Missouri LLC Costs in 2025: Start, Maintain & Taxes

How much does a Missouri LLC cost in 2025? The short answer: $50 to file online (or $105 by mail) to create your company, and $0 each year to the state, there’s no Missouri LLC annual report or state franchise tax. Most other expenses are optional or situational, like a $0–$300/year registered agent, a $7 DBA if you use a trade name, or local licenses and tax registrations depending on your activity. Below, you’ll find every required fee, common add-ons, and realistic first-year vs. ongoing budgets so you can plan with confidence.

Summary – Missouri LLC Cost (Start & Yearly)

If you want the numbers fast, here they are, clean and current for 2025. The major mandatory cost to form your Missouri LLC is the state filing fee; everything else depends on your industry, city/county, and whether you hire a registered agent service.

Quick totals:

• Start (one-time): $50 with online filing (or $105 by mail) to file the Missouri Articles of Organization. Credit-card payments include a small convenience fee.
• Yearly: $0 to the state, no annual fees and no annual report for a Missouri LLC. Budget only for local licenses/taxes if your business needs them.

Missouri LLC cost snapshot (2025)

Why the spread? Beyond the state fee, costs vary by locality and activity. Retailers or service sellers may need to register for Missouri sales/use tax (state rate 4.225% plus local add-ons), registration itself is handled through the Department of Revenue.

Want a simple budget line? For most business owners, the average cost to start is $50–$60 (online filing plus a small card fee). Annual state cost is $0.

You don’t need a formal business plan to file; if you’re moving fast, here’s how to form an LLC without a business plan.

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 (2025)

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 (online vs mail; processing time)

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. The state notes temporary delays during system upgrades; third-party trackers report “immediate” approvals online and ~4–6 weeks by mail, useful as a ballpark only. For details and typical ranges, see how long it takes to get an LLC in Missouri.

Pro tip: If speed matters, choose articles of organization online to avoid mail lag and get your stamped docs faster. Online filing also makes it simpler to grab receipts and download PDFs for your records. When you file, you’ll also be asked for a one-sentence business purpose clause, keep it lawful and broad so banking and licensing go smoothly.

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 that requires LLC members to adopt an operating agreement (internal document), but you do not file it with the Secretary of State. Keep it with your records.

• DIY route (free–low cost): Many owners create an operating agreement using reputable templates, then tailor clauses for ownership, management, voting, transfers, and tax elections. (Northwest offers a free template.)
• Attorney-drafted: Expect roughly $600–$1,500+ in Missouri depending on complexity; marketplace data shows ~$600–$750 averages. The upside is custom drafting that prevents costly disputes.

Why it matters: A signed LLC operating agreement helps preserve limited liability, clarifies roles, and many banks prefer to see one when opening a business bank account.

EIN from the IRS (free) and when you need it

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 & DBA/trade name (optional fees)

If you’re not ready to file, you can reserve a name for 60 days (extendable to 180 days) for $25. If you’ll operate under a brand different from your legal name, file fictitious name registration (DBA) for $7.

• Name reservation: $25; 60-day hold; can renew to 180 days.
• DBA (trade name): $7; handled with the state (online or paper).

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

Certified copies & Certificate of Good Standing (banking, loans, bids)

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.

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 (2025)

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 and their cost

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 (commercial vs self)

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 (when your LLC must register and file)

Register with the Missouri Department of Revenue if you make retail sales of taxable tangible personal property or certain services in Missouri. The state sales tax rate is 4.225%, and cities/counties can add local rates. Filing frequency (monthly, quarterly, annual) is assigned by DOR; monthly and quarterly returns are due the last day of the month after the period, and annual returns are due January 31. File online via MyTax Missouri.

Remote/online sellers: Missouri requires remote sellers and marketplace facilitators to collect and remit tax. Economic nexus generally applies at $100,000 in Missouri sales in the prior 12 months; marketplace facilitators have specific statutory duties. If all your marketplace sales are collected by the platform, you may still need to register for your own site or other channels.

Pro tips: Even with $0 due, licensed sellers must file returns for the assigned periods; quarter-monthly prepayments apply only to higher-volume sellers.

Employer taxes (withholding and unemployment insurance)

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 (city/county fees that may apply)

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 (2025)

Formation services, attorneys, and CPA advisory (what you get for the fee)

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 (typical ranges)

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 (2025)

Registering a foreign LLC (application fee, name issues, documents)

Expanding an out-of-state company into Missouri is simple: qualify as a foreign LLC, submit the LLC-4 application, and meet Missouri naming and agent rules. Have a recent certificate of good standing ready and confirm how your name will appear on Missouri records to avoid delays.

• File LLC-4 with the Missouri SOS and pay $105. List the name you’ll use in Missouri, if your home-state name isn’t available or lacks an LLC designator, enter a compliant alternate in line 2 (that’s your Missouri use name).
• Attach a current certificate of good standing/existence from your formation state (dated within 60 days).
• Appoint a registered agent with a Missouri street address (no P.O. Boxes). Failure to maintain an agent is grounds for cancellation of registration.
• Optional brand use: if you’ll market under a separate trade name, file a fictitious name ($7).

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 (2025)

Missed filings or deadlines (status impact and reinstatement steps)

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 (notices, administrative actions)

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 (fix-and-refile costs)

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.