Filing a Missouri LLC
Many first-time business owners find that it is much easier to file as an LLC that it is to register as another type of business. Additionally, a Missouri LLC can provide significant protection from corporate liabilities, protecting owners from debt accrued by the company. For these two reasons, entrepreneurs should strongly consider registering their business as an LLC.
Steps To Filing a Missouri LLC
Choose A Name
The first thing that an entrepreneur must do to form their Missouri LLC is choose a name. The state of Missouri requires LLCs to indicate their corporate structure in their name. For instance, Missouri LLC owners must include something like “Limited Liability Company” or “L.L.C.” in their company name. Additionally, LLC owners must ensure that the name they choose is not already in use by another entity. To prevent themselves from selecting a name that is already in use, entrepreneurs should use our Name Availability Check Page.
Choose A Registered Agent
After choosing a name, Missouri LLC owners must also select a registered agent. Registered agents accept legal correspondence on behalf of a company and are tasked with passing this information along to the LLC’s owners. It’s imperative that Missouri LLC owners choose a registered agent who is reliable and trustworthy, which is why many prefer to hire a third-party company to serve in this capacity, like DoMyLLC.
File Articles Of Organization & Pay Filing Fees
The process of forming an LLC begins when potential owners file Articles of Organization with the Corporations Division. There is a $50 fee to do so unless owners decide to submit paper filings. At this point, the price would jump to $105. The forms also contain critical information, such as:
- Name of the company
- Purpose for organization
- Name and address of the registered agent
- Who vests management responsibilities
- Dissolution date, if desired
- Dissolution date, if desired
- Whether the LLC chooses to establish a designated series in its operating agreement
- Names and address of the organizers
- Effective date
- Signature of the person filing the document
File Initial Report
In addition to the Articles of Organization, businesses must also file an Initial Report. This report will contain information about the registered agent. Corporations must submit this report within 30 days of registering their Missouri LLC.
Create An Operating Agreement And Hold Meetings
Missouri LLCs will also want to compile an operating agreement, which will help to define how the company will operate. Once in place, the company can begin holding meetings.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Missouri LLCs will also want to secure an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This number allows companies to file taxes. It is also necessary to obtain a business bank account.
File State Required Annual Reports
Missouri LLC owners are not required to submit an Annual Report. However, they’ll want to pay close attention to reporting requirements if they were ever to change their corporate structure.
Ongoing Maintenance
Although Missouri LLC owners do not have to file an Annual Report, there are some other year-to-year requirements. Companies must file taxes and renew all licenses and permits relevant to their operations.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
At DoMyLLC, we can understand the overwhelming feeling of trying to start your first business, which is why we are here for you. We offer services like:
- Name availability check
- Articles of Organization preparation
- Filing of the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State’s office
- Sample documents, including a sample Operating Agreement, meeting notices, and meeting minutes
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
Be sure to contact us today to figure out how we can help you grow your Missouri LLC!