Uncover In-Depth Information on
Business Entities
- Uncover In-Depth Information on Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Missouri?
- Why Conduct a Missouri Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Missouri Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Missouri?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Missouri?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Missouri?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Missouri?
- Additional Information Available on the Missouri Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Missouri
According to the United States Chamber of Commerce, there were 90,384 new business applications in Missouri in 2023. This figure ranked the Show-Me State 23rd in the United States for business applications per capita. Also, in 2023, St. Louis County had 16,845 business applications, the highest in the state.
Business applications in Missouri are filed with the Secretary of State. Hence, anyone looking to find information about businesses registered in the state may contact the office of the Missouri Secretary of State.
Choose Your Search Criteria
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.
Review Search Results
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 name.
Further Assistance
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
How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Missouri?
A quick search online using the name of a business entity may direct you to the website of the entity or other online pages with information about the identity of the owner of the business entity. Also, a search using the business entity search tool on the Missouri Secretary of State website will reveal information about the entity’s registered agent. Hence, if the registered agent of the business is the owner of the business, you may use the business entity search tool to find the owner of the business.
Other tools and sources where you may find the owners of Missouri business entities include:
Local Chambers of Commerce:Local chambers of commerce often maintain directories and business profiles, including ownership details.
Better Business Bureau (BBB):The Better Business Bureau (BBB) lists business profiles that may include ownership details, particularly for accredited businesses.
Why Conduct a Missouri Entity Search?
You may conduct a Missouri entity search for the following reasons:
Consumers may use an entity search as a way to perform due diligence on a business before transacting with the business. This search helps customers verify the legitimacy of businesses by confirming registration and active status.
Investors may assess a company’s structure, financial credibility, and registration history to make well-informed decisions from the information available in a Missouri entity search. This search will help them identify stable and active business entities for investment opportunities.
A Missouri entity search allows businesses to confirm a supplier’s legal status, ensuring they are working with a properly registered partner.
Identifying fraudulent businesses becomes easier with an entity search, as it reveals unregistered or inactive companies. This step protects individuals and organizations from potential financial losses.
Who Holds Data for Missouri Business Entity Search?
What Entities Can You Register in Missouri?
You may set up a business in Missouri using any of the permitted business entity types. The following are the permitted business entity types in Missouri:
This is the simplest form of business to adopt and maintain in Missouri. It is a business where a single individual possesses complete control over the operations and decisions of the business and enjoys all the accruing profit. The individual also has the responsibility for the obligations and debts of the business. In Missouri, sole proprietorship is neither recognized as a separate entity from the proprietor nor taxed separately.
The income that a proprietor receives from the business in a sole proprietorship is taxed at the personal income tax rate of the owner.
A partnership forms when two or more individuals collaborate to operate a business and share profits as co-owners. It may occur when a sole proprietor takes on a partner or obtains investment from one or more persons sharing in the business's profits. Unlike sole proprietorships, partnerships require no formal state registration, though a fictitious name filing is necessary if the business name differs from the partners' legal names. Written agreements, while not mandatory, are generally created to outline management roles, profit sharing, and procedures for ownership changes.
A general business corporation, or C corporation, is a statutory entity in Missouri with separate legal existence, formalities, and double taxation unless IRS-specific filings are made. This structure offers limited liability protection, shielding shareholders from personal liability for corporate debts. Corporations own their assets, enter contracts, and handle legal matters independently. Shareholders, directors, officers, and incorporators manage corporate operations.
A Missouri Limited Liability Company (LLC), established in 1993, is a popular business structure offering limited liability protection and beneficial tax treatment. Like corporations, LLC members are shielded from personal liability for company debts, with their financial risk limited to their investment. Unlike corporations, LLC income and losses pass directly to members, avoiding double taxation.
LLCs may be managed by members or designated managers, whose authority is defined in the operating agreement. Managers or members managing an LLC bear responsibility for state taxes.
A Missouri limited partnership (LP) combines features of general and limited liability partnerships. It requires at least one general partner, who manages the business and bears full liability for its debts, and limited partners, who enjoy liability protection and are not personally responsible for partnership obligations. Limited partners may now participate in management without losing their liability shield.
A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) provides liability protection for all partners, shielding them from the partnership's debts and obligations, except for their personal wrongful acts or negligence. This structure offers the liability protections of a corporation without corporate formalities or taxation.
A Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP) combines the benefits of a limited partnership (LP) and the liability protections of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). Registering as an LLLP protects all partners, including general partners, from personal liability for the partnership’s debts and obligations, except for their personal negligence or wrongful acts.
A DBA is a name under which an individual or business entity does business besides their corporate or true name. Per Missouri law, once the principals of a business entity choose a statutory entity and obtain their ID numbers, they are required to register their DBA or fictitious names.
DBA name registrations are completed via a filing with the Missouri secretary of state. A filing for a DBA registration may be completed online on the website of the secretary of state or by mail. The registration costs $7 and must be renewed every five years; otherwise, the defaulter is liable to be charged with a Class D misdemeanor.
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Missouri?
How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Missouri?
To set up a business in Missouri, follow these steps:
- Consult Professionals: Seek advice from experts such as accountants, attorneys, and financial advisors to understand business planning, tax obligations, and legal requirements.
- Choose and Establish a Business Entity: Select a business structure from among the permitted entity types in Missouri. Allowed options include sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC).
- 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.
- Fictitious Name: If operating under a different name, register it with the state. Online filing is available via Missouri’s Secretary of State website.
- Register for Taxes: Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to register for state taxes, such as sales tax or employer withholding tax, if applicable.
- Register for Unemployment Tax: If hiring employees, register with the Missouri Division of Employment Security.
- Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): Apply for an EIN with the IRS for tax purposes.
- Secure Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Verify whether workers' compensation coverage is required via the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation.
- 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.
- Obtain Licenses and Permits: Check for local city or county permit or licensing requirements 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 per 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 are hiring a professional registered agent, service may cost 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, costing up to several hundred dollars.
Additional Information Available on the Missouri Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Website
You may find information on the following on the Missouri Secretary of State website:
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Missouri
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers relating to business entity searches in Missouri.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in Missouri?
A Missouri business entity search may be done to verify the business status of an entity, determining whether the entity is legitimate, active, or dissolved. This may help avoid scams You may also use it to find the principal office of a business and the entity’s registered agent.
- What types of entities can I search for in Missouri?
You may search for a sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, subchapter-S corporation, close corporation, professional corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability limited partnership, and DBA names.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in Missouri?
You may perform a business entity search in Missouri using the business entity search tool on the secretary of state website.
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Missouri?
You need a business name, registered agent, or charter number to search for a business entity in Missouri.
- How do I find the official name of a Missouri business?
You may find the official name of a Missouri business by performing a search using the business entity search tool on the secretary of state website. However, you will need to have the name of the entity’s registered agent or its charter number.
- Can I search for foreign entities in Missouri?
Yes, foreign entities with similar details as the search text provided in the business entity search tool will be returned in search results.
- What information can I find in the Missouri entity search?
You may find the business type, domesticity, business formation date, business duration, business registration renewal month, business home state, business charter no, business status, registered agent's name and address, business principal office address, business filings, and business contact information.
- How do I verify if a Missouri business is in good standing?
By performing a business entity search, you will obtain information on the business status, such as active or dissolved. If a business status is active, it means it is in good standing in the state.
- Can I search for an entity in Missouri by its owner’s name?
It is possible to find the owner of a Missouri business entity using the business entity search tool if the entity’s registered agent is the business owner. Otherwise, you may have to perform an internet search to find the owner’s name.
- How often is the Missouri business entity database updated?
The Missouri business entity database is updated regularly. Generally, it takes no longer than a few days after a modification of the information in the database to be reflected.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in Missouri?
Copies of some business filings for a specific business may be accessed online via a search for that business on the business entity search tool on the secretary of state website. If you cannot find the specific filings you want, you may contact the Office of the Secretary of State website.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of a Missouri business is?
You may find the registered agent of a Missouri business using the business entity search tool on the secretary of state website. However, you will need to provide the name of the business or its charter number to complete a search using the tool.
- How can I search for Missouri businesses by their tax ID number?
The tax ID number search option is not available on the Missouri business entity search tool. If you must use the tax ID number to find a Missouri business, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Missouri search?
If you cannot find a business entity using the Missouri business entity search tool despite providing the correct business name, charter number, or registered agent name, contact the office of the Missouri Secretary of State. Alternatively, consider hiring a professional to conduct a business search for the entity.
How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Missouri?
How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Missouri?
After defining your business concept and drafting a business plan, it is important to select an entity type, decide on a business name, and confirm that it is not already in use by another entity.
Next, you may follow these steps to set up your business in Missouri:
- Register Your Business Entity with the Missouri Secretary of State: To register your business in Missouri, use the Secretary of State's (SOS) online filing system. Note that you must create an account on the website to begin the business registration process. Once logged in, you may access and complete the necessary formation documents, submitting them electronically. Note that certain business types may not require formal filing with the state.
- Apply for Missouri Licenses and Permits: Starting a business in Missouri often requires obtaining licenses, permits, and registrations tailored to your operations. For tax purposes, businesses selling taxable goods or services must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect sales tax and obtain a sales tax permit. Employers also need a withholding account number, both of which can be registered via the Missouri Taxpayer Access Point (TAP).
- Choose a business location and assess local zoning regulations: Choosing a business location in Missouri requires evaluating affordability, location benefits, and zoning compliance. You should ensure that you do not contravene local zoning laws by checking local ordinances and consulting planning departments.
- Obtain Insurance: To protect your Missouri business, obtain insurance to protect yourself and the business against lawsuits, damages, and unexpected events like natural disasters. You may consult an insurance agent to explore coverage options such as general liability or worker's compensation insurance.
- Open a Business Account: Open a separate business bank account to streamline finances and ensure liability protection, especially for LLCs and corporations.
Additionally, businesses may require regulatory licenses from state departments like health or environmental quality, as well as professional licenses from specific agencies. Employers needing EINs may apply online through the IRS website at no cost.
How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Missouri?
The cost of starting a business in Missouri varies based on the business type and requirements. Typical fees associated with an entity start-up in Missouri include the following:
- Formation Fees:
Registration fees typically cost between $50 and $250. Registering an LLC costs $50 online, while a foreign limited partnership costs $250.
- Permits and Licenses:
Costs vary depending on local or industry-specific permits, ranging from $25 to several hundred dollars.
- Application for the appointment of Registered Agent:
This fee varies depending on the entity structure and may be up to $25.
Note that other costs such as business insurance, equipment, and other operational expenses will add to initial business set-up costs.
Additional Information Available on the Missouri Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Website
You may find information on the following on the Missouri Secretary of State website:
FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Missouri
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers regarding business entity searches in Missouri.
- Why would I need to search for a business entity in Missouri?
You may need to search for a business entity in Missouri to verify its legitimacy, check its registration status, confirm ownership details, or gather information for legal, financial, or partnership purposes.
- What types of entities can I search for in Missouri?
You may search for sole proprietorship, general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, corporation, and DBA names.
- Where can I perform a business entity search in Missouri?
You may perform a business entity search in Missouri using the business search tool on the Secretary of State website.
- What information do I need to conduct an entity search in Missouri?
The business name, business ID, officer name, or registered agent is required to search for a business entity in Missouri.
- How do I find the official name of a Missouri business?
The official name of a Missouri entity may be found using the business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website. You may provide the business ID, officer name, or registered agent name of the business to find the official name of the business.
- Can I search for foreign entities in Missouri?
Yes, you may use the business search tool on the Secretary of State’s website to search foreign entities in Missouri.
- What information can I find in the Missouri entity search?
You may find the business structure type, business ID, business registration status, registration date, state of incorporation, principal office address, DBA, officer's and director's name and address, and registered agent's name and address.
- How do I verify if a Missouri business is in good standing?
Using the business registration status information available from a business search on the secretary of state’s website, you may determine if a Missouri business is in good standing with the state. If the status is active, the entity is in good standing.
- Can I search for an entity in Missouri by its owner’s name?
If the officer or registered agent of the Missouri entity doubles as its owner, you can find the identity of the owner via the business search tool on the Secretary of State website, using the business name and business ID search option.
- How often is the Missouri business entity database updated?
The database for the business search tool provided by the state is updated regularly, usually within a few days after a change in entry details.
- Can I obtain copies of business filings in Missouri?
You may request copies of business filings from the secretary of state website. You may be able to access some business filings using the business search tool or by contacting the office of the secretary of state.
- How do I find out who the registered agent of a Missouri business is?
By providing the business name, business ID, or officer name of a Missouri business on the Secretary of State business search tool, you may find the identity of the entity’s registered agent.
- How can I search for Missouri businesses by their tax ID number?
The Missouri Secretary of State does not provide a search by tax ID number option on its business search tool. You may contact the Missouri Department of Revenue to find an entity using its tax ID number.
- What should I do if I can’t find a business entity in the Missouri search?
You may use other search options when choosing the business name search criteria on the Secretary of State website, such as "any words" or "sounds like" to find businesses that sound or contain similar names as the one you are looking for. This is especially useful if you are not certain about the name of the business. However, if you still cannot find a business entity, contact the Missouri secretary of state.
- Uncover In-Depth Information on Business Entities
- How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Missouri?
- Why Conduct a Missouri Entity Search?
- Who Holds Data for Missouri Business Entity Search?
- What Entities Can You Register in Missouri?
- How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in Missouri?
- How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in Missouri?
- How Much Does It Cost To Start a Business In Missouri?
- Additional Information Available on the Missouri Secretary of the Commonwealth's Website
- FAQs About Business Entity Searches in Missouri