Forming an LLC in Missouri costs just $50 online ($105 by mail), according to the SOS fee schedule. This places it among America's most affordable states for business formation. The real savings come from what Missouri doesn't charge: no annual reports and no franchise tax on LLCs, keeping long-term costs minimal.

Hidden state-level costs are rare; no publication requirements, mandatory attorney fees, or escalating taxes apply. You need a registered agent for receiving legal papers.

Required Missouri LLC formation costs

Every Missouri LLC formation starts with a small set of mandatory expenses. The table below covers what the state requires at a minimum.

Optional formation costs

Beyond Missouri's minimal mandatory fees, several optional services can aid your formation process or provide long-term operational benefits.

1. Professional services

Attorney fees for formation run $500 to $2,500, while an accountant consultation for tax planning costs $100 to $500.

Business formation services from Discern offer middle-ground solutions at $99 plus state fees.

2. Additional filings

Depending on your needs, your LLC may incur additional costs due to extra filings:

• Name reservation: Costs $25 and holds your chosen name for 60 days. Per the SOS business entities page, a person may not reserve a name for more than 180 days total (three consecutive periods).

• Expedited processing: Not available in Missouri. Online filings are typically processed faster than mail filings; check the SOS contact page for current processing estimates.

• Fictitious name filing: DBA registration costs $7 per filing, lasts five years, and renews at the same $7 fee.

• Certified copies: Available from the Missouri SOS for a fee; confirm the current rate with the Corporations Unit before ordering.

• EIN: Free from the IRS directly. Avoid services that charge for this basic federal tax identification number.

• Local licensing: Costs vary widely by city and industry, typically $25 to $150 annually.

Active-duty military members, including Missouri National Guard members on active duty, may qualify for a waiver of the $50 filing fee through the Startup for Soldiers Program. Eligibility criteria and the procedure for online filers to claim the waiver are set by the program, so review the SOS program page before filing or contact the Corporations Unit for current guidance.

Ongoing annual costs

Missouri offers one of the most business-friendly ongoing compliance environments in the United States.

• Missouri LLC annual report requirements: Not required. Missouri LLCs face no state-mandated annual report filing obligations, as confirmed by the SOS startup guide.

• Missouri franchise tax/annual fee: No franchise tax imposed on LLCs. Missouri's franchise tax rules for LLCs confirm that the franchise tax under RSMo § 147.010 applied to corporations organized under Chapter 351, not to LLCs organized under Chapter 347, and that the corporate franchise tax itself was eliminated for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. Compare Missouri's zero ongoing tax to California LLC compliance requirements ($800 annual LLC tax per the California FTB) or Delaware's flat $300 annual tax per the Delaware Division of Corporations.

• Registered agent fees in Missouri: Typically $100 to $300 annually if using a professional service for privacy and reliable document handling.

• Local business licenses: Annual renewals vary by municipality, typically $25 to $150.

• Professional services: Accounting and legal support as needed for tax filings or business changes.

Simplify Missouri LLC formation costs with Discern

Discern automates Missouri LLC formation requirements while providing professional registered agent services and compliance tracking across all 51+ jurisdictions. The platform handles entity formations at $99 plus state fees, registered agent coverage, and ongoing compliance obligations where applicable.

When you're ready to expand beyond Missouri, Discern manages multi-state formations and compliance from a single platform, eliminating the need to coordinate with separate providers in each jurisdiction.

Book a demo with Discern today

FAQs about LLC formation costs in Missouri

Below are answers to the most common questions about Missouri LLC formation fees and compliance.

Are there any hidden fees when forming an LLC?

Missouri is remarkably transparent. The $50 online filing fee covers your Articles of Organization, and the state doesn't impose surprise charges for processing, publication, or annual compliance. Hidden costs typically come from optional services like registered agents or professional formation assistance.

Can I get a refund if my filing is rejected?

The Missouri SOS does not publish a formal refund policy for rejected filings. Double-check all information before submitting to reduce rejection risk, and contact the Missouri SOS Corporations Unit at (573) 751-4153 for specific refund questions.

Can I avoid registered agent fees legally?

Yes. Under RSMo § 347.030, a Missouri LLC may serve as its own registered agent or appoint a resident of the state, provided the registered office is a Missouri street address. This saves money but sacrifices privacy, since the registered office becomes part of the public record.

Do Missouri LLCs need to file an annual report?

No. Missouri does not require LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State, which sets it apart from most other states. This eliminates a recurring filing fee and a recurring deadline, though LLCs still need to maintain a registered agent and keep their registered office address current with the SOS.