Filing a Missouri Corporation
Those looking to start a business may find that a Missouri Corporation is beneficial because it can provide numerous tax advantages while also establishing credibility with their customers. Before making their final decision, business owners should learn more about the Missouri Corporation filing process.
Steps To Filing a Missouri Corporation
Choose A Name
One of the first things that owners must do is choose a name for their new entity. Missouri requires the name to include the word “corporation,” “company,” or “incorporated.” An abbreviation like “Inc.” would also suffice. Additionally, the name must be unique to the business, and it cannot already be in use by another company. To prevent yourself from choosing a name already in use, check out the DoMyLLC Name Availability Check Page.
Choose An Agent For Service Of Process
A Missouri Corporation must also appoint a registered agent. Registered agents are responsible for accepting legal correspondence on behalf of the company. Because the role of a registered agent is vital to a company’s success, many choose to hire the services of a professional third-party registered agent company, such as DoMyLLC.
File Articles Of Incorporation & Pay Filing Fees
After choosing a name and registered agent, new owners will then have to file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division. When submitting this form, there is a fee based upon the number of shares issued initially. If issuing less than 30,000 shares, the cost is $58. The price increases up to a maximum of $143, which is the threshold for those issuing more than 190,000 shares. Be sure to check your required fee before filing the Articles of Incorporation form. Information necessary on this form includes:
- The name of the company
- The name and address of the registered agent
- Whether the aggregate number of issued shares will exceed 30,000
- The number of shares in each class and the par value of each stock
- Name and physical address of each incorporator
- Name and address to whom the office can return the filed document
- The number of years the corporation will exist
- The purpose of the corporation
- The number of directors to constitute the board of directors
- Effective date
- Affirmation and signature of incorporators
File Initial Report
A Missouri Corporation must file an initial report, otherwise known as a Registration Report, within 30 days of formation. There is a fee of $20 to submit this report online or $45 to file by paper. Members of the Corporation can learn more at our Initial Report page.
Create Corporate Bylaws, Appoint Directors And Hold Meetings
Once incorporators have filed with the Secretary of State’s office, they can then begin holding their initial corporate meetings. In attendance at this meeting should be the directors who were listed on Articles of Incorporation. These directors will serve in this capacity on the board until the next annual meeting of shareholders, where directors are up for re-election.
At these meetings, the board should define the role of each member of the company and elect officers. Directors should also draft corporate bylaws. Bylaws are an internal operating manual but are integral to corporate compliance. That’s because a Corporation cannot exist or operate until it’s board has adopted a set of bylaws. Although the bylaws are not made available to the public, many banks and insurers require them before entering into business with a Corporation.
Issue Stock
A Missouri Corporation must also issue stock and maintain a ledger, which the board of directors can do at the initial corporate meeting. The board is responsible for approving all stock issuance throughout the life cycle of the company. The amount of stock that they can issue is defined in the Articles of Incorporation. A ledger is a critical part of issuing stock, as it provides transparency to investors and protects the corporate ledger.
Obtain Employer Identification Number
Incorporators will also want to secure an Employer Identification Number so that they can file federal taxes and open a corporate business account. The number is also required if the Corporation wishes to hire new employees.
File Missouri Required Annual Reports
A Missouri Corporation must also file an Annual Report, which is due at the end of its anniversary formation month. Owners can learn more at DoMyLLC’s Missouri Annual Report page.
Ongoing Maintenance
Even after initial filings, companies still have annual requirements they must meet. Annual requirements include filing state and federal taxes and renewing licenses and permits.
How DoMyLLC Can Assist With Streamlining The Process
DoMyLLC can help streamline the administrative procedures required to register a Missouri Corporation. Our services include:
- Name availability check
- Prepare Articles of Incorporation
- File Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of Missouri’s office
- Provide sample bylaws, meeting notices and minutes for meetings
- Dedicated account manager
- Unlimited customer support
If you are looking to form a Missouri Corporation, be sure to contact us today to learn more about how we can help.