How to Form an LLC in Missouri (2026): Real Costs, Real Steps

Missouri makes LLC formation straightforward with no publication requirement and a flat $50 filing fee. You'll file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, designate a registered agent with a Missouri street address, and obtain an EIN from the IRS. Missouri doesn't tax pass-through LLC income at the entity level—members report their share on personal returns. The state requires no annual report, but LLCs must file periodic reports on even-numbered years (every two years) for a modest fee. Total first-year cost typically runs $175-200 when using a commercial registered agent, making Missouri one of the more affordable states for new business owners.

Year-1 Cost Table

Missouri LLC year-1 cost breakdown (2026)
Item Cost Source
Articles of Organization (state filing fee) $50 cite
Biennial Report (due in even years only) $0 (first year); $10 thereafter cite
Registered Agent (Northwest Registered Agent) $125/year cite
Same-day expedite (optional) $25 cite
Typical Year 1 Total $175 cite

The 6 Steps

  1. Step 1: File Articles of Organization

    Submit the formation document to the Missouri Secretary of State. See the cost table above for the current filing fee.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent

    Every Missouri LLC needs a registered agent with a Missouri street address. You can serve yourself, but most founders use a commercial RA — Northwest is our default pick.

  3. Step 3: Get an EIN (Federal Employer Identification Number)

    Apply with the IRS using your stamped Articles of Organization. Free, takes 5 minutes online.

  4. Step 4: Adopt an Operating Agreement

    Required by best practice — banks routinely request it before opening business accounts.

  5. Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account

    Mercury for software/online businesses; a local credit union for cash-heavy retail. Keep personal and business finances separate from day one.

  6. Step 6: File State Tax Registrations

    Register for Missouri state taxes (sales tax permit, payroll registration if you have employees, etc.) before you transact.

Recommended Tools

Northwest vs ZenBusiness for Missouri LLCs

Verdict (as of 2026): Northwest Registered Agent is our default pick for Missouri LLCs. They publish a Missouri-specific registered-agent page (linked in the cost table) and do not upsell add-ons at checkout. ZenBusiness wins only if you want bundled formation in a single flow.

Criterion Northwest ZenBusiness
Registered-agent only price (Missouri)$125/yr$199/yr
Bundled formationOptional add-onIncluded in formation plans
Privacy (address shielding)StrongStrong
Upsells at checkoutNoneSeveral
Annual-report filing service$100/yr add-on$199/yr add-on

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Missouri have an annual report requirement for LLCs?

No. Missouri requires a biennial report filed every two years in even-numbered years only. If you form in an odd year, your first report is due two years later. The fee is $10 and due by the last day of your registration anniversary month.

Does Missouri tax LLC income at the state level?

Missouri does not impose entity-level tax on LLCs taxed as partnerships or disregarded entities. Members pay state income tax on their distributive share at individual rates (currently 4.95% top rate). If you elect S-corp or C-corp status, corporate tax rules apply.

Do I need to publish my Missouri LLC formation in a newspaper?

No. Missouri has no publication requirement for LLCs, unlike states such as New York or Arizona. You simply file Articles of Organization and maintain a registered agent.

Can I use Northwest Registered Agent for my Missouri LLC?

Yes. Northwest Registered Agent provides Missouri registered agent service for $125/year and maintains a compliant street address in the state to receive legal documents and state correspondence on your behalf.

What bank should I use for my Missouri LLC?

Mercury offers business checking built for LLCs with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, FDIC insurance, and streamlined online account opening. Open your account at mercury.com after you receive your EIN.

Annual Filing Deadline

Missouri LLCs file a biennial report (not annual) in even-numbered years by the last day of your registration anniversary month; odd-year formations skip the first filing cycle, so a 2026 formation would first file in 2028.

Authoritative Sources

Other States

Skip the research — let AthenAI form your Missouri LLC