A limited liability company is a way of giving owners protection against debts and suits.In order to make sure that their personal assets are protected, many individuals and groups form an limited liability company.In Missouri, you can form an limited liability company.The form to be submitted to the Secretary of State is called the Articles of Organization.
Step 1: You can choose the business name.
Pick 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 licensed in Missouri in order to establish your business as an limited liability company.You can check to make sure that no other business has the same name by using the Missouri Business Entity search engine.The business name needs to contain at least one of the following phrases or abbreviations.
Step 2: You can register the business name.
When you decide on the name of your business, you need to register it with the Missouri Universal Commercial Code Division.The business name can't be guaranteed until the registration is approved.You can register a business name at the online portal.Follow the instructions to register the name when you create an account.A $30 fee is required to reserve a business name through the online portal.You have exclusive rights to the business name for 60 days after you reserved it.You can make a maximum reservation period of 180 days by renewing or extending this 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 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 the alternate name, known as a "fictitious name".To register a business, visit the online portal.Follow the instructions to register the name when 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 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 is something you should decide.
A limited liability company can be formed to 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 a loss.If your business is a corporation of several partners, you may want to file your Articles of Organization as a group, since this will protect the partners from both individual and group liability.
Step 5: Establish a registered agent.
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 manager to a CEO.
Step 6: You must 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 online, by fax, or by mail.Even if you only have 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 form for the Articles of Organization should be completed.
This 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 purpose, and the names and addresses of your partners.
Step 8: Wait for a response.
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.When you submit your Articles of Organization, make sure to specify a delayed effective date because 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 the effective date on the form.
Step 9: If necessary, amend 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.There is a fee to file an Amendment of Articles of Organization.There is a $10 fee to file a Statement of Correction for a limited liability company.The reason for the change must be listed in the document along with basic information like the name of the company.
Step 10: If necessary, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office.
This form can be used to change a company's registered agent or both.The form can be found on the website of the Secretary of State.There is a fee for 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 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.