1. Missouri LLC Overview

If you operate a business in Missouri, forming a local LLC is required and highly advantageous. Missouri has eliminated many of the compliance hurdles that other states mandate.

  • No annual report — You do not have to file a yearly report or pay a fee
  • Low formation fee — Just $50 to file online
  • No franchise tax — Missouri repealed its franchise tax
File Online to Save 50%

Missouri charges $105 if you file paper Articles of Organization by mail. Save money and time by filing online through the Secretary of State's portal, which only costs $50.

2. Missouri LLC Requirements

  • Name must contain "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "L.C."
  • Appoint a registered agent with a Missouri physical address
  • File Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State

3. Missouri LLC Costs and Fees (2026)

Cost Item Amount Notes
Articles of Organization$50Online fee ($105 by mail)
Annual Report$0Not required for LLCs
Registered Agent$50–$150/yearRequired MO physical address
EINFreeApply at IRS.gov
Operating Agreement$0–$1,000Recommended, not legally required

4. How to Start a Missouri LLC (Step by Step)

  1. 1 Choose your LLC name (must include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.C.")
  2. 2 Appoint a registered agent with a Missouri physical address
  3. 3 File Articles of Organization with the MO Secretary of State ($50 online)
  4. 4 Obtain an EIN from the IRS (free at IRS.gov)
  5. 5 Draft an Operating Agreement (not filed, but legally binding)
  6. 6 Register with the MO Department of Revenue for sales/employer taxes (if needed)
  7. 7 Open a business bank account

5. Missouri Annual Report

Unlike corporations in Missouri (or LLCs in almost every other state), Missouri LLCs are not required to file an annual report. This means your ongoing state maintenance costs for the LLC entity itself are $0.

6. Missouri LLC Taxes (2026)

  • State income tax — Up to 4.95% top rate on pass-through profits
  • Federal income tax — Pass-through to personal return
  • Self-employment tax — 15.3% on net earnings
  • Sales tax — 4.225% state rate + local county/city additions (often pushing total rates to 8%–10%)

7. Best For / Not Best For

Best For

  • Entrepreneurs living and operating in Missouri
  • Founders wanting no annual reporting fees or filing requirements
  • Cost-sensitive startups ($50 formation, $0 maintenance)

Not Best For

  • Out-of-state owners without Missouri nexus