How to Start an LLC in Missouri

Step 1: Name Your Missouri LLC

You’ll need to name your Missouri LLC before you can register it with the state. For starters, your name must be “distinguishable” from any other business names, which means it can’t be the same or very similar. Running a Missouri business entity search with the state can help you figure out what’s available.

Your LLC name should also include the words “limited company,” “limited liability company,” or an acceptable abbreviation like “LC” or “LLC.” You can’t use something like “corporation” that implies the LLC is a different type of entity.

Is my LLC name available in Missouri?

You can find out if a business name is available by running a business entity search with the state.

Once you land on a good name, it’s worth looking to see if it’s been trademarked federally. If it is, it’s best to find out now.

After that, you aren’t quite done with the naming step. It’s worth finding and registering a domain name even before your business is ready to start selling products or services. Getting a domain name ASAP gives other people less time to swoop in and take the name you want. If someone does take your name, you may have to reconsider your entire branding plan to ensure you’re creating a consistent brand identity for your LLC.

We’ll register your domain name at no extra charge when you hire us to form your Missouri LLC. You’ll also get email and website email and website services free for three months. Interested in adding a federal trademark? We can help you get that done through our attorney-led trademark service.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

After naming your LLC, you’ll need to choose a Missouri registered agent. This step isn’t optional, as you need a Missouri registered agent as long as your business is active.

A registered agent is a person or entity authorized to accept legal mail – including lawsuits – on a company’s behalf. The registered agent must then promptly notify the company owners that they’re being sued, so it’s not a job to take lightly.

Your registered agent can be either a individual or a business allowed to transact business in the Show Me State. If you appoint an individual, they must live in Missouri. If you appoint a business, they must have a physical business address in Missouri.

Can I be my own registered agent in Missouri?

You can be your own registered agent as long as you meet the qualifications, including being available to accept legal mail Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You must also be fine with listing your address on the public record. If those conditions are dealbreakers, you can hire a registered agent service.

Step 3: File Missouri Articles of Organization

When you file your Missouri Articles of Organization, you’re officially filing your LLC. Make sure the paperwork is properly filled out before you submit it.

You can file online, by mail, or in person. To complete your Articles of Organization, you’ll need the following information:

• LLC name: Make sure to include an identifier like “LLC” or “limited company.”
• Purpose: You can say something general like “To transact any or all lawful business for which an LLC may be organized in Missouri.”
• Registered agent info: List a name and street address. No PO Boxes allowed.
• Governing structure: Check a box to indicate if your LLC will be managed by members (aka the owners) or by managers.
• Duration: Most companies choose “perpetual” because they have no set end date to dissolve their company. If you do have an end date in mind, write that date here. You can also list an event that would cause your LLC to dissolve automatically.
• Organizer information: List the names and street addresses of each organizer. Organizers sign and file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. They don’t have to be LLC members or managers.
• Series LLC: Complete this section if you’re filing for a Series LLC.
• Return address: List a name and address for Missouri to return the filed Articles.
• Principal office address: This is optional. If you fill it out, you can’t use a PO Box unless you also provide a street address.
• Effective date: Only complete this if you want your LLC to become effective on a specific date up to 90 days in the future. Otherwise, your LLC becomes effective when the Secretary of State’s office files the Articles of Organization.

Step 4: Set Up Business Operations

Once Missouri approves your Articles of Organization, you’ll be the new owner of a registered LLC. Yet there are still steps to take to set your business up properly and protect your company’s limited liability.

• Draft an operating agreement: An operating agreement dictates how your business operates. Consider it a guidebook for big picture happenings, one that covers everything from how voting works to how membership interests are transferred. Since this is an internal document, you don’t have to show it to the Show Me State. That said, you should bring a copy of your operating agreement when you go to the bank to open a business account.
• Obtain an EIN: Most LLCs will need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to do things like open a business bank account and hire employees. However, if you’re forming a single-member LLC, you can opt to use your Social Security number instead, although it’s more of a security risk than using an EIN.
• Open a business bank account: Separating your business finances and personal finances is key, so don’t skip this step. Unless you open a business bank account, you’re in danger of losing the personal asset protection that makes LLCs so useful.
• Get business licensing or permits: Missouri doesn’t require a general business license for LLCs. But you should plan on obtaining a sales tax license from the Missouri Department of Revenue if you’re selling tangible personal property and/or taxable services. Other businesses, including motor fuel suppliers and companies that sell tobacco products wholesale, also need to obtain specific licenses from the state.

Step 5: File BOI Report

As of 2024, federal law requires most businesses to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report. The BOI Report was passed by Congress to combat fraud and money laundering.

On the report, you must list information about your company’s beneficial owners, defined as those with significant control or influence over your LLC. That’s not all: LLCs formed after January 1, 2024 must also provide information about the person or entity who filed your LLC’s formation paperwork.

If you’re fed up with paperwork and don’t want to do the BOI Report yourself, we can help. We can file it for you when you hire us to form your Missouri LLC.