tax compliance.
Missouri LLC Application
To start an LLC in Missouri, the key step is filing the Articles of Organization (Form LLC‑1) with the Missouri Secretary of State. This officially forms your business as a legal entity.
Required Information
- LLC name (with “Limited Liability Company,” “LLC,” “L.L.C.,” “Limited Company,” “LC,” or “L.C.”)
- Registered agent’s name and physical Missouri address
- Principal office address (physical street address; PO Box only if used in addition)
- Organizer’s name and address
- Management structure (member‑managed or manager‑managed)
- Whether the LLC will have a duration (if not perpetual), and optionally the effective date
This officially forms your business as a legal entity
The Articles of Organization must include:
Filing Options
- Online: Use Missouri’s Secretary of State online filing system for faster processing.
- By Mail / Paper: Submit the completed Articles of Organization via mail to the Secretary of State.
Filing Fees
- Fee is $50 for online filing.
- Filing by mail (paper submission) typically requires $105 fee.
Post‑Filing Requirements:
- Operating Agreement: Not required to be filed with the state but strongly recommended as an internal governance document.
- Foreign LLCs (Out‑of‑state LLCs registering in Missouri): Must file for a Certificate of Authority, appoint a Missouri registered agent, and supply formation information from their home jurisdiction.
- Tax Election (MO‑PTE): If applicable, elect the Missouri Pass‑Through Entity Tax and file the required forms to participate.
Missouri LLC Taxation
Entity-Level Tax (MO-PTE)
Missouri offers an optional Pass-Through Entity Tax for LLCs taxed as partnerships or S-corporations, allowing the LLC to pay tax directly and members to claim a credit.
State Income Tax
LLC income is generally passed through to members and taxed on their personal returns unless the LLC elects corporate taxation.
Sales and Use Tax
LLCs selling taxable goods or services must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue and collect state and local sales tax. Use tax applies to out-of-state purchases.
Missouri LLC Annual Filing (Annual Report)
What to File
Missouri LLCs must file an Annual Report only if structured as a corporation. Most standard LLCs are not required to file annual reports.
Filing Deadlines
For LLCs that elect corporate tax treatment, the report is due by the end of the anniversary month.
Penalties & Consequences
Failure to file (if required) may lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of the LLC’s authority to do business.
Expanding Your Missouri LLC
As your company grows, you may want to expand your Missouri LLC to operate in other states. This section covers the procedures for doing so, including registering your Missouri LLC as a foreign entity in another state and welcoming out-of-state LLCs into Missouri.
Registering a Foreign LLC in Missouri
Out-of-state LLCs must file an Application for Registration with the Secretary of State, include a Certificate of Good Standing, and appoint a Missouri registered agent.
Doing Business in Other States
To operate outside Missouri, register as a foreign LLC in each state you expand into, meeting their formation, tax, and licensing rules.
Find The Right State To
Form An LLC
Every state has different rules, costs, and considerations for LLC formation.
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Doing Business in Missouri
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most states require you to have a registered agent to handle legal documents and notices during business hours.
While not always required by law, having an operating agreement is a smart move to outline your LLC’s rules and avoid disputes down the road.
An EIN is a federal tax ID; most LLCs need one to open a business bank account, file taxes, or hire employees.