How To Form an LLC in Missouri

A limited liability company is a way of setting up a corporation that gives owners some protection against debts and suits.In order to make sure that their personal assets are protected, many people choose to form an limited liability company.According to state statute 347-047, you can form an limited liability company in Missouri.The form to be submitted to the Secretary of State is called the Articles of Organization.

Step 1: You can choose the name of your business.

You can choose a name that describes your business.Customers or clients will be helped by this.Your business name must be different from any other foreign or domestic corporation that is licensed in Missouri in order to establish your business as an limited liability company.You can check to see if any other business has the same name by using the Missouri Business Entity search engine.The business name must contain at least one of the following phrases or abbreviations.

Step 2: You can register your business name.

When you decide on the name of your business, you will need to register it with the Missouri Universal Commercial Code Division.The business name can't be guaranteed until the registration is approved.The online portal can be used to register a business name.Follow the instructions to register the name after you create an account.The fee for reserving a business name is $30 and can be paid via the online portal.You have exclusive rights to the business name for 60 days after you have reserved it.You can make a maximum reservation period of 180 days by renewing or extending the reservation twice.If you don't use the name to establish a business or renew the reservation within 60 days, you lose the right to reserve that business name again.If it isn't used or reserved by another business, you can register an limited liability company under that name.

Step 3: If relevant, file a spurious name registration.

Missouri law states that any individual or business operating in the state under a name other than its "true name" must register that name as a "fictitious name".The UCC Online Portal can be used to register a business.Follow the instructions to register the name after you create an account.You can register a fake name in Missouri by mailing it to the Secretary of State, Corporations Division, PO Box 778, 600 W. Main St., Rm.322 is located in Jefferson City, Missouri.There is a filing fee of $7 to register a fictitious business name, payable online or by check made out to "Secretary of State." This means there can be wholly different businesses operating under the same fictitious name.

Step 4: How to structure your company.

A limited liability company can protect an individual.This is useful for people who own their own business and want to protect themselves against personal liability in the event of loss or a suit.If your business is a corporation of several partners, you may want to file your Articles of Organization as a group to protect the partners from both individual and group liability.

Step 5: A registered agent can be appointed.

A person must be appointed to be the contact between the business and the Missouri Secretary of State to incorporate as an limited liability company.This person is known as the business' registered agent, and he or she will be the point person for all correspondence related to the formation of the company.A registered agent can be anything from a CEO to a manager.

Step 6: You need to apply for an employer identification number.

A business that has more than one employee must register with the IRS to get a unique EIN.There is no charge for obtaining an EIN.You can apply by mail, fax or online.Even if your company only has one employee, you should register for an EIN.If you ever hire more employees, having the EIN will make it easier for you to be taxed as a corporation rather than a sole proprietor.

Step 7: The articles of organization form needs to be completed.

The form is used to register your company.It needs to be submitted to the Secretary of State.The certificate must be submitted together with the form in order to pay the fee.The form requires you to list basic information such as: The name of the company The company's purpose The names and addresses of each individual organizing the limited liability company

Step 8: Wait for the approval.

When the Missouri Secretary of State approves and files the Articles of Organization, a limited liability company is formed.When your company has been approved, you will get notice.Make sure to specify a delayed effective date on the Articles of Organization if you don't want it to go into effect immediately.When you file the Articles of Organization, the LLC will not be approved until you specify on the form when the effective date is.

Step 9: If necessary, file an Amendment or Correction to the Articles of Organization.

If there is a need, you can change the Articles of Organization.If you want to change the name of an organization, you can file an amendment.If there is a mistake on your Articles of Organization, you can file a Statement of Correction.A $25 fee is required to file an Amendment of Articles of Organization.There is a $10 fee to file a statement of correction for a limited liability company.In addition to basic information like the name of the company, each document must list the change(s) to be made.

Step 10: If necessary, file a Statement of Change.

This form can be used to change a company's registered agent or both.The form can be found on the website of the Missouri Secretary of State.A $10 fee is required to file this form.Payment should be sent to the State of Missouri Secretary of State, Corporations Division, PO Box 778, 600 W. Main St., Rm.322 is located in Jefferson City, Missouri.A Statement of Change of Business Office of a Registered Agent is mailed to the same address along with a $10 fee if you just need to change the registered agent's address.