How To Start An LLC In Missouri In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Missouri, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Show-Me State.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn a commission from partner links on Simple LLCs. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Learn more about our review process.
Missouri stands out as one of the most LLC-friendly states in the nation. With a $50 online filing fee and no annual report requirements, Missouri eliminates the ongoing compliance burdens that plague business owners in other states. Located in the heart of America with access to major transportation networks, Missouri offers an ideal combination of low costs and strategic advantages for your business.
Our top pick for Missouri LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer fast processing for Missouri LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $50 Missouri state fee. With their expertise in Missouri business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Missouri LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Missouri LLC Services
Best Overall for Missouri ZenBusiness excels at Missouri LLC formation with their efficient 3-5 business day processing and deep knowledge of Missouri's straightforward requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your Missouri Secretary of State registration, and provide ongoing support. Since Missouri has no annual report requirements, their service focuses on formation accuracy and optional ongoing business support.
Best For:
Missouri entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and accurate filing
Pros
- Missouri LLC filing in 3-5 business days
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- No ongoing Missouri compliance required
- Expert support familiar with Missouri requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Missouri filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fastest Missouri Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers fast Missouri LLC formation with 3-5 business day processing. They provide a free Missouri registered agent for the first year. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their Missouri LLC formed quickly and appreciate the state's lack of ongoing compliance requirements.
Best For:
Missouri businesses needing the fastest possible formation
Pros
- Fast Missouri processing (3-5 business days)
- Free Missouri registered agent for first year
- No ongoing Missouri compliance requirements
- Dashboard tracks important business dates
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in MO LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Missouri business formation. Their attorney network includes Missouri-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Missouri businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing.
Best For:
Missouri businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Missouri law
- Rush filing available for Missouri (1-2 days)
- Comprehensive Missouri legal forms library
- Phone support with Missouri expertise
- 30+ years serving Missouri businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Missouri registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Missouri Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Missouri LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Missouri's diverse business landscape including agriculture, manufacturing, and creative industries. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Missouri business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Missouri creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Missouri business info
- Business cards with Missouri address
- 1-2 day Missouri processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Missouri business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for Missouri
Free Missouri Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Missouri LLC formation where you only pay the $50 state fee. They include a free Missouri registered agent for the first year and handle all Secretary of State filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Missouri entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Missouri entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Missouri LLC formation
- Free Missouri registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Missouri businesses
- Handles Missouri Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Missouri business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- Missouri registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Missouri LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Missouri Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach to LLC formation.
Best For:
Missouri entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Missouri businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Missouri Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Missouri LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for Missouri filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Missouri LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Missouri's $50 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Missouri LLC formation process.
Best For:
Missouri businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day Missouri formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Missouri-specific guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Missouri LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Missouri-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Missouri business needs.
Best For:
Missouri businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Missouri-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush Missouri processing available (additional fee)
- Missouri business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Missouri formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Missouri LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Missouri business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Missouri's specific LLC requirements.
Best For:
Missouri entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Missouri expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for Missouri
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Basic compliance tools included
- Personalized customer service
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the administrative aspects of Missouri business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Missouri businesses navigate regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized needs.
Best For:
Missouri businesses with complex needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Missouri compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
- Professional service approach
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Missouri LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a Missouri LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Missouri businesses
- ✓ Missouri Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a Missouri street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with Missouri Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Missouri but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Compliance: No annual report required in Missouri
Missouri LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $50 online / $105 paper filing
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: Not required in Missouri
- • Business License: Varies by city/county ($50-$400)
- • Name Reservation: $25 (optional)
Missouri LLC Timeline
- • Name Availability: Instant online check via Missouri Secretary of State
- • Online Processing: 3-5 business days
- • Paper Processing: 3-4 weeks plus mail time
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 3-5 business days with online filing
Why Form Your LLC in Missouri?
Low Costs & Simple Compliance
- • $50 online filing fee (one of the lowest)
- • No annual report requirements
- • No annual fees to the state
- • Minimal ongoing compliance burdens
Strategic Location
- • Central US location for distribution
- • Access to major transportation networks
- • Within a day's drive of major markets
- • Strong regional economy
Business Environment
- • Diverse economic base
- • Strong manufacturing sector
- • Agricultural powerhouse
- • Business-friendly regulations
Privacy & Flexibility
- • Member privacy protection
- • Flexible management structures
- • Pass-through taxation
- • Strong asset protection
Missouri LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Missouri?
The Missouri state filing fee is $50 for online filing or $105 for paper filing. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service). Unlike many states, Missouri has no annual report fee, making it extremely cost-effective for ongoing operation. Most Missouri entrepreneurs spend between $50-$400 total to form their LLC.
Do I need a registered agent for my Missouri LLC?
Yes, Missouri law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Missouri street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Missouri address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Many formation services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Missouri?
Missouri processes online LLC filings in 3-5 business days, making it one of the faster states for LLC formation. Paper filings take 4-6 weeks including mail time. With formation services like ZenBusiness or Bizee, you can have your Missouri LLC approved in 3-5 business days. This speed, combined with no ongoing compliance requirements, makes Missouri ideal for entrepreneurs who need to get their business up and running quickly.
Does Missouri require an annual report for LLCs?
No, Missouri is one of the few states that does not require LLCs to file annual reports. This eliminates ongoing compliance burdens and saves you both time and money each year. Once your Missouri LLC is formed, you have minimal state-level compliance requirements, making it easier to focus on running your business rather than paperwork.
Can I form a Missouri LLC if I don't live in Missouri?
Yes, you don't need to be a Missouri resident to form a Missouri LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a Missouri street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Missouri LLCs?
Your Missouri LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability through the Missouri Secretary of State website. Certain words may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for 60 days for a $25 fee if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular Missouri Cities for LLCs
- • Kansas City
- • Overland Park
- • Independence
- • Lee's Summit
- • St. Louis
- • St. Charles
- • Florissant
- • Chesterfield
- • Columbia
- • Jefferson City
- • Springfield
- • Sedalia
- • Joplin
- • Cape Girardeau
- • St. Joseph
- • Blue Springs
Ready to Start Your Missouri LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Missouri LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.