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How do I form an LLC in Missouri?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Missouri LLCs are governed by the Missouri Limited Liability Company Act, Mo. Rev. Stat. Chapter 347.

1. Filing Fee and Processing Time

  • Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1): $50 online ($105 by paper) with the Missouri Secretary of State.
  • Processing: Same-day for online filings; 5-7 business days by mail.
  • Online filing is significantly cheaper, encouraged by the SOS.

    • 2. Name Reservation

  • Optional. 60-day reservation for $25 ($7 online). Name must include "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "LLC," "L.L.C.," "LC," or "L.C." (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.020).

    • 3. Registered Agent

  • Required under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.030.
  • Must be a Missouri resident individual OR an entity authorized to do business in Missouri, with a Missouri street address.

    • 4. Operating Agreement — REQUIRED in Missouri

  • Required by statute (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.081(1)) — Missouri is one of the few states where members must adopt an operating agreement.
  • May be oral or written, though written is strongly recommended.
  • NOT filed with the state.
  • Failure to adopt does not invalidate the LLC, but defaults under Chapter 347 apply.

    • 5. NO Annual Report

  • Missouri does NOT require an annual report for LLCs — one of the easiest states for ongoing maintenance.

    • 6. State Taxes

  • Missouri has a graduated individual income tax with a top rate of 4.7% (2025, declining further) on pass-through LLC income.
  • LLCs taxed as C-corps pay 4.0% Missouri corporate income tax (since 2020).
  • Sales and use tax registration if selling taxable goods.

    • 7. Federal EIN

  • Required for multi-member LLCs and any LLC with employees.

    • 8. Professional LLCs

  • Missouri does not have a separate professional LLC statute — licensed professionals form a regular LLC subject to licensure board rules.

    • 9. Local Business Licenses

  • Most Missouri municipalities (St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield) require local business licenses and may impose local earnings taxes (St. Louis 1%, Kansas City 1%).

    • 10. Missouri Department of Revenue Registration

  • Register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for state tax accounts within 20 days of starting business (Form 2643 or online).

    • This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You want to ensure your operating agreement satisfies Missouri's mandatory adoption requirement
    • You are operating in St. Louis or Kansas City and trigger local earnings tax
    • You are forming a multi-state LLC and need to navigate Missouri's foreign qualification
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.020
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.030
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.039
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.081
    • Mo. Rev. Stat. § 347.143

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.