How to Conduct a Missouri Business Entity Search

The U.S. Small Business Administration states that there are approximately 500,000 small business entities in Missouri. According to the Missouri Secretary of State, 133,000 are woman-owned businesses and 44,000 minority-owned businesses. As of 2024, the state had 230,554 private sector companies that produce goods or services. Most of Missouri's small businesses (80% of all companies in the state) employ fewer than 10 people.

Proximity is one of the major reasons people establish businesses in Missouri. Other key benefits include personal liability protection (separating personal and business assets from the business's debts), potential tax savings, pass-through taxation for LLCs, flexible management, and a business-friendly environment with low costs, including no state franchise tax and low setup fees. Missouri also offers various economic incentives, which is why there are numerous small businesses.

Allowable Entity Types in Missouri

Missouri allows businesses to operate as a sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership (LP), limited liability partnership (LLP), limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. It also permits non-profit entities and specific corporation types like professional corporations (P.C.) and close corporations, with S-Corp status being a tax election, not a distinct entity type.

Across the nation, both sole proprietorships and LLCs are the two most common forms of business entities. LLCs offer distinct advantages, including limited liability, pass-through taxation, and flexibility in management options. Sole proprietorships offer complete control and simplicity, but without the protection of limited liability.

Why Search for a Missouri Business Entity

Missouri has a considerable number of small businesses registered there. So, before you start your own company, you should search for a Missouri business entity to check name availability because you cannot register the same name as an existing company. Once you find your chosen name, you can reserve it for 180 days until you are ready to register.

Some other reasons you might want to check into a Missouri business entity include:

• Verifying if a business is in good standing.

• Gathering information about a specific business for contracts, due diligence, or other legal research.

• Investigate an LLC or corporation before doing business with them.

• Gathering information about competitors.

• Conducting thorough due diligence when acquiring or investing in a business.

• Looking up a registered agent for service of process.

• Accessing other business filing information for research or to confirm the legitimacy of a company before partnering with them.

• Searching for registered trademarks to avoid conflicts.

How to Search for Business Entities

To begin a search for a Missouri business entity, visit the business entity search page of the Missouri Secretary of State website.

You then need to choose your search criteria. Your options include the following:

• Business Name: The official name under which a business entity is registered and recognized in Missouri. When you select this option, you may choose additional search options, such as "starting with", "all words", "any words", and "exact match." You may also choose the filter "only active corporations."

• Registered Agent: A person or entity appointed to receive legal documents, such as service of process or state correspondence, on behalf of the business.

• Chartered Number: A unique identification number assigned to a business entity upon its registration with the Missouri Secretary of State.

What Information Can You Find with the Secretary of State?

After providing the search text in the search field, click on the blue "search" button to get a list of results matching the text. The list will reveal business names, charter numbers, business entity types, business statuses, business creation dates, and the registered agent's name and address.

How to Access Detailed Information

To access detailed information about any listing in the search result, click on the hyperlinked business name. This will navigate to another page where you will find information grouped under four tabs:

• General Information

• The business name

• Business type

• Domesticity

• Registered Agent

• Date Formed

• Duration

• Report Due

• Principal Office Address

• Charter No.

• Home State

• Status

• Filings

• Principal Office Address

• Contact

If you need further help locating a business in Missouri, contact the office of the Secretary of State at:

600 West Main Street\ Jefferson City,\ MO 65101\ Phone: (573) 751-4936

Email: Info@sos.mo.gov

What Business Entity Information is Not Public

In Missouri, most basic business entity information is public record, but confidential information typically held by private businesses, such as internal personnel records, specific financial details not required by law, and information under active litigation, is not public. While the Missouri Secretary of State provides public information for entities like corporations and LLCs, this does not extend to the internal, private dealings of these businesses.

Some of the information that is not public in Missouri includes:

• Private Financial Data: Unless legally mandated (e.g., specific financial filings), proprietary financial information is private.

• Internal Personnel and HR Matters: Details about employees and internal personnel issues are not public.

• Trade Secrets: Formulas, processes, methods, or other proprietary information that derives economic value from not being generally known to the public and is the subject of reasonable efforts to maintain its secrecy.

• Private Employee Medical Records: Medical and health insurance information.

• Customer and Employee Identifying Information: Identifying information like Social Security Numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport numbers.

• Revenue and Profit Numbers (unless a public company): Smaller companies that are not publicly traded can keep their financial data private.

• Financial Data: Bank and credit card numbers, as well as loan information

• Information Under Active Litigation: Documents and details related to ongoing legal disputes are typically exempt from public disclosure.

• Personal Information: Sensitive personal data about owners, officers, or employees that isn't required for public record.

How to Find EIN and UCC Records in Missouri

The best way to find an EIN for a Missouri company is to use the IRS's Tax-Exempt Organization free search tool. You can also contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to ask for a company's EIN. EntityCheck's robust EIN search tool is another resource you can use to find EIN records in Missouri.

To conduct a UCC lien search, visit the Missouri Secretary of State's website. Use the "Search UCC Filings" options and enter the search criteria. Review the search results. You will have to set up an online account to use this system.

You may also use EntityCheck's search tool to find UCC filings for a Missouri company.

EntityCheck Business Background Check Goes Further

An even more insightful way to search for Missouri business entities and access additional information is to utilize EntityCheck's powerful search engine. Search quickly and easily by business name, EIN, owner, phone number, or email address. Along with the information above, you can dig deeper to find incredibly illuminating details such as:

• 
  UCC Filings:

  Discover Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, showing creditors' attachment to business assets. These files provide insight into the organization's financial stability through its standing debts and resulting risk. Also find lien details, creditor and debtor information, filing and expiration dates, as well as collateral and asset claims.
• 
  Court Cases:

  Evaluate a company's legal record to assess potential risks associated with its operations and identify any outstanding issues. Review bankruptcy filings, liens and judgments, federal court cases, litigation, and legal history of ongoing and past court cases.
• 
  Licenses:

  Verify business credentials, including licenses, permits, and government certifications, as well as the educational backgrounds of decision-makers, to assess credibility.
• 
  Filing & Compliance:

  Review a company's financial performance reports, DBAs (Doing Business As), and government Tax IDs.
• 
  Trademarks & Patents:

  Find out what intellectual properties a company controls and review the details of any trademarks and patents it holds.
• 
  Registered Individuals:

  Identify key decision-makers, registered agents, corporate officers, and leadership, even if this information is not readily available through official records.

Alternative Resources Beyond the SOS (Secretary of State) Search

Missouri business entity data is not stored in a single location. Many different government offices hold, maintain, record, and index company data. Much of this information is publicly available, allowing you to access it when researching a company. The leading agencies that hold data on Missouri business entities and their primary function are as follows:

• Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR): The Missouri Department of Revenue is the central collection agency for state revenue. Its primary duties are collecting taxes, titling and registering motor vehicles, and licensing drivers. The DOR processes and collects state taxes for individuals and businesses, including income tax, sales tax, use tax, and employer withholding taxes.

• Missouri Division of Employment Security: Missouri's Department of Employment Security (DES) administers the state's Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, providing benefits to eligible unemployed workers and offering job seekers and businesses services through.

• Missouri County Clerk offices: Missouri's county clerk's offices are the official record-keepers and administrators of the county, performing various functions including managing county commissions and their proceedings, overseeing voter registration and elections, and handling multiple licenses and official county records.

• Local Chambers of Commerce: Local Missouri chambers of commerce are business advocates and community builders. They foster a healthy business climate by lobbying for pro-business policies, offering a platform for networking, and sharing resources among members. They may hold significant data on local businesses and are worth speaking to.

How to Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Missouri

To find the owner of a business entity in Missouri, use the Missouri Secretary of State's free online Business Entity Search tool. The search results will provide public information, including the business name, status, creation date, registered agent name, and other details, which often include ownership information for LLCs and corporations. From there, you can download official documents that often include the names of the owner(s).

Another option is to contact the registered agent and request the information. They may or may not be allowed to provide it. If the registered agent is the owner, you will have found them.

Also, try a general web or social media search using the company name and the word "owner" and see what comes up. You may find them that way.

Additionally, try EntityCheck's powerful search tool to see if the owner's information is listed there.

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

Other ways to find the owner(s) of a business entity in Missouri include:

• Visit the business's website: Visit the company's website and look for a "team" or "leadership" page to see if the owners are listed there. This is common practice for most legitimate companies.

• Local Chambers of Commerce: You can search the listings of local chambers of commerce in Missouri, as they often include ownership information for businesses in their databases.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): The Better Business Bureau maintains a database of members, primarily businesses registered in the state. In confirming their registrations in the BBB database, some entities include ownership information. You may search the BBB database to find ownership information about some Missouri businesses.

Types of Owners and Their Roles

Missouri allows businesses to operate as sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations. Owner roles vary with each different entity structure. Sole proprietorships offer complete control, total responsibility, and unlimited personal liability. Partnerships and LLCs offer shared ownership and limited liability. Corporations have shareholders who are the actual owners. Some of the owner types in Missouri include:

Sole Proprietor

The business is owned and operated by a single individual. The owner makes all decisions and receives all profits, but it is also personally liable for all the business's debts. Sole proprietorships do not need to register the legal business name if the owner uses their own name; otherwise, they need to register a DBA.

Partnership

Two or more people share the ownership of a single business. They share decision-making, profits, and liability. Their partnership agreement outlines responsibilities and profit distribution. If the partners use their names for the legal company name, they do not need to register it. If they use a fictitious name, they need a DBA.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC can have one or more owners, referred to as "members." Owners have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected from business debts. Members can either actively manage the business themselves or hire someone to manage it on their behalf. An LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Missouri to receive legal documents.

Corporation (C-Corp)

A Missouri corporation is owned by one or more people called shareholders. Owners are not personally liable for the company's debts, providing liability protection. Corporations must adhere to state-specific regulations for their structure and operation, including filing with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Business roles in Missouri encompass a wide range, from corporate positions such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Marketing Manager (MM) to operational roles like Logistics Specialist and Sales Associate, as well as roles within corporate structures, including shareholders, directors, and officers. The specific role depends on the company's size and industry. Some roles in Missouri include:

Executive-Level Roles:

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

• Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Management & Mid-Level Roles:

• Business Development Manager

• Marketing Manager

• Project Manager

• Purchasing Manager

• Human Resources Manager

Entry-Level & Operational Roles:

• Business Analyst

• Sales Associate

• Accountant

• Operations Assistant

• Logistics Specialist

Corporate Participants:

• Incorporators: The individuals who create a corporation.

• Shareholders: The owners of a corporation, who hold its stock.

• Directors: Board members elected by shareholders, responsible for the long-term control of the corporation.

• Officers: Individuals appointed to manage the day-to-day operations of the corporation, such as the president and secretary.

Different entity structures have various roles and types of ownership. Some individuals who have control over a company may not hold a traditional role within it. Leadership is a crucial factor to understand before working with a company.

Red Flags to Look for When Searching Business Entities

Red flags in a Missouri business entity search include names that are too similar to existing entities, inactive or dissolved business statuses, a lack of a valid registered agent, and a physical address that appears to be a P.O. Box or multiple different businesses. You should also look for potential trademark conflicts, check the entity's formation date to ensure it has a legitimate history, and consider if the entity's directors have a pattern of involvement with other dissolved companies.

Reputational & Due Diligence Red Flags:

• No Professional Website: The absence of a professional website or online presence can make it challenging to find information or assess the business's legitimacy.

• Negative or No Customer Reviews: Poor online reviews or a complete lack of customer testimonials can be a sign of a problematic business.

• Lack of Community Engagement: Companies that show little interest in their local community, particularly those operating in their home state, may be using Delaware incorporation primarily to limit liability rather than for genuine business growth and development.

• History of Non-Compliance: A company with a record of failing to meet state filing requirements or regulations should be viewed with caution.

Entity Status Problems

The first thing to check is the entity's status. Are they in good standing with the state? Have they filed all the required annual reports and other documents? The entity should be in "active" status; an "inactive" status indicates that the company is no longer legally operating and may be facing administrative dissolution. If the formation date is very old and the entity remains active, this could be a sign of a well-established and legitimate business; however, it may also indicate a legacy entity with potential issues.

Evaluate the company name; a name too similar to an existing Missouri entity can lead to trademark issues or confusion later on.

Inconsistent or Suspicious Information

Pay close attention to the spelling of the company name. Does it appear differently in various locations?

A registered company office cannot be a P.O. Box in Missouri; there must be a physical street address in the same city. If you cannot find an actual physical address, let this be a sign that something is "off."

Additionally, if the address is used for multiple businesses, that too could be an issue. A Google Maps search can reveal if a suspicious number of different companies are using a single address, a tactic sometimes used by failed or fraudulent companies.

Although there is no specific number of DBAs in Missouri, if you have trouble finding information about a company, check with the Secretary of State to see if a DBA has been filed.

Ownership and Management Concerns

It is not always easy to determine exact company ownership in Missouri. However, you can use the proper channels above to determine who owns and operates the business. The decision-makers matter quite a bit when you are evaluating whether to partner with a company or not.

If you do locate the owner's names, you can do even further research to see if those people have associations with organized crime, politically exposed persons (PEPs), or a trail of failed businesses.

Evaluate the management of the company, also, and pay attention to high turnover or anyone who appears to be living a lifestyle that exceeds their income.

Always rely on EntityCheck to conduct a thorough investigation into a Missouri company and gain comprehensive insights into its owners, directors, and associates.

Financial and Legal Warning Signs

The most common types of business legal cases in Missouri involve breach of contract, employment disputes, and business torts, such as tortious interference with contracts or operations. Other frequent disputes include partnership disagreements, issues with intellectual property, regulatory compliance problems, and actions related to unfair or deceptive trade practices. These are all very serious red flags. Always research any legal cases involving a company before engaging with them.

Before acquiring, investing in, or partnering with a company, thoroughly review its financials. Watch out for excessive debt, late payments, increasing inventory but declining profits, missing assets, inadequate documentation, or duplicates. All of these could indicate poor management, misappropriation of funds, and fraud.

The Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA) prohibits businesses from engaging in deceptive practices, fraud, misrepresentations, or unfair tactics in the sale of merchandise.

Small businesses in Missouri are facing a trend of "sue-and-settle" lawsuits from lawyers alleging their websites are not accessible to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Keep an eye on this issue as well.

Compliance Gaps

A company's compliance issues could result in blowback on you if you are associated with them in any way. Understand the requirements of their industry and ask for documentation and other proof that they have complied with all local, state, and federal regulations. Compliance gaps can be an indication of mismanagement or something more serious, like criminal activity.

According to Good Jobs First, there are 3,232 records of Missouri companies that have been penalized for noncompliance and other infractions.

Business Purpose and Industry Red Flags

Many businesses state a purpose for their existence in their formation documents. If you review these and find that their actual operations belie their intended purpose, be wary. It could indicate fraud or a more serious issue.

Some of the most common suspicious companies in Missouri engage in home repair scams, debt collection harassment, travel and timeshare scams, and business opportunity fraud. Always conduct proper due diligence before working with any Missouri company.

Connections & Affiliations

To ensure thoroughness in your research, cross-check owners/officers with other relevant entities. Sometimes one person runs multiple dissolved/failed companies. Look for repeat patterns of dissolutions followed by new formations. That is a significant indicator of potential fraud. Also, look for companies with connections to organized crime figures, politically exposed persons (PEPs), or other notorious companies with poor business practices.

Some red flags in broader business records include the following:

Inconsistent Public Records

• Company filings don't match what's listed in:

• Court records

• Tax records

• Property ownership filings

• An example of this is that the registered address differs from the address in lawsuits or liens.

Poor Record-Keeping

• Missing meeting minutes (for corporations).

• No updated ownership/member list for LLCs.

• Lack of transparency in accounting records.

Regulatory Issues

• Fines, sanctions, or loss of licenses with state agencies.

• Businesses flagged by the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's office.

Unusual Patterns

• Very recent incorporation with sudden high activity.

• Foreign entities registered but not compliant with local laws.

• Shell-company indicators (multiple entities tied to the same registered agent at the same address).

Best Practices When Reviewing Business Entity Records

The best practices outlined below can help you to maximize the benefits of your research. A business background check can take time, but it can yield a wealth of information that could help you avoid any costly mistakes.

• Cross-reference everything. Review multiple documents, not just one.

• Compare the UCC filing data with records from litigation and bankruptcy courts. Look for discrepancies between the documents.

• Check annual reports for consistency year-over-year.

• Research the owners of a company to detect possible bankruptcies, felonies, fraud, and other legal issues that could affect your business.

• Use business verification services or business background reports from EntityCheck.

• Keep in mind the context. For example, a single lien may not be alarming, but multiple filings, lawsuits, and frequent leadership turnover together signal real risk.

• Read both positive and negative reviews to gain a balanced sense of what the company is really about and a perspective on its business practices.

• Search for trademarks and patents by searching the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website.

How to Register an Entity in Missouri

Before registering your new Missouri company, you must verify that the name you want is not already in use. You can search for company names using the Missouri Secretary of State's website tool. If the name you chose appears, it is already in use, and you cannot use it. If it does not, you are free to proceed with registration.

To set up a new business and register it with the state of Missouri, follow the steps below:

1. Consult Professionals: Seek advice from experts such as accountants, attorneys, and financial advisors to understand business planning, tax obligations, and legal requirements.

2. Choose and Establish a Business Entity: Select a business structure from the permitted entity types in Missouri. Allowed options include sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).

3. File Necessary Documents with the Missouri Secretary of State:

   • Corporations: Submit Articles of Incorporation.
   • LLCs: File Articles of Organization.
   • Limited Partnerships: File a Certificate of Limited Partnership.

4. Fictitious Name: If operating under a different name, register a DBA with the state. Online filing is available via the Missouri Secretary of State website.

5. Register for Taxes: Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to register for state taxes, such as sales tax or employer withholding tax, if applicable.

6. Register for Unemployment Tax: If hiring employees, register with the Missouri Division of Employment Security.

7. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): Apply for an EIN with the IRS for tax purposes. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account or pay employees.

8. Secure Workers' Compensation Insurance: Verify whether you need workers' compensation coverage via the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.

9. Register with other Missouri agencies: If operating in your industry requires registration with specific government agencies, you must complete such registrations before commencing business operations.

10. Obtain Licenses and Permits: Check to see if you need local city or county permits or licensing, and obtain them if applicable.

For further information on setting up a business in Missouri, see the Start Business page of the Missouri Secretary of State website.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Missouri?

The cost of starting a business in Missouri varies depending on the type of business entity, industry-specific requirements, and other factors. A typical cost breakdown for starting a Missouri business includes the following:

Business Entity Formation Costs:

LLC: Filing Articles of Organization costs $50 online or $105 by mail. Name reservation costs $25 if needed. Corporation: Filing Articles of Incorporation typically costs $58-$105, depending on share value. Partnerships: Registration fees for LLPs or LLLPs are similar to LLC filing fees.

Registered Agent Cost:

You may serve as your own registered agent. However, if you hire a professional registered agent, the service typically costs between $50 and $150 annually.

Licenses and Permits Costs:

Fees for permits and licenses depend on the type required and the location of the business. Some industries may require professional licenses, which can cost several hundred dollars.

Naming your Missouri business is one of the most crucial first steps. It requires careful planning and strategy. Missouri has strict guidelines for naming businesses, making it easier for you to create a unique company name. Use the list of Missouri business name rules below to get started naming your new business.

• Unique Entity: Missouri requires your chosen name to be unique and distinguishable from all existing registered entities within the state (foreign or domestic).

• Required Designator: The state also requires that you add a suffix to the end of your company name to designate the type of structure. Depending on the type of business entity, you will use things like:

Corporations: "Corporation," "Corp.," "Incorporated," "Inc.," "Limited," or "Ltd."

• LLCs: "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."

• Partnerships: "Limited liability limited partnership" or "L.L.L.P."

• No Prohibited Words: Missouri has a list of prohibited words you cannot use when naming your business. First and foremost, you cannot include words that imply a government affiliation (e.g., "FBI," or "Treasury") or misleading terms that indicate your company is something that it is not.

• No Misleading Information: Your business name cannot falsely imply you are a different type of business entity or mislead the public in any way.

• Fictitious Names (DBAs): If you plan on operating your company under a name that is different than your legally registered name, you must register it as a "fictitious name" or "doing business as" with the Secretary of State.

FAQs

1. How do I look up who owns an LLC in Missouri (members vs. managers)?

   To look up who owns an LLC in Missouri, use the Missouri Secretary of State's online business entity search tool. You will find the registered agent and principal office address. You can then use that to locate the members who own it. Sometimes, members (owners) are listed in the Articles of Organization, although this information is not always public. You may need to request a copy of the operating agreement for detailed information on ownership. Managers may be listed in public filings, but they are not necessarily owners; the operating agreement will clarify who holds the ownership interest.

2. How can I find a corporation's officers and directors in Missouri?

   You can find a Missouri corporation's officers and directors by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State's website and searching their business database for registered entities. For public companies, you can also find officer and director information by searching the SEC's EDGAR database

   You can also use EntityCheck's robust search engine to quickly and easily look up a Missouri corporation's officers and directors, along with much more information.

3. Are business owners' names public or private in Missouri?

   In Missouri, the public status or privacy of a business owner's name depends on the type of structure. Generally, information about LLCs and corporations is publicly available. Business owners must file public documents with the Missouri Secretary of State to register their business, and the owner's identity can be publicly accessible. However, the state does not have a comprehensive list of all Missouri LLC members.

4. Where do I search official business records in Missouri?

   You can search for official Missouri business records through the Missouri Secretary of State Business Entity Search portal, which allows you to find information on corporations and LLCs by name, charter number, or registration date. You can also use this portal to check the availability of business names for LLCs.

   When searching, you can find:

   • Business name and charter number
   • Registration date
   • Name and address of the registered agent
   • Current status of the entity (e.g., active, dissolved)
5. How do I check if a business name is available or reserved in Missouri?

   To check if a business name is available in Missouri, use the Missouri Secretary of State's online Business Entity Search tool. On the search page, select Name Availability from the dropdown menu under Business Name to search for your desired business name. A search result with no matches indicates the name is available. You can then choose to reserve it for a specified period until you are ready to register your new company.

6. How can I view recent filings (Articles, amendments, mergers, annual/biennial reports) for a company in Missouri?

   To view recent company filings in Missouri, visit the Missouri Secretary of State's website and use the Business Entity Search page to find the entity's record. You can search by the company name or Charter Number. Once you locate the specific business, you can access its registration details, including annual/biennial reports, by reviewing the information provided on the search results page or through the business's online account.

   For types of filings other than annual/biennial reports, you may need to contact the Missouri Secretary of State's Corporations Division directly to get copies.

7. How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing/Existence in Missouri?

   You can only obtain a Certificate of Good Standing in Missouri for companies that are compliant with state filings and taxes. You can order the certificate from the Missouri Secretary of State (SOS) website. The certificate confirms that the business is in existence and meets all applicable state regulations. You need to set up an online account and use the search function to find the business entity before ordering the certificate and paying the required fee.

8. How do I obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Missouri?

   To obtain certified copies of formation documents and amendments in Missouri, you must submit a written request to the Missouri Secretary of State's Corporations Division. You can typically order these certified copies by mail, in person, or online through the Secretary of State's website. You will need to provide the business's name and the specific documents you are requesting, and you must pay a statutory fee for the service.

9. How do I search UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) liens against a company in Missouri?

   To search for UCC liens against a company in Missouri, visit the Missouri Secretary of State's UCC filing website and use their online search tool to enter the company's name to find public records of any liens. UCC filings are public notices from a creditor claiming an interest in a debtor's personal property and are typically searchable by name on the Secretary of State's website.

   You can also find UCC liens easily using EntityCheck's business background search tool.

10. What are the steps to register an LLC in Missouri (forms, fees, timeline)?

    Registering an LLC in Missouri takes a few steps. The general process involves choosing a unique name and appointing a registered agent, followed by filing the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) online for a $50 fee or by mail for $105. Secure an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, create an operating agreement, and complete a Missouri Tax Registration Application (Form 2643). If you register online, the process is instant; however, if you file by paper, it typically takes 2–3 business days.

11. What are the steps to incorporate (C-Corp/S-Corp) in Missouri?

    To form a corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp) in Missouri, you must first choose a business name, appoint a Missouri registered agent, and file Articles of Incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State. After filing, create the corporate bylaws and hold a board meeting. For an S-Corp, after the corporation is formed, you must also file IRS Form 2553 to make the S-Corp election.

12. Do I need a registered agent in Missouri, and who can serve as one?

    Yes, you need a registered agent for any formal business entity, such as an LLC or corporation, that is registered to do business in Missouri. A Missouri resident over 18 or a corporation authorized to do business in Missouri can serve as your registered agent, provided they have a physical Missouri business address where they can accept official documents during normal business hours. You can be your own agent, or use a family member, employee, or a professional registered agent service.

13. What annual reports, franchise/margin taxes, or license renewals are required in Missouri?

    Missouri corporations are required to file an annual registration report with the Missouri Secretary of State, whereas LLCs and LPs are exempt from this requirement. A corporate franchise tax or margin tax is not imposed on Missouri corporations, although a report must still be filed. However, some businesses in Missouri must still pay other taxes and file for license renewals, such as sales tax, employer withholding, and professional license renewals, depending on your business type and local ordinances.

14. How long does state approval take in Missouri, and are expedited options available?

    State approval times and expedited options in Missouri vary significantly by application type. For example, LLC formation typically takes about 2–3 weeks under standard conditions, but expedited services are often available. In contrast, SNAP benefits can be approved in as little as seven days for emergencies. For others, such as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)'s educator certifications, processing can take six weeks or longer, with no standard expedited option available to individuals. However, superintendents can make requests for faster processing.

15. Do I need to foreign-qualify to do business in Missouri if my company is formed elsewhere?

    Yes, you most likely need to foreign-qualify in Missouri if your company is formed elsewhere and you are "transacting business" there, which includes maintaining a physical presence or having agents conduct business on your behalf.

    To qualify as a foreign entity, you must register with the Missouri Secretary of State by submitting an application with a Certificate of Existence from your home state (dated within 60 days) and paying the required fee.

16. What activities count as "doing business" in Missouri (nexus triggers: employees, office, sales)?

    You generally need to foreign-qualify if your company is performing activities that constitute "doing business" in Missouri, such as:

    • Maintaining a physical presence: having an office, warehouse, or other facilities within the state.
    • Having employees or agents: if you have salespeople, representatives, or other staff working on your behalf in Missouri, a foreign qualification is typically required.
    • Transacting a substantial amount of ordinary business: performing significant business activities within the state is also a qualifier.
17. How do I file a DBA/fictitious business name in Missouri, and is county/city filing required?

    To file a DBA in Missouri, file the Fictitious Name Registration form with the Missouri Secretary of State online or by mail, paying the $7 fee. The registration is valid for five years and must be renewed. You are not required to file with the city or county.

18. How do I change my company's name, address, officers, or members in Missouri?

    To change your business name, address, or responsible officers/members in Missouri, file the appropriate amendment form with the Missouri Secretary of State for name and address changes, and update internal company records and potentially notify the Missouri Department of Revenue for member/officer changes, as each entity type (LLC, corporation) has different procedures and forms.

19. How do I reinstate or revive a company that's been administratively dissolved in Missouri?

    To reinstate a company administratively dissolved in Missouri, you must contact the Missouri Secretary of State, submit the required forms, including an application for rescission of dissolution and all past-due annual reports, provide a Missouri Department of Revenue tax clearance letter or evidence of a tax payment plan, and pay a reinstatement fee plus any delinquent fees and penalties. The process can be initiated through the Secretary of State's online filing system. You have only 10 years to reinstate a company after it has been administratively dissolved.

20. Do I need to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, and how does that interact with Missouri filings?

    Yes, a Missouri entity likely needs to file Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) with FinCEN, as most U.S. companies registered with a state are required to report this information to avoid penalties. The BOI report is a separate, federal filing that does not replace your Missouri state filings but works in conjunction with them to enhance transparency in business ownership, as mandated by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

    There are 23 exemptions to the BOI reporting requirement, including those for certain large operating companies, publicly traded companies, and regulated entities such as banks and credit unions.