Fifty dollars. That’s the state filing fee if you follow the steps below on how to start an LLC in Missouri and file online. Filing on paper costs $105, according to the Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division fee schedule.
To form the LLC, you file Articles of Organization with that office. You can do it yourself, get your EIN free from the IRS, and write your own operating agreement. A formation service is optional. Here’s the full checklist and what each piece costs.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Missouri state filing fee is $50 online or $105 on paper.
- Missouri’s fee schedule for LLCs lists no annual report filing.
- An EIN is free from the IRS. You never have to pay for one.
- A formation service is optional, and you’d still pay the state fee on top of its price.
How to Start an LLC in Missouri: The Short Answer
You choose a name, appoint a registered agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division. That’s the legal birth of your LLC.
After that, you get an EIN, set up an operating agreement, and open a business bank account. The state filing fee is the minimum cost of forming a Missouri LLC.
Missouri LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (online) | $50 | Once, at formation |
| Articles of Organization (paper) | $105 | Once, at formation |
| Annual report | None listed | None |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Whenever you need it |
Sources: Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division fee schedule and the IRS. Figures were current as of October 11, 2026. Fees can change, so confirm on the Secretary of State’s website before you file.
Step-by-Step: How to Start an LLC in Missouri
An LLC (limited liability company) is a business structure registered with the state. It’s designed to keep your business’s debts separate from your personal finances. The owners are called members.
1. Choose and Check Your Business Name
Use the business name search on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website to see whether your name is taken. Look for similar names too, not just exact matches.
Missouri may require a designator such as “LLC” in your name. Check the Secretary of State’s website for the current naming rules. Also confirm the matching web domain and social handles are available before you commit.
2. Appoint a Registered Agent
A registered agent is the person or company that receives official legal and state mail for your LLC. You can serve as your own agent, ask someone you trust, or hire a registered agent service. Check the Secretary of State’s website for the current requirements on who can serve.
Pick someone who’ll reliably be reachable during business hours. A missed legal notice is a headache you don’t need.
3. File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates your LLC. You file it with the Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Online filing costs $50 and paper costs $105, so online is the cheaper route.
Have this information ready:
- Your LLC’s name
- Your registered agent’s name and address
- Your organizer’s information (the person filing)
- Any other details the form asks for
Check the Corporations Division’s website for current processing times.
Here’s an illustration. Say you’re forming a one-person LLC for a freelance design business. You search the name, list yourself as registered agent, file online, and pay the $50 state fee. That’s your entire government cost for formation.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC is run: who owns what, how profits are shared, and who makes decisions. Check the Secretary of State’s website to confirm whether Missouri requires you to file it. Even if it isn’t filed, written terms help show your LLC is a separate business.
A single-member LLC can usually use a short, simple agreement. With partners, put in writing how ownership, money, and a member leaving will be handled. For complicated situations, consider having an attorney review it.
5. Get a Free EIN From the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business’s federal tax ID. According to the IRS, you can get one directly from the agency in minutes, for free, and you never have to pay a fee for it. Apply only at IRS.gov.
Sites that charge for an EIN are charging for something the IRS gives away. You’ll typically need your LLC’s formation details and a responsible party’s information. To see how your LLC is taxed and when an S corporation election makes sense, read our guide to LLC vs. S corp differences.
6. Open a Business Bank Account
Once you have your formation documents and EIN, open an account in the LLC’s name. Keeping business and personal money separate is one of the simplest ways to show your LLC is a real, separate entity.
Online business banking is one option. Novo is an online business checking provider that many freelancers and small businesses look at. Compare fees, features, and requirements with your local bank or credit union before you choose.
7. Check for Local Licenses and Tax Registrations
Forming the LLC doesn’t by itself cover every license you may need. Depending on your business, you might need city or county licenses, a sales tax registration, or industry-specific permits. Check with your city or county and the relevant Missouri state agencies. The SBA’s guides at SBA.gov also explain licenses and permits.
For the big picture, see our 7-step start here guide.
Do It Yourself vs. a Formation Service
The DIY Route
- State filing fee: $50 online
- Operating agreement: your own time
- EIN: $0
- Total first-year cost: $50, plus a registered agent fee only if you hire one
The Service Route
- State filing fee: $50 online (you still pay this to the state)
- Service fee: varies by provider and package
- Total: $50 plus the service fee
A formation service files the paperwork for you. Some bundle extras such as registered agent service, an operating agreement template, or EIN help. Bizee is one such service. Check its site for current packages and pricing, and read what’s included before you buy. Our walkthrough of incorporating with Bizee shows how the process works.
A service can genuinely help if:
- You want someone else to handle the filing and paperwork
- You’d rather not list your home address and want a registered agent at a business address
- You’d like reminders and document storage in one place
You can skip a service if you’re comfortable filling out a short online form. And you never need to pay anyone for an EIN. To compare options side by side, see our best LLC formation services roundup.
Keeping Your Missouri LLC in Good Standing
Missouri’s official fee schedule for LLCs lists no annual report filing, according to the Secretary of State, Corporations Division. So there’s no yearly state report fee or due date to track.
Don’t coast, though. A few habits keep you in good shape:
- Keep your registered agent current. If your agent or address changes, check the Secretary of State’s website for how to update it.
- Keep records. Store your Articles of Organization, operating agreement, and EIN confirmation letter together.
- Keep finances separate. Use the business account for business transactions only.
- Watch other obligations. Federal and state tax filings, local licenses, and sales tax registrations are separate from the formation filing.
- Recheck the rules. Requirements and fees change, so check the Secretary of State’s site now and then.
Comparing costs elsewhere? See our LLC filing fees by state page.
FAQ: Starting an LLC in Missouri
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Missouri?
According to the Missouri Secretary of State’s fee schedule, filing the Articles of Organization costs $50 online or $105 on paper. The EIN is free from the IRS. Anything else, like a registered agent service or formation service, is optional.
Does Missouri require an annual report for LLCs?
Missouri’s official fee schedule for LLCs lists no annual report filing. Check the Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division’s website for any updates.
Do I need a lawyer or formation service to form a Missouri LLC?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself on the Secretary of State’s website. A service is optional, and you pay the state fee either way.
Where do I get an EIN for my Missouri LLC?
Apply directly with the IRS at IRS.gov. According to the IRS, an EIN is free and you never have to pay a fee for one.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Often, yes. You can serve as your own registered agent, appoint someone you trust, or hire a service. Check the Missouri Secretary of State’s website for the current requirements.
Your Next Step
Ready to file? Start with the name search on the Secretary of State’s site, then work through our 7-step start here guide as your checklist.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
