Missouri can be an excellent place to start an LLC for many reasons. The state has a relatively low cost of living, a business-friendly environment, and a diverse economy with various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. Additionally, Missouri offers several tax incentives and programs to support small businesses, such as the Missouri Works program and the Missouri Small Business Grant program.
However, whether or not Missouri is the right place to start an LLC will depend on your specific business needs and goals. It’s essential to research and consider factors such as the local market, competition, and regulatory environment before deciding. But if you are ready to go, here is a condensed version of how to start an LLC in Missouri.
Contact Brydon, Swearengen, and England and we will be happy to assist with the creation of your LLC.
Steps to Starting an LLC in Missouri
- Choose a name that complies with Missouri’s naming requirements and is available for use.
- To find out if a business name is available in Missouri, you can use the Missouri Secretary of State’s online business entity search tool. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Missouri Secretary of State’s Business Services website at https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations.
- Click on the “Business Entity Search” link.
- Enter the name you want to search for in the “Entity Name” field.
- Click on the “Search” button.
- The search results will display a list of any existing businesses with similar names, as well as any exact matches. If the name you want is not already in use, it should be available. However, keep in mind that the availability of a name does not guarantee that it complies with Missouri’s naming requirements. You should review the state’s guidelines for naming your LLC before deciding.
- File Articles of Organization with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office.
- Create an operating agreement that outlines the management and ownership structure of your LLC.
- If necessary for your business, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Note: Sole Member LLC’s are “disregarded entities for IRS purposes, so those entities may use the member’s SSN instead.
- Register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for tax purposes.
- Obtain any necessary licenses or permits required for your business activities.
- All of these steps may be made easier with the assistance of a business attorney. For more detailed information and guidance, contact Brydon, Swearengen, and England.
Why the Show-Me state for your business?
There are several benefits to forming an LLC in Missouri. These are just a few:
- Limited liability protection: As the name suggests, a limited liability company provides limited liability protection to its owners, which means that the owners are not personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business, if the business is operated separately from individual assets.
- Flexible management structure: LLCs offer a flexible management structure, allowing members to choose how the company is managed and how profits and losses are distributed.
- Pass-through taxation: LLCs are generally taxed as pass-through entities, which means that the company’s profits and losses are passed through to the owners’ tax returns, avoiding double taxation.
- Credibility: Forming an LLC can add credibility to your business, as it demonstrates that you have taken steps to establish a formal business entity.
- Perpetual existence: LLCs may have perpetual existence, meaning that the company may continue to exist even if one or more members leave the company or pass away.
- Ease of formation and maintenance: LLCs are relatively easy and inexpensive to form and maintain compared to other business entities like general business corporations.
It’s important to note that the specific benefits of forming an LLC in Missouri may vary depending on your circumstances and business needs. And you will need a business attorney to help you put everything into place. Contact Brydon, Swearengen, and England today with questions or concerns, and let’s get your money-maker moving!