How to start an LLC in Missouri
Missouri is one of the few states that has no annual or biennial report for an LLC to file with the Secretary of State once it is formed. That keeps ongoing paperwork light, but Missouri law makes up for it in one specific place: every LLC is required by statute to adopt an operating agreement, even though it is never filed with the state. This guide covers the filing itself, the registered agent rules, and the Department of Revenue registrations that actually do recur every year.
Missouri LLC facts at a glance
| Official filing agency | Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division |
|---|---|
| Formation document | Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) |
| State filing fee | $50 |
| Filing methods | Online through the Secretary of State's business filing system, Mail to Jefferson City |
| Typical processing (recent) | 3-5 business days |
| Typical expedited processing | 24 hours for an extra $25 |
| Registered agent | Required continuously under RSMo 347.030. The LLC must maintain a registered office and a registered agent, either an individual Missouri resident or an entity authorized to do business in Missouri. |
| No annual report required | No fee, due N/A |
| Late penalty | N/A |
| State-level business tax | No franchise tax on LLCs. 4% corporate income tax if C-Corp elected. |
| Publication requirement | None |
| Articles of Organization fee | $50 when filed online through the Secretary of State's business filing system; $105 when filed on paper by mail, as printed on Form LLC-1 |
| Annual report | None. Missouri does not require a domestic LLC to file an annual or biennial report with the Secretary of State. |
| Operating agreement requirement | Required by statute under RSMo 347.081. The member or members must adopt an operating agreement, though it is not filed with the state. |
Processing times reflect recent official guidance and change often. Check the Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division current processing calendar before you rely on a date.
File it yourself
Missouri accepts filings directly from business owners. You do not need us, or any other company, to form your LLC. Here is the official portal.
Missouri Secretary of State's online business filing systemThe Missouri lessons
- 1Name your Missouri LLCDesignator wording, the distinguishable name standard, and checking availability before you file.
- 2Appoint your Missouri registered agentWho can serve under RSMo 347.030, the address requirement, and keeping the appointment current.
- 3File the Articles of OrganizationForm LLC-1, the $50 online fee versus the $105 paper fee, and what happens right after approval.
- 4Get an EIN and open a bank accountThe free IRS EIN, registering with the Department of Revenue, and separating business money.
- 5Missouri state taxes, licences and permitsPass-through income tax on members, sales and withholding registration, and local licensing.
- 6Stay compliant in MissouriWhy there is no annual report, keeping the registered agent current, and renewing licences and permits.
Related Gullia Filing pages
Or let us file your Missouri LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Official sources
- Missouri Secretary of State: LLC fees and forms
- Missouri Secretary of State: Form LLC-1, Articles of Organization
- Missouri Secretary of State: business FAQs
- Missouri Secretary of State: general business services and filings
- Revised Statutes of Missouri 347.081: operating agreement
- Revised Statutes of Missouri 347.030: registered office and agent
- Missouri Department of Revenue: business tax registration
- Missouri Department of Revenue: Form 2643, tax registration application
- IRS: apply for an Employer Identification Number
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team, Corporate formation specialists and registered agents