Business formation folders and a closed laptop on a lamp-lit desk, Missouri LLC Cost in 2026

Missouri LLC Cost in 2026: Every State, County and City Fee

Missouri LLC Cost in 2026: Every State, County and City Fee

Starting an LLC in Missouri is cheaper than many states, but the total cost depends on where you operate. You'll pay a Secretary of State filing fee, county merchant's license fees, and city business license fees that vary by municipality. This guide breaks down every expense so you know exactly what to expect.

Missouri Secretary of State Filing Fee

The state filing fee is where your LLC costs begin. Missouri's Articles of Organization filing fee is straightforward:

  • Online filing: $50 (processed immediately in most cases)
  • Paper filing by mail: $105

Filing online through the Missouri Business Filings portal is the faster, cheaper option. Online filings are typically processed immediately, while paper filings take longer and cost more than double. You'll submit your Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with your entity name, registered agent information, and management structure.

That $50 fee covers your initial LLC formation with the Missouri Secretary of State. No additional state filing fees apply when you form your LLC, and Missouri imposes no state business license requirement on LLCs.

The Hidden Advantage: Missouri Has No Annual Fee for LLCs

This is one of Missouri's biggest cost advantages. Many states charge annual renewal fees or maintenance fees for LLCs, but Missouri does not.

Missouri LLCs owe no annual report and no annual fee to the Secretary of State. This is confirmed in the Secretary of State's FAQ: "Do limited liability companies have to file an annual report? No." You'll never receive a renewal notice for an LLC filing fee after your initial $50 payment.

Corporations in Missouri are different. If you form a corporation instead of an LLC, you must file an annual registration report costing $20 per year. But if your business entity is an LLC, Missouri does not impose recurring annual filing fees at the state level. This saves $20 to $50+ per year compared to many other states.

Other State-Level Costs: Fictitious Names and Amendments

After your initial LLC formation, you may have other state-level costs.

Fictitious Name (DBA) Registration

If you operate your LLC under a name other than your legal registered name, you must file a fictitious name registration (also called "doing business as" or DBA). The cost in Missouri is $7 for a five-year term. This is filed as a Registration of Fictitious Name (Form Corp. 56) with the Missouri Secretary of State.

Articles Amendment

If you need to change your Articles of Organization (for example, to change the LLC's name or its management structure), the filing fee is $25 per amendment. You can report registered agent or registered office changes for $10, which is cheaper than a full amendment.

County-Level Merchant's License Fees

After the Secretary of State fee, your next expense is usually a county merchant's license if your business sells goods. County fees in Missouri vary significantly by location:

  • St. Louis County: $5
  • St. Charles County: $15 to $25 depending on annual sales volume
  • Boone County: $25
  • Jefferson County: $25
  • Camden County: $25
  • Many other Missouri counties: often $25

Not all businesses need a county merchant's license. Generally, you need one if your LLC sells tangible goods (physical products). Service-only businesses generally do not, because the license under RSMo Chapter 150 covers merchants and manufacturers. Check with your county collector's office or county website to confirm whether your type of business requires a merchant's license.

County licenses are typically renewed annually, so budget for this recurring cost each year.

City-Level Business License Fees

Your city of operation will likely require a business license, and the fee structure varies dramatically across Missouri municipalities. Unlike state fees, which are consistent statewide, city license fees depend on your location and sometimes on your business type or size.

Fee Bases Used by Missouri Cities

Missouri cities calculate business license fees using different methods:

  • Gross receipts: Some cities charge a fee based on your annual business revenue. Columbia, for example, charges $0.25 per $1,000 of gross receipts with a $75 minimum and a $10,000 maximum.
  • Number of employees: Other cities, such as St. Louis and Blue Springs, base the fee on how many employees you have.
  • Square footage: Retail and service businesses may be charged based on the size of your physical space.
  • Flat fee: Some cities charge a single flat fee regardless of business size, typically $25 to $150.

Because city fees vary so widely, you must contact your city's business licensing office to learn the exact cost. The fee may range from $20 in a small town to $300+ in a major city depending on your business type and size.

Major Missouri Cities (Approximate Ranges)

City fees are specific to each municipality and often change annually. For planning purposes, budget these approximate ranges, but confirm current fees with your city:

  • Kansas City: graduated by gross receipts, starting at a $25 minimum for $0 to $28,000
  • St. Louis: graduated by number of employees, from $200 for 0 to 2 employees up to $37,500 for the largest employers
  • Springfield: category-based (F1, F2, F3), with gross receipts or flat fees depending on category
  • Columbia: $0.25 per $1,000 of gross receipts, $75 minimum, $10,000 maximum
  • Smaller cities and towns: $15 to $50 flat fee (typical)

Contact your city's business licensing department directly for accurate current fees.

Complete Cost Breakdown Example

Here's what a typical Missouri LLC startup might cost in different scenarios:

Service Business in a Small Town

  • Secretary of State filing (online): $50
  • County merchant's license (or none if not required): $0 to $25
  • City business license (small town flat fee): $25
  • Total first-year cost: $75 to $100
  • Annual recurring: $25 to $50

Retail Business in St. Charles County

  • Secretary of State filing (online): $50
  • County merchant's license: $15 to $25 (based on sales)
  • City business license: $50 to $100
  • Total first-year cost: $115 to $175
  • Annual recurring: $65 to $125

Service Business in Kansas City

  • Secretary of State filing (online): $50
  • County merchant's license: none found in Jackson or Clay County, which have no countywide merchant license program
  • City business license (Kansas City): from $25, rising with gross receipts
  • Total first-year cost: from about $75, plus the 1% earnings tax on net profits
  • Annual recurring: from $25 for the city license, depending on gross receipts

Optional Costs to Consider

Beyond licensing fees, you may encounter other startup expenses:

Registered Agent Service

Missouri requires your LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical Missouri address (not a PO Box). You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Missouri address, at no cost. Alternatively, you can hire a registered agent service, which typically costs $50 to $150 per year. This is optional if you handle it yourself.

Legal and Accounting Help

While not required, many LLC owners consult an attorney to draft an operating agreement (if not using a template) or consult a CPA for tax planning. These services cost $200 to $1,000+ depending on complexity.

Business Name Reservation

If you want to reserve your LLC name before filing, the Secretary of State charges $25 for a 60-day reservation, renewable for two additional 60-day periods. This is optional.

Tax Considerations (Not Included in Formation Fees)

Formation fees are separate from taxes. After your LLC is formed, you must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for income tax purposes. There is no separate registration fee, but your LLC's members will owe personal income tax on their share of LLC profits (graduated rates up to 4.70% in 2026). If your LLC elects corporate tax treatment, it pays a 4% flat corporate income tax. Sales tax applies to tangible goods and certain services, and you'll need a sales tax permit (also free from the Department of Revenue). Payroll taxes apply if you have employees.

These are ongoing obligations, not startup fees, but they should factor into your business planning.

How to Keep Costs Down

  • File online: Save $55 by filing your Articles of Organization online ($50) instead of by mail ($105).
  • Act as your own registered agent: Save $50 to $150 per year by maintaining your own Missouri address as the registered agent.
  • Verify county and city requirements: Confirm whether your specific business type requires a county merchant's license before paying the fee.
  • Use templates for your operating agreement: Save hundreds in attorney fees if you don't need custom legal language.
  • Do your own basic setup: Avoid startup package services that bundle simple filings and mark them up significantly.

Key Advantage: No Annual State Fees

Missouri's lack of annual renewal fees for LLCs is a genuine advantage. While you'll still owe county and city business license renewals (recurring annual costs), you will never owe the Secretary of State a recurring fee. After that initial $50 online filing, your state-level LLC registration is complete and does not expire or require renewal.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides factual information about Missouri LLC costs and is not legal advice, tax advice, or business advice. Fees and requirements can change, and your specific situation may differ based on your business type, location, and structure. Before forming your LLC, consult a qualified Missouri attorney and a certified public accountant (CPA) to confirm current requirements, understand tax implications, and ensure your LLC structure meets your business goals. The Missouri Small Business Development Center (https://sbdc.missouri.edu) also offers free business consulting.

Resources

Keep exploring: related Missouri guides