Missouri LLC formation costs are among the lowest in the United States, with a base filing fee of $50 for online submissions and $105 for paper filings. The state strongly encourages digital filing through this significant price difference, with online processing typically completing within 24 hours.
What makes Missouri particularly attractive is the complete absence of annual report requirements or franchise taxes for LLCs, eliminating ongoing compliance costs that burden LLC owners in other states. You pay once during formation and face no recurring state-level fees for maintaining your LLC in good standing.
Missouri's fee structure creates a clear incentive for online filing through substantial cost savings and faster processing times.
The $55 difference between filing methods reflects Missouri's push toward administrative efficiency. Online filing through the Secretary of State's portal provides the fastest processing, though it doesn't offer immediate confirmation like some other states.
Paper submissions require exact payment and proper signatures, with total processing times extending to 4-6 weeks, including mail transit.
Missouri's total cost structure positions it among the most budget-friendly states for both LLC formation and long-term maintenance. The combination of low filing fees and zero ongoing requirements creates exceptional value for businesses prioritizing predictable costs.
Regional neighbors tell a different story: Arkansas charges $45 for online filing but requires ongoing compliance, while Kansas costs $165 with annual report obligations. Illinois starts at $150 and imposes annual franchise taxes. Missouri's $50 formation fee and complete absence of annual requirements often result in lower five-year costs than states with seemingly cheaper startup fees.
Nationally, Missouri competes with only a handful of states offering similar value. New Mexico charges $50 with no annual fee, while Wyoming costs $100 with minimal ongoing requirements. High-cost jurisdictions like Massachusetts ($500 formation, $500 annually) or California ($70 formation plus substantial franchise taxes) make Missouri's simplicity particularly attractive.
The value proposition extends beyond pure cost savings. Missouri's transparent structure eliminates the compliance uncertainty that creates operational anxiety for multi-entity businesses.
Beyond the basic $50 formation fee, several optional charges may apply during your LLC's lifecycle in Missouri:
Missouri's additional fees remain reasonable and predictable, avoiding the surprise charges that can blindside business owners in more complex jurisdictions.
Discern automates Missouri LLC formation filings and manages registered agent requirements while providing complete visibility into compliance status across all jurisdictions where you operate.
Ready to eliminate the uncertainty around multi-state compliance? Book a demo with Discern today.
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