Missouri LLC Costs in 2026: Start, Maintain & Taxes

Forming a Missouri LLC costs $50 if you file online, or $105 if you file by paper or mail. These are the Missouri Secretary of State filing fees, before optional costs like a registered agent service, business licenses, or professional help. This guide covers the most common Missouri LLC expenses: formation (online vs paper), DBA or fictitious name, name reservation, certificates of good standing, and Missouri’s closing costs if you ever need to shut the LLC down. It is written for founders and small business owners who want a realistic budget, whether you file yourself or use a service.

Missouri LLC Filing Fees (Formation)

Forming your LLC in Missouri is pleasantly simple: file the Missouri Articles of Organization (see our Missouri LLC formation guide), decide who’ll act as your registered agent, and grab an EIN. The state strongly incentivizes online filing with a lower filing fee than mail, and most “extras” (DBA, name reservation, certified copies) are low-cost or optional. Below is a tight snapshot of what you’ll actually pay to get from idea → active company.

Quick snapshot: formation costs

Speed tip: Online approvals are typically much faster than mail (third-party trackers often report ~same-day to 24 hours), but exact timing depends on state workload. If timing is critical, file online.

Articles of Organization Filing Fee

Here’s the apples-to-apples view of the filing fee to create your LLC in Missouri by submitting the Missouri Articles of Organization:

Processing times fluctuate. Missouri encourages online filing and notes that many online filings are processed immediately after submission, but timing can still vary depending on workload and system conditions. For details and typical ranges, see how long it takes to get an LLC in Missouri.

Registered Agent Requirement & Cost Range

Missouri law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent and a physical address in the state (no PO Boxes). This is where lawsuits and state notices are delivered.

• You can serve as your own agent (cost $0), but you must be available during business hours at the address in Missouri.
• Professional registered agent service typically runs ~$100–$300/year; examples: Northwest ($125/yr), LegalZoom ($249/yr), ZenBusiness (promo ~$99 first year, then $199/yr). Choose on features, not just price. For vetted picks and pricing, see our best registered agent in Missouri.

Operating Agreement (DIY template vs attorney-drafted)

Missouri is one of the few states where the LLC statute says the members shall adopt an operating agreement. It is still an internal document, and the Missouri Secretary of State will not accept an operating agreement for filing. Keep it with your company records.

• DIY route (free to low-cost): Many owners start with a reputable template and customize the sections for ownership, management, voting, transfers, and tax elections. If you mention a provider template (like Northwest), frame it as an example, not the only option.

• Attorney-drafted: Costs vary by complexity, but many owners budget roughly $600 to $1,500+ for custom drafting and review. The main upside is clarity and conflict prevention, especially if you have multiple members, outside investors, or non-standard profit splits.

Why it matters: A signed operating agreement helps reinforce limited liability boundaries, clarifies decision-making, and many banks prefer to see one when opening a business bank account.

EIN from The IRS

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is free from the IRS. Apply online; don’t pay third parties just to get a number.

You’ll need an EIN if you:

• hire employees or owe certain federal excise taxes,
• have multiple members or elect corporate taxation, or
• your bank asks for it to open a bank account (common).

Name Reservation and DBA/trade name (optional fees)

If you are not ready to form your LLC yet, you can reserve a name for $25. In Missouri, a reservation holds the name for 60 days and you can renew it for two additional 60-day periods for a maximum of 180 days total. After you have reserved the same name for the full 180 days, Missouri says you cannot reserve that name again, so do not reserve too early.

If you plan to operate under a brand name that is different from your LLC’s legal name, Missouri handles this through a fictitious name registration (DBA) for $7. You can register online or by mail, and Missouri notes that a fictitious name filing does not give exclusive rights to the name.

*Before you file or reserve, run a quick Missouri business name search to confirm availability.

Certified Copies & Certificate of Good Standing

Banks, lenders, partners, and some agencies sometimes ask for certified copies or a certificate of good standing to verify your company is active and compliant.

• Certificate of Good Standing: $10 (from the state). Useful for loans and cross-state (foreign) registrations.
• Certified copies: $10 (online flat) or $10 + $0.50/page (paper). Handy when a counterparty demands original-quality proof of your Articles of Organization or amendments.
• For banking, plan to bring formation documents; some banks also request good standing, requirements vary by institution.

Missouri LLC Ongoing Costs, Taxes & Licenses

Once your LLC in Missouri is active, the best part is the low, predictable maintenance. There’s no annual report to the Secretary of State for Missouri LLCs, and there’s no state-level franchise tax on LLCs. Your ongoing costs are mainly your registered agent (if you use a commercial one), and whatever state/local tax filings and business licenses and permits your operations trigger. For a broader checklist beyond LLC formation (structure choices, permits, and taxes), see our step-by-step Missouri business startup guide.

Quick snapshot: ongoing costs

For the upside beyond fees, see LLC tax benefits, a quick rundown of pass-through treatment and when S-corp election makes sense.

Annual / Periodic State Filings

Good news: Missouri LLCs do not file an annual report and pay no annual LLC fee to the Secretary of State (Corporations do file annual/biennial reports; that requirement does not apply to LLCs). Also, Missouri’s corporate franchise tax was repealed for tax years beginning January 1, 2016, so there’s no state-level franchise tax on your LLC. Budget $0 for state LLC reporting.

Registered Agent Renewal

Every Missouri LLC must maintain a registered agent and registered office with a physical Missouri address (no P.O. boxes). If you’re your own agent, renewal cost is $0; hiring a registered agent service typically runs ~$100–$300 per year depending on features (mail scans, compliance alerts, privacy). Either way, keep the agent current to avoid missed legal notices.

Sales & Use Tax

Missouri’s Department of Revenue explains that sales tax can apply to retail sales of tangible personal property and certain services. Missouri’s state sales tax rate is 4.225%, and local taxes may also apply, so the total rate can be higher depending on location.

For timing, Missouri DOR states that filing frequency is assigned, and returns are generally due by the last day of the month after the period for monthly and quarterly filers, with annual returns due January 31. DOR also notes that licensed sellers must file returns even when there are no sales for a period. You can file through the MyTax Missouri portal.

For remote and online sellers, Missouri DOR’s guidance states that remote sellers and marketplace facilitators must collect and remit vendor’s use tax when gross receipts from taxable Missouri sales exceed $100,000 in a calendar year (effective January 1, 2023).

This is general information, not tax advice. A Missouri tax professional can confirm what applies to your specific business.

Employer Taxes

If you hire employees in Missouri:

• Withholding tax: Register with DOR (often via Form 2643 or online). File/pay using MO-941 on your assigned schedule (monthly/quarterly/annual) through MyTax Missouri. If you’d rather outsource payroll, HR, and compliance, consider a PEO – start with our overview of Missouri PEO companies.
• Unemployment insurance (UI): You become liable if, among other tests, you pay $1,500+ in wages in a calendar quarter or have an employee in 20 different weeks in a year. Notify the Division of Employment Security within 30 days and file quarterly via UInteract. Rates vary by employer and industry (new-employer vs. experience).

Local Licenses / Permits

Missouri encourages you to check local rules. Many cities/counties require a business license and may impose local taxes. Two common examples:

• Kansas City (KCMO): Most businesses need a KCMO business license; the city also imposes a 1% earnings tax on business profits and wages for work done in the city.
• St. Louis (City): Many businesses need a Graduated Business License (GBL) (fees vary; new-business initial fee often $200 if starting June 1–Jan 1, or $100 if after Jan 1). The city also levies a 1% earnings tax with specific employer withholding forms.

Other localities (e.g., Olivette, Ferguson) publish their own license charts and occupancy permits. Always verify your city/county’s checklist before opening.

Optional & Situational Costs

Not every Missouri LLC needs these extras, but many real-world startups budget for them anyway, especially if you want professional help, brand protection, or a credible online presence for your business. Use the snapshot below to ballpark costs, then dive into the details to decide what’s worth it for your company. If you’re in a licensed profession (law, medicine, accounting), review LLC vs PLLC to confirm the correct entity and avoid refiles.

Quick snapshot: optional & situational costs

Formation Services, Attorneys, and CPA Advisory

Formation services (popular filing platforms) typically handle the paperwork end-to-end:

• prepare & file your Articles with the state,
• include name search, document downloads, and basic reminders,
• upsell registered agent service, EIN help, and compliance add-ons.
  Expect entry-level promos from $0 + state fee, and common flat tiers from $39–$299 depending on bundle depth. These are convenience buys, faster for beginners, but you can always file yourself directly with the state.
  Not sure which provider fits? Start with our Northwest vs ZenBusiness comparison.

Attorneys in Missouri step in when you need customized terms, member buy-sell language, special allocations, IP assignments, or help in regulated industries. Expect roughly $188–$508 per hour, with an average near $300/hr; many firms now offer limited-scope or flat-fee packages for routine formations so you can control scope and cost.

CPAs and advisors cover the financial backbone: accounting setup, payroll tax IDs, S-corp elections, quarterly estimates, and ongoing advisory. Budget around $150–$400+ per hour, or choose bundled Client Accounting Services at roughly $750–$2,500+ per month depending on volume, complexity, and deliverables.

Trademark / State Mark Filings and Brand Protection Costs

Missouri state mark: Filing is $55 per class, and state registration secures certain rights inside Missouri. The SOS notes a 10-year term with renewal available. State marks are faster/cheaper but don’t replace nationwide protection.

Federal trademark (USPTO): As of Jan 18, 2025, TEAS Plus/Standard was replaced by a single base application fee of $350 per class, with added surcharges for incomplete/custom goods & services identifications; post-registration fees also increased (e.g., Section 8 now $325/class). File if you plan to sell beyond Missouri or on national marketplaces.

Tip: Start with a knockout search (USPTO TESS + marketplace check). If budget is tight, you can file state now and federal later, just be aware that federal priority is based on filing/use dates.

Apostille & Authentication for Out-of-country Use

If your LLC documents (e.g., Certificate of Good Standing, certified Articles) will be used outside the U.S., many counterparts will ask for a Missouri apostille (for Hague-member countries) or an authentication (for non-Hague). Missouri’s Secretary of State charges $10 per certification/authentication and provides instructions, cover letter, and credit-card form. The certificate confirms the authority of Missouri public officials on your document.

Note: States can only authenticate documents issued or notarized within that state; out-of-state documents must go back to the issuing state’s SOS.

Domain, Website, Bookkeeping, and Business Email

A credible online footprint isn’t a state fee, but it is a real startup cost. Budget for the basics: your domain, website/hosting, business email, and simple bookkeeping, so clients can find you, trust you, and pay you. The ranges below are lean but realistic for Year 1; you can always start small and upgrade as your traffic and revenue grow.

• Domain name: Budget $10–$20/year for a standard .com; “at-cost” registrars can be a touch lower, specialty TLDs higher.
• Website:
  • All-in-one builders commonly run $16–$99/month (annual billing) depending on ecommerce, templates, and bandwidth.
  • DIY WordPress + shared hosting can be $3–$20/month for basic plans (prices can rise at renewal).
• Business email (Google Workspace): recent published retail rates cluster around ~$8.40–$26.40 per user/month across Business Starter → Plus tiers (region & promos may vary).
• Bookkeeping software: QuickBooks Online commonly lists $19–$115+/month depending on plan (Simple Start → Advanced).

Cost Scenarios & Budgets

You’ve seen every line item; now let’s put the pieces together. Below are four LLC formation budget paths (from no-frills DIY to a white-glove attorney package) using up-to-date Missouri fees and typical market rates for extras. Where helpful, I show both online filing (cheapest) and a mail-in alternative. (Still choosing your entity? Compare LLP vs LLC to make sure you’re budgeting for the right structure).

Scenario 1 – DIY, no registered agent service (leanest)

Who it fits: You want the absolute minimum spend, you’ll serve as your own registered agent at a Missouri physical address, and you’ll draft your required operating agreement yourself.

First-year total (online): $51.25
Mail-in alternative: $105 (no convenience fee; plus postage).

Tip: If you qualify for Startup for Soldiers, the state waives the filing fee, your online total drops to just the payment processor fee.

Scenario 2 – DIY + commercial registered agent (privacy & reliability)

Who it fits: You want to keep your home address off public records and ensure someone is always available during business hours.

First-year total (online): $151.25–$351.25
Next-year (ongoing): $100–$300 (agent renewal). State annual LLC report/fee: $0.

Scenario 3 – Lean pro package (promo formation + first-year agent)

Who it fits: You want a streamlined setup, professional prep/filing, and your registered agent service included the first year.

First-year total (online): $51.25–$90.25
Next-year (ongoing): ~$125–$199 for agent renewal (no state annual LLC fee).

Scenario 4 – Attorney-led, full-service formation (premium)

Who it fits: You want bespoke documents, risk planning, and counsel (e.g., multi-member terms, special allocations, IP assignments, regulated industries).

First-year total (online): $651.25–$1,851.25 (add $100–$300 if you choose a commercial agent)
Next-year (ongoing): $0 to the state; $100–$300 if maintaining a paid agent.

Foreign (Out-of-State) LLC Costs in Missouri

Expanding into Missouri? You’ll register as a foreign LLC with the state, appoint a Missouri registered agent, and attach a recent certificate of good standing from your home state. Missouri keeps fees simple, and most filings can be handled online. Still deciding where to form? Read our guide to the best states to form an LLC before you register.

Quick snapshot: foreign LLC costs

Registering a Foreign LLC

Expanding an out-of-state LLC into Missouri is usually straightforward. You qualify as a foreign LLC, submit the LLC-4 application, and follow Missouri naming and registered agent rules. The two items that most often prevent delays are a properly timed certificate of good standing and a clean “Missouri use name” if your legal name cannot be used as-is.

• File LLC-4 with the Missouri Secretary of State and pay $105. List the name you will use in Missouri. If your home-state name is not available in Missouri or it lacks an LLC designator, enter a compliant alternate name in Line 2. That becomes your Missouri use name.
• Attach a current certificate of good standing or existence from your formation state that is dated within 60 days of filing. This timing requirement is easy to miss, so do not order the certificate too early.
• Appoint a registered agent with a Missouri street address, not a P.O. Box. If you fail to maintain a registered agent, Missouri can cancel the registration.
• Optional brand use: if you will market under a separate trade name, file a fictitious name.

Ongoing Compliance in Missouri vs Your Home State

Qualifying in Missouri adds obligations here without replacing those in your formation state. Think of it as two checklists: keep your Missouri agent/office current and handle state/local taxes, while still filing any home-state annual reports or franchise taxes on schedule.

• Missouri: No LLC annual report; keep your agent/office current and handle taxes/licenses that apply to your operations here.
• Home state: You must still meet your home state’s ongoing obligations (e.g., annual report/franchise tax) because your LLC’s legal home doesn’t change. Check your home state SOS for due dates/fees.

Common add-ons (Certificates, Agent Changes, Amendments)

Banks, agencies, and counterparties often ask for extra proof or updates. The good news: Missouri’s add-on filings are quick and inexpensive (certificates, agent changes, amendments, and withdrawals carry modest fixed fees you can budget for up front).

• Certificate of Good Standing (MO): $10; Certified copies: $10 online or $10 + $0.50/page paper.
• Change registered agent/office: $10 (Corp. 59).
• Amend a foreign LLC: $25 (LLC-14), with a 60-day certificate of existence.
• Cancel/withdraw foreign registration: $25 (LLC-8).

Penalties & Late Fees

Missouri is forgiving, but not laissez-faire. The SOS can administratively cancel an LLC (domestic or foreign) for issues like failing to maintain a registered agent or failing to pay required filing fees, with notice and a chance to cure. Late filing fees may also apply.

Quick snapshot: penalties & fixes

Missed Filings or Deadlines

Under RSMo §347.183, the SOS may cancel your LLC for failing to keep an agent, pay required fees, or comply with Chapter 347. The statute authorizes late filing fees of $10 for each 30-day period and allows rescission/reinstatement after you correct the cause and pay required amounts.

If cancellation occurs, Missouri can rescind it when you submit the cure documents and pay the reinstatement and delinquency amounts the SOS determines are due (the statute outlines the reinstatement authority and fee requirement). Always read the instructions sent with the SOS notice.

Failure to Maintain a Registered Agent

If you don’t maintain a registered agent/office, the SOS can accept service and cancel a foreign LLC’s registration after notice. Don’t risk default judgments, file the agent change form and keep a reliable mailing address in Missouri.

Rejected or Returned Filings

Most rejections are avoidable (name conflicts, missing signatures, wrong LLC designator). For high-stakes filings, Missouri offers preclearance examination for $55, where staff review your document before you formally file.

Payment / Portal Surcharges and How to Avoid Surprises

When you file or order certificates online, expect a 2% + $0.25 card fee or $0.50 e-check fee via the state vendor. Tip: use e-check for a predictable flat cost. (Some DOR/DOL payments use similar rates.)

FAQs – Missouri LLC Costs

Here’s a fast, practical FAQ to clear up the most common money questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in Missouri. Each answer is brief (but complete), cites official sources, and points out any “gotchas” like online filing surcharges or documents you’ll be asked for later.