The process of forming an LLC is pretty simple. You’ll need to fill out some forms and pay a fee. But there are plenty of places where you can do it online. Here’s what you need to know about creating an LLC in Missouri.
Step 1: Find a Registered Agent
You’ll need to find someone who is willing to accept legal notices on behalf of your LLC. This person is called a registered agent. If you’re starting an LLC in Missouri, you’ll need to register with the Missouri Secretary of State. To start the process, go to mssos.mo.gov/businessregistration/articlesoforganization.aspx.
Step 2: Create Your Articles of Organization
After you’ve found a registered agent, you’ll need to create your articles of organization. These are the basic documents that describe your LLC. They include information like your name, address, date of formation, type of entity, members, and directors. Once you’ve filled out the form, print it out and mail it to the Missouri Secretary of State with $200.
Step 3: Pay Fees
Once the secretary of state receives your application, he’ll send you a bill for $50. After paying the fee, you’ll receive a certificate of incorporation. This document contains the same information as the articles of organization, plus additional details such as the date your LLC was formed.
If you’d rather use another method to create an LLC, check out Northwest Business Services. Their fees are lower than those offered by the Missouri Secretary of State, and they offer free initial consultations.
Table of Contents
File the Missouri articles of organization for your LLC.
A Missouri LLC is formed by filing articles of organization and paying $100.00. There are two types of LLCs: general and limited liability companies. An LLC is similar to a corporation; however, it does not require shareholders. Instead, there must be at least one member who owns 50% of the company. This person is called the manager. He/she manages the LLC, including making decisions about how money is spent and what projects are undertaken. In addition, he/she has complete control over the finances. If you want to form an LLC, you must file articles of organization with the Secretary of State. You can do this online or by mail. Once filed, you pay a fee of $100.00.
The name of the company is written on the Articles of Organization and includes the address where notices will be sent. The Articles of Organization include the following information:
• Name of LLC
• Address
• Manager(s) names
• Type of LLC (general or limited)
• Number of members
Step 1: Get Your Articles of Organization Forms
If you want to start a nonprofit, you’ll need to file some basic documents with the IRS. You’re probably already familiar with the standard 990 form, but there are actually two different types of articles of organization, depending on how you plan to use it. If you’re starting a 501(c)(3), you’ll need both. But if you just want to set up a separate legal entity for tax purposes, you’ll only need one. We’ve got step-by-step instructions to help you decide which type of article of organization you need.
Step 2: Fill Out the Articles of Organization
In order to register an entity with the state or county, you must fill out articles of organization with the appropriate authorities. You can find the forms online, or you can download them directly from the Secretary of State’s website.
The form includes questions about the name of the entity, how many shareholders it has, what type of entity it is, whether it is a domestic or foreign entity, and the address of the registered agent. If you are filing the articles of organization for the first time, there is no requirement that you pay anything upfront. However, if you already have a corporate charter, you must pay $25 for each additional shareholder.
You can choose to use a professional registered agent, such as LegalZoom, or you can do it yourself. There are several different ways to go about doing this, including hiring a lawyer or having someone else draft the documents.
If you decide to hire a registered agent, make sure that person is licensed to practice law in the state or territory where you intend to operate. Otherwise, he or she could potentially face penalties for practicing without a license.
Once you complete the paperwork, you will receive a certificate of registration. This document certifies that your entity is now officially.
Find Entity Name
Names, what records you need to keep, and how much liability protection you receive. For example, LLCs do not pay taxes, whereas corporations and partnerships pay income tax on profits.
Missouri law requires businesses to file articles of organization within 30 days of formation. This document contains information about the business’s owner(s), members, and managers. Register your business name with the secretary of state if you want to form a corporation.
You’ll need to decide on an appropriate name if you choose to incorporate it. Businesses incorporated under the laws of another state cannot operate in Missouri without a certificate of authority. In addition, entities formed outside Missouri cannot transact business in Missouri unless authorized to do so by statute.
You can buy an additional domain name to help protect your brand. However, buying a second domain name won’t necessarily prevent others from infringing on your trademarks.
Missouri allows you to register up to five different business names. Choose one that best represents your business. Avoid common words such as Incorporated, Corporation, and Limited Liability Company because others already register those terms.
Make sure your business name doesn’t infringe upon someone else’s trademark. Also, avoid using common names like Incorporated, Corporation, Limited Liability Company, Limited Partnership; Limited Liability Limited Partnership; and Ltd.
Don’t use common names like “Inc.” or “Corp.” because other companies register those terms.
If you are looking for a domain name, many companies online that claim to offer good deals. However, knowing how much money you are willing to spend before choosing one is important. If you do not want to pay too much, here are some tips to help you choose the best domain name.
1. Choose a Name You Will Use
You must make sure that the name you chose is something that you will use. For example, if you are planning to open a restaurant, you might consider naming it “The Restaurant” or “Restaurant X.” This way, people will easily remember it. In addition, it will save you money because you won’t have to buy another domain later.
2. Avoid Long Names
Long names are usually hard to remember. Even though you might think that long domain names look great, most people don’t prefer them. Also, if you decide to sell the domain name later on, you will lose money because the price of domains tends to increase over time.
3. Make Sure Your Name Is Unique
When choosing a domain name, make sure that it isn’t already taken. There are several tools online that allow you to check whether a particular domain name is available. For example, you can use GoDaddy’s Domain Checker tool.
Registered Agent Name and Address
A registered agent is someone who receives legal documents on behalf of a limited liability company (LLC). This person must accept legal documents sent to him or her on behalf of the company. He or she is considered a representative of the company and is responsible for accepting legal documents on behalf of the company and returning them to the sender. If you are filing articles of organization, you must list the name and address of the registered agent. You cannot change the registered agent once the articles of organization have been filed.
Governing Authority Type
Many entrepreneurs face early in their businesses, whether you want to manage your company yourself or allow others to do it for you. Do you let your family run things while you work on building up your brand? Or do you take over the reins and make sure everything runs smoothly?
There are pros and cons to both types of ownership structures. If you choose to be hands-off, you won’t have to worry about making difficult decisions or dealing with problems. But, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could lose money and waste resources. And if you choose to be hands-on, you’ll have to deal with the headaches of managing employees, customers, suppliers, and contractors.
In addition to deciding how much control you want to give up, there are some considerations you need to think about before choosing either option.
Ownership Structure Decisions
Ownership Structure Types
1. Family Business Ownership
2. Member/Manager Ownership
LLC Duration
An LLC can last indefinitely unless it is dissolved. This article explains how to set up an LLC and what happens when you dissolve it.
Name and Addresses of Organizers
The organizer must complete and submit Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to the IRS.
The organizer may use his/her personal Social Security number or another taxpayer identification number to identify himself/herself as the person responsible for paying employment taxes under Subchapter T of Chapter 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
If you are applying for an employer identification number for your organization, you must include your name, address, telephone number, and EIN application instructions with your SS-4 form. You can still use your social security number if you do not apply for an EIN.
You may pay the fee online at www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id96512,00.html or download it from the IRS Web site.
Series LLC Information (if applicable)
The Series LLC information section allows you to provide additional information about the entity, such as the name of the entity, date of formation, address, etc. This form will allow you to enter the following information:
1. Name of Entity – Enter the legal name of the entity. If the entity is a partnership, please use the names of the partners. If the entity is an association, please use the name of the organization.
2. Date of Formation – Enter the date the entity was formed.
3. Address – Please enter the street address where the entity is located.
4. County – Select the county where the entity is located from the drop down menu.
5. City – Select the city where the entity is located if different from the county selected above.
6. State/Province – Select the state or province where the entity is located using the drop down menu. If no location is specified, we will assume the entity is located in the United States.
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
To form a limited liability company, you must file the articles of organization online. In addition to filing the articles of organization online, there are two additional ways to file them. You can file the articles of organization by mail or via online submission.
The process of forming an LLC is simple. However, it is important to understand how each method works because another cannot use the documents filed by one method. If you choose to use the online option, you must complete the entire process within 30 days of creating your company. This includes filing the articles of organization, paying the $100 fee, and providing proof of payment.
If you choose to use the mail option, you must provide a check or money order payable to the Secretary of State. You do not need to pay the $100 fee; however, you must send the documents
Both methods require the same information. For example, both forms ask you to fill out the company’s name, the owners’ names, the location where the company will operate, and the date the company begins operations. Both forms also ask for the following information:
• Name of Company
• Address
• Telephone number
After your Missouri LLC is officially formed, here are some steps to take.
A Missouri LLC can be formed under either state or federal law. To form an LLC under state law, you must complete a Certificate of Organization form. This form must be filed with the Secretary of State and includes basic information about the entity such as name, address, date of formation, type of business, number of members, etc. Once the certificate is approved, it becomes public record. You can find out what documents are required by contacting the Secretary of State.
If you choose to form an LLC under federal law, you must fill out IRS Form SS-4. This form requires additional information, including the names of each member, the amount of capital contributed, the purpose of the corporation, the location where the business is conducted, the duration of the existence of the corporation and the filing status of the owners. The document must be signed by each owner and submitted to the IRS within 30 days of forming the LLC.
Once the LLC is officially formed, you will receive a copy of the Articles of Organization. These articles outline the powers and duties of the members of the LLC. Each member must sign the Articles of Organization to confirm their acceptance of those responsibilities.
Create an Operating Agreement
Your LLC doesn’t need to file its operating agreements with the Missouri secretary of states office. Starting a limited liability company (LLC), you don’t need to register it with the Missouri Secretary of States Office. You need to provide the registered agent’s name, address, and phone number. But, there is no requirement for an operating agreement. However, if you choose one, we recommend using our free sample operating agreement.
Get an EIN in Missouri
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is required if you plan on hiring employees or opening a business account. But don’t worry; it’s easy to get one. You’ll just need to fill out some paperwork and pay $200.
The Internal Revenue Service offers a free web tool called eFile that allows taxpayers to apply for an EIN without having to print anything out. Simply enter your information into the form and hit submit. If you’re eligible for a refund, you’ll receive a confirmation email within 24 hours.
If you already have an employer identification number, you can use it to register your business name. Once registered, you can add the EIN to your business profile on sites like Yelp, Facebook Marketplace, and Google My Business.
Open a Business Bank Account
If you are starting a business, it is important to open a business bank account. This way, you can protect yourself against lawsuits and creditors. You don’t want to mix your personal and business finances, because that could lead to problems down the road. If someone sues you, they might try to take money out of your personal account. They might even freeze your credit report. That makes it harder to start up again.
You should use a business bank that specializes specifically in serving small businesses. These banks typically offer better rates and lower fees than regular commercial banks. And they’re usually willing to work with you to set up your account.
Get Licenses and Permits
Federal licenses and permits are required by law for many types of businesses. They include federal licenses, such as those needed to operate a bank or a liquor store; state licenses, such as those needed for a restaurant or a barber shop; local licenses and permits such as those needed to open a nail salon or sell fireworks. Some businesses require multiple licenses and permits, while others do not.
State licenses and permits vary by state. For example, some states require a permit to operate a farm, while others don’t. In addition, some states allow you to self-certify your compliance with state laws, while others require you to hire a licensed attorney to review your documents.
Local licensing and permitting varies by city, town, county, and neighborhood. For example, cities often regulate where you can park your car, how loud your music can play, whether you can sell food out of your home, and what type of products you can sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to File Your MO Articles of Organization
The articles of organization for a corporation are filed with the Secretary of State. The articles must be filed within 30 days after incorporation, and the corporation is dissolved if they are not filed.
Do I need a certificate of good standing in Missouri?
If you are opening or operating a business, you need to be aware that the state of Missouri requires you to have a certificate of good standing. This official document from the Secretary of State’s office shows that your business has been properly incorporated and registered with the state.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
