LLC Cost in Missouri (2026)
State Filing Fee: $50 | No Annual Fee: $0/year
Forming an LLC in Missouri requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $50. Missouri LLCs also have a No Annual Fee of $0 per year.
Use our LLC Cost Calculator to estimate your total first-year cost including registered agent and optional formation services.
# LLC Cost in Missouri (2026) — Filing Fees and Annual Costs ## How to Use This Calculator Using this calculator is straightforward. You’ll enter information about your Missouri LLC plans and receive an estimate of your total costs for the first year and subsequent years. Start by selecting whether you’re forming a new LLC or maintaining an existing one. For new LLCs, the calculator includes one-time formation costs. Next, indicate whether you’ll file paperwork yourself or hire a registered agent service. Missouri requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a physical Missouri address, so if you don’t live in Missouri or prefer professional handling, you’ll need this service. Enter whether you plan to file an assumed name (also called a “DBA” or “doing business as”). This is necessary if you want to operate under a name different from your official LLC name. The calculator will also ask about expedited processing preferences, as Missouri offers faster filing options for additional fees. Finally, indicate any optional services you’re considering, such as operating agreement templates or business license research. These aren’t required by the state but many LLC owners find them valuable. ## How We Calculate This Our calculator uses current Missouri Secretary of State fee schedules and typical third-party service costs to provide accurate estimates. **Initial filing fees** start with the Articles of Organization, which cost $50 when filed online through the Missouri Secretary of State’s website. Paper filings cost more, but we recommend online filing for speed and cost savings. If you select expedited processing, the calculator adds $25 for 24-hour processing or $100 for same-day processing. **Registered agent costs** vary significantly. If you serve as your own registered agent, there’s no cost, but you must maintain a physical Missouri address and be available during business hours. Professional registered agent services typically range from $100 to $300 annually. Our calculator uses $150 as the baseline for standard registered agent services. **Assumed name registration** (DBA) costs $7 in Missouri when filed with the Secretary of State. If you need to operate under multiple names, each requires a separate filing fee. **Annual requirements** include the Periodic Report, which Missouri LLCs must file every year. This costs $0 for LLCs with one member and $0-$50 for multi-member LLCs, depending on the filing method and updates needed. However, most LLCs should budget $25-45 annually for this requirement based on typical circumstances. **Business licenses** aren’t included in our state-level calculations because they vary by city, county, and industry. A retail store in Kansas City faces different requirements than a consulting business in Springfield. The calculator notes this separately so you can research local requirements. The calculator multiplies first-year costs separately from recurring annual costs, allowing you to see both your startup investment and ongoing expenses. We update these figures regularly as Missouri adjusts its fee structures. ## What the Results Mean The calculator provides two key numbers: first-year costs and annual recurring costs. **First-year costs** include everything needed to establish your LLC legally. This covers your Articles of Organization filing fee, initial registered agent fee (if applicable), assumed name registration, and any expedited processing fees. A basic Missouri LLC filing yourself costs just $50, while using professional services might bring first-year costs to $200-400 depending on your selections. **Annual recurring costs** show what you’ll pay each subsequent year. For most Missouri LLCs, this primarily includes the Periodic Report filing and registered agent fees if you use a service. Expect $150-200 annually for a simple LLC with a registered agent service, or near-zero if you handle everything yourself. These figures represent **state-level mandatory costs only**. You’ll likely have additional expenses not reflected here, including federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) application (free from the IRS), business insurance, accounting software, professional tax preparation, and local business licenses. The calculator doesn’t include operating agreement preparation, though Missouri doesn’t legally require one. We strongly recommend creating an operating agreement anyway to establish ownership percentages, management structure, and operating procedures—especially for multi-member LLCs. Understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately and avoid surprises. Many new business owners underestimate ongoing compliance costs and focus only on formation fees. ## Tips and Common Mistakes **Don’t skip the registered agent.** Some new LLC owners try to save money by ignoring this requirement. Missouri law mandates that every LLC maintain a registered agent with a physical Missouri address. Failing to do so can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC. **File online, not by mail.** The online filing process is faster, easier to track, and sometimes cheaper than paper filing. You’ll receive immediate confirmation and can typically complete formation in 2-5 business days without expedited processing. **Only expedite if truly necessary.** The $25-100 expedite fees add up quickly. Standard processing usually takes less than a week. Unless you have a time-sensitive contract or business opportunity, standard processing works fine. **Budget for the complete picture.** The state filing fees are just one piece of your actual costs. Include federal requirements, business insurance, bookkeeping, and professional advice in your startup budget. **Keep your Periodic Report current.** Missouri requires annual Periodic Reports. Missing this deadline can result in penalties and eventually administrative dissolution. Set calendar reminders or use a compliance service to stay current. **Consider multi-year registered agent service.** Many providers offer discounts for paying 2-3 years upfront, reducing your effective annual cost. ## FAQ **Q: Can I really start a Missouri LLC for just $50?** A: Yes, if you file the Articles of Organization yourself online and serve as your own registered agent. However, you must have a physical Missouri address for the registered agent requirement and be available during business hours to receive legal documents. Most out-of-state owners or busy entrepreneurs find that a registered agent service ($100-300 annually) is worth the cost. You’ll also want to budget for an operating agreement, business insurance, and potential local licenses beyond the basic $50 state filing fee. **Q: What happens if I don’t file my annual Periodic Report?** A: Missouri will initially send notices to your registered agent address. If you continue not filing, the state can administratively dissolve your LLC. This means you lose liability protection, can’t legally conduct business under the LLC name, and face complications with contracts, bank accounts, and taxes. Reinstatement requires filing all missed reports, paying late fees, and potentially dealing with tax consequences. Always file on time—set up automatic reminders. **Q: Are Missouri LLC costs tax-deductible?** A: Generally yes. Formation costs, annual fees, registered agent services, and professional fees related to your LLC are typically deductible business expenses. However, tax treatment can be complex depending on your LLC’s tax classification. Startup costs before your business is operational may need to be amortized rather than deducted immediately. Consult with a tax professional about your specific situation to ensure you’re handling deductions correctly and maximizing legitimate tax benefits.