How much does it cost to start an LLC in Missouri in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Missouri requires a one-time initial filing fee of $50 paid to the Missouri Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $89.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Missouri LLC?

Missouri charges an annual report fee of $0 filed on a none basis (due No annual report required for LLCs). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Missouri.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Missouri LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Missouri LLC is approximately $245. This includes initial formation ($50), recurring none reports ($0), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Missouri?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Missouri, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Missouri. In Missouri, the foreign qualification filing fee is $105 plus ongoing maintenance of $0/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Missouri LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $50. Ongoing annual report fee: $0 (none). No state franchise tax.

Compare Missouri vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Missouri costs $50 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $0/yr in recurring none report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Missouri LLC costs an estimated $245.

Initial State Filing$50One-time payment

Annual Report$0Due No annual report required for LLCs

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Missouri Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Missouri LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $50

Approval speed: Instant online•Public Privacy: Moderate

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Missouri Tax Rule: Missouri has no franchise tax and no annual report requirement for LLCs.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Standard Processing (Included)

Missouri already processes online filings within 1-3 business days.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Missouri vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$89

Initial formation fee ($50) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$39 /yr avg

No annual report fee

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$245(~$4/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Missouri.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($89)

$89

Year 1Formation

$39

Year 2Renewal

$39

Year 3Renewal

$39

Year 4Renewal

$39

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $89

State Filing$50

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$50

20% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

0% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

80% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Missouri LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Missouri LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Missouri Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateNo annual report required for LLCsFrequency: NONE

Normal TurnaroundInstant onlineExpedited: Fast / Included

Public Record PrivacyModerateRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax2% to 4.8%LLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Missouri Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Missouri has no franchise tax and no annual report requirement for LLCs.

Advantages of a Missouri LLC

$0 recurring annual report fees forever
$50 one-time online filing
Zero maintenance paperwork

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Local earnings tax in St. Louis and Kansas City (1%)

Founder Pro-Tip for Missouri

One of the absolute cheapest states over 5 years ($50 total state cost).

Step-by-Step Missouri LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Missouri Secretary of State registry.

Appoint a Missouri Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Missouri (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($50 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Missouri Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within Instant online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (No annual report required for LLCs)

Submit the none report with the $0 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Missouri with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70