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LLC Formation·Best Overall·Updated July 3, 2026

Best LLC Formation Services in Missouri

Missouri charges a $50 online filing fee and processes Articles of Organization immediately through the Secretary of State's online portal.

July 3, 202615 min read
Daniel Wong
Written byDaniel Wong
Legal & Compliance Analyst
6 services reviewed
Independently tested
Updated quarterly

Quick Comparison of All 6 Services

Compare pricing and ratings at a glance, then visit a service or read the full review below.

Missouri

Sets the state fee and annual report below.

Include in every price

The agent is required in every state and the main reason provider prices differ. State fees go to the state and are identical with every provider.

Every price below is the full amount due, the $50 Missouri filing fee is already in it. That fee goes to the state, not the company, and is identical whoever files for you. Only the provider's own fee varies. what the service charges $50 Missouri state fee

NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

4.8Best Overall
Registered agent free year 1, then $125 a yearBusiness address, domain, email and website includedOne flat price, no upsells at checkout

Due today

$89

Registered agent included, free year 1State fees included

Then every year

$125

Z logo

ZenBusiness

4.5Best for LLC Formation
$0 formation with guided, beginner friendly setupFree year of compliance remindersAgent costs $199 a year here, most of the price

Due today

$249

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$199

TB logo

Tailor Brands

4.2Best for Branding
$0 filing with logo and website tools built inWeekend support and a guided setupAgent $199 a year plus pre-checked trial add-ons

Due today

$249

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$199

L logo

LegalZoom

2.8Most Recognized
Best known brand with a big legal document libraryAgent costs $249 a year, priciest in this listAggressive upsells during checkout

Due today

$299

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$249

D logo

Doola

4.0Best for Non-US Founders
Built for non US founders, EIN and banking helpAgent and virtual address inside the $297 planPlan renews at $297 a year and is mandatory

Due today

$347

Registered agent included in the planState fees included

Then every year

$297

Special offer, 30% off every plan as of July 30, 2026. Starter is $208 instead of $297, and the discount applies to the higher tiers too. Doola shows no end date for it, so check the current price on their site before you buy.

HC logo

Harbor Compliance

3.4Best for Regulated Industries
Dedicated compliance specialist for every accountOne business day filing at no extra feeAgent $99 year 1, renews at $149 a year

Due today

$248

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$149

* Based on prices and renewal rates verified July 26, 2026. Provider and government fees change.

Compare every detailShow
Service
NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

Best Overall
From $39
4.8
ZB logo

ZenBusiness

Best for LLC Formation
From $0
4.5
TB logo

Tailor Brands

Best for Branding
From $0
4.2
FN logo

FileNow

Best for Speed
From $49
4.2
SF logo

Swyft Filings

Best for Fast Filing
From $0
3.2
LZ logo

LegalZoom

Most Recognized
From $0
2.8

How We Chose the Best LLC Services for Missouri

Missouri stands out as one of the few states with no annual report requirement, which fundamentally changes what you need from a formation service after the initial filing. We evaluated each provider on how they handled the $50 fee and instant processing through the Secretary of State, but weighted ongoing compliance support lower than in states with recurring obligations. Instead, we focused on filing accuracy, registered agent quality, and whether services correctly identified Missouri's Series LLC option.

Missouri is one of a small number of states that does not require an annual report for LLCs. That means zero recurring state paperwork and zero renewal fees after formation. But the state does legally require every LLC to have a written operating agreement, which catches some founders off guard.

12

Services Tested

200

Hours of Research

50

States Covered

July 3, 2026

Last Updated

Full Reviews

1
NR logo
From $39
Best Overall

Northwest Registered Agent

A transparent LLC formation service that bundles a complete business identity (address, domain, email, phone, website) into a single $39 fee with no upsells.

4.8
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

Pricing Plans

Popular
$39

LLC Formation + Business Identity

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
  • 1 full year of Registered Agent service included
  • Operating Agreement draft

Northwest Registered Agent is our top pick for LLC formation. Their $39 package now includes what they call a Business Identity: a business address, domain name, website with hosting, email, phone service, and mail scanning, on top of the formation filing and a year of registered agent service. No tiered plans, no upsell games during checkout. They are a family-owned, privately held company with U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually know what they are talking about. The dashboard is more utilitarian than polished, but that is a fair tradeoff for the most complete formation package at this price.

Pros

  • Flat $39 formation fee with no tiered packages or hidden add-ons.
  • Full Business Identity included: business address, domain, email, website, and phone service.
  • Free year of registered agent service with privacy protection.
  • Free mail scanning (up to 5 documents) and renewal reminders.
  • Same-day filing with no extra rush fees.
  • U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually answer the phone.

Cons

  • Customer support is not available on weekends.
  • Online cancellation process can be cumbersome.
  • Trial digital services auto-renew if you forget to cancel.

Best For: Founders who want a complete business setup (formation, address, domain, email, website, phone) in one flat-fee package with no upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

2
ZB logo
From $0
Best for LLC Formation

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness offers a phenomenal $0 base plan and an incredibly intuitive dashboard, making it our top recommendation for first-time founders.

4.5
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Starter

+ state fees

  • Name availability search
  • Articles of formation filing
  • Electronic document access
Popular
$199/yr

Pro

+ state fees

  • All Starter features
  • 1-day rush processing
  • Operating agreement template
$399/yr

Premium

+ state fees

  • All Pro features
  • Business document templates
  • Registered Agent service

ZenBusiness offers the smoothest LLC formation experience available. The guided setup walks first-time founders through every step, and the $0 Starter plan only requires you to pay state fees. The dashboard sends compliance reminders so you do not miss deadlines. Watch for pre-checked upsells during checkout that trigger recurring annual costs, and know that the Pro plan renewal jumps to $199/year. A strong choice if you want a polished, beginner-friendly formation process.

Pros

  • $0 Starter plan requiring only state filing fees
  • Highly intuitive dashboard that simplifies the formation process
  • Responsive support team available on Sundays
  • First year of Worry-Free Compliance included for free
  • Excellent mobile app for managing your business on the go

Cons

  • Heavy push for add-on services during the checkout process
  • Registered agent and compliance renewals become expensive after the first year
  • Difficult-to-cancel auto-renewing subscriptions

Best For: First-time founders needing an easy, guided, and affordable LLC setup

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

3
TB logo
From $0
Best for Branding

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands bundles logo design and a website into LLC formation, then charges $199 a year for the registered agent almost everyone needs.

4.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Lite

+ state fees

  • Filing of Articles of Organization
  • Standard processing, up to 14 business days
  • Business coaching program access
Popular
$199/yr

Essential

+ state fees

  • Everything in Lite
  • Expedited processing, 1 to 2 business days
  • Operating agreement creation
$249/yr

Elite

+ state fees

  • Everything in Essential
  • 1-year free domain hosting
  • AI-powered website builder

Formation is the free part. The logo and website builders are easy to use, and the guided setup is beginner friendly. The catch is checkout. Plan prices stay hidden until the end, a $39 a month bookkeeping trial comes pre-checked, and the registered agent most founders need costs $199 a year. That puts the real first-year cost near $309 in a state like Delaware. If you want branding and formation together, it works. If you only need the LLC, Northwest files for a flat $39 with no upsells.

Pros

  • Free Lite plan covers the LLC filing and standard processing
  • Beginner-friendly dashboard that is easy to navigate
  • Built-in logo maker and website builder in one dashboard
  • Customer support available on weekends
  • Guided questionnaire walks you through setup

Cons

  • Plan prices stay hidden until the end of the questionnaire
  • Pre-checked $39 a month bookkeeping trial you must cancel yourself
  • Registered agent service costs $199 a year, more than budget rivals

Best For: First-time founders who want LLC filing and basic branding tools in one place.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

4
FN logo
From $49
Best for Speed

FileNow

FileNow guarantees 24-hour processing on all orders, but its lack of a free entry-level plan makes it less competitive for founders on a strict budget.

4.2
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$49

Starter

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents
Popular
$199

Premium

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents

FileNow delivers a remarkably fast and straightforward LLC formation experience. We appreciate that 24-hour processing is standard across all plans instead of being an expensive add-on. The checkout process is completely transparent with zero pre-checked upsells or hidden fees. However, because the base plan costs $49 and does not include a registered agent, budget-conscious founders might prefer cheaper alternatives.

Pros

  • 24-hour order processing included on all plans at no extra cost
  • Transparent pricing with zero hidden fees or pre-checked subscriptions
  • Simple two-tier pricing makes choosing a package easy
  • Premium plan provides excellent value by bundling essential startup documents
  • Customer support is accessible via phone, chat, and email

Cons

  • No free formation tier available
  • Starter plan does not include registered agent service
  • Lacks advanced legal tools and ongoing compliance dashboards

Best For: Entrepreneurs who prioritize fast 24-hour processing and straightforward, transparent pricing.

Read full review
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

5
SF logo
From $0
Best for Fast Filing

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings offers exceptionally fast processing speeds, but you must navigate a minefield of expensive upsells during checkout.

3.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of LLC documents
  • Business name availability check
  • Standard processing (7-10 business days)
Popular
$199

Standard

+ state fees

  • Everything in Basic
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN) obtainment
  • Custom Operating Agreement
$299

Premium

+ state fees

  • Everything in Standard
  • Expedited processing (1 business day)
  • 2 months of unlimited attorney consultations

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering some of the fastest LLC formation times on the market. Their 5-step setup process is simple and easy for beginners to understand. However, their aggressive upsells and missing registered agent service make their $0 starting price highly deceptive. We recommend them only if you desperately need same-day processing and know exactly which add-ons to decline.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast processing speeds
  • Streamlined 5-step application interface
  • Knowledgeable and responsive phone support
  • Basic package starts at $0 plus state fees
  • No confusing legal jargon during setup

Cons

  • Registered agent service costs an extra $149 per year
  • Aggressive multi-page upsell flow
  • Difficult cancellation process for ongoing subscriptions

Best For: Founders needing fast turnaround who can navigate heavy upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

6
LZ logo
From $0
Most Recognized

LegalZoom

A famous name with an aggressive checkout process and expensive recurring fees.

2.8
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state filing fees

  • Articles of organization filing
  • Business name availability check
  • Digital welcome packet
Popular
$249

Pro

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Basic package
  • Operating Agreement
  • EIN registration
$299

Premium

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Pro package
  • Business attorney guidance (30-day subscription)
  • Bookkeeping tools (6-month subscription)

LegalZoom relies heavily on its brand recognition to charge premium prices for basic services. While the platform is easy to navigate and offers excellent legal document libraries, the checkout process is a maze of expensive upsells and auto-renewing trials. We do not recommend it if you are on a budget. You will end up paying significantly more for registered agent and compliance services than you would with competitors.

Pros

  • Highly intuitive platform that is easy for absolute beginners to navigate.
  • Access to a massive library of legal documents and forms.
  • Long-standing brand reputation provides reliability and peace of mind.
  • Customer support is available seven days a week.
  • Basic LLC formation is free excluding mandatory state fees.

Cons

  • Incredibly aggressive upselling for simple tasks like obtaining an EIN.
  • Registered agent fees are heavily inflated at $249 per year.
  • Checkout includes pre-selected free trials that auto-renew at high prices.
  • Standard processing times are slow unless you pay a $99 expedite fee.

Best For: Founders prioritizing brand recognition and access to an extensive legal document library.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Editorial Standards & Affiliate Disclosure

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What Makes a Good LLC Service for Missouri Founders

Missouri is one of only a handful of states with no annual report requirement. Once your LLC is formed, you will never file a periodic report or pay a recurring state fee to keep it active. Compare that to neighboring Kansas, which charges $55 every year, or Illinois, which requires an annual report with a $75 fee.

Missouri allows anonymous LLCs. Your Articles of Organization list an organizer, not the members or managers, so your name does not have to appear in public records. This makes Missouri a quieter privacy option than states like Iowa or Nebraska, where member names are part of the filing.

Series LLCs are available in Missouri. If you plan to hold multiple assets or run distinct business lines, you can create separate protected series under one parent LLC without filing additional entities.

Missouri law requires a written operating agreement for every LLC. Most states treat this as optional. In Missouri, it is a legal requirement, and operating without one could weaken your liability protection in court.

What to Do After You File Your Missouri LLC

  1. Draft a written operating agreement immediately. Missouri law (RSMo 347.081) requires every LLC to have one. This document defines ownership percentages, profit distribution, and management structure. Without it, your LLC may not have full legal protection.
  2. Get an EIN from the IRS. You need a federal Employer Identification Number to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file taxes. This is free and takes about five minutes on the IRS website.
  3. Register for Missouri state taxes. If you sell taxable goods or services, register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for a sales tax license. Missouri's combined state and local sales tax rates can exceed 10% in some jurisdictions.
  4. Check local business license requirements. Missouri has no general state business license, but cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield each have their own licensing and registration requirements. Check with your local city or county clerk.
  5. File your BOI report with FinCEN. As of 2024, most new LLCs must file a Beneficial Ownership Information report within 90 days of formation. This is a federal requirement, not a Missouri one, but missing the deadline carries penalties up to $500 per day.

Missouri LLC Tax Overview

Missouri has a state income tax with a top rate of 4.95%, which applies to LLC income that passes through to resident members. There is no franchise tax or capital values tax, which keeps ongoing costs well below neighboring states like Kansas (which imposes a $1 per $1,000 of net worth franchise tax on most entities).

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in Missouri

  • Operating Agreement Is Legally Required - Missouri mandates a written operating agreement for every LLC. If you do not draft one yourself, formation services charge $35 to $150 for a template.
  • Name Reservation Costs $25 - If you want to hold your LLC name before filing, Missouri charges a $25 reservation fee that lasts 60 days.
  • Good Standing Certificate Is $10 - Some banks and lenders require a Certificate of Good Standing, which costs $10 from the Secretary of State.
  • Foreign LLC Registration Is $105 - If you already have an LLC in another state and want to register it in Missouri, the foreign qualification fee is more than double the domestic filing fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri LLCs

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Missouri?

The Missouri Secretary of State charges a $50 filing fee for Articles of Organization filed online. That is one of the lowest filing fees in the country. If you use a formation service, add their fee on top, though several (including ZenBusiness and FileNow) offer free formation tiers where you only pay the state fee.

Does Missouri require a registered agent?

Yes. Every Missouri LLC must have a registered agent who is either an individual resident of Missouri or a business entity authorized to operate in the state. The agent must have a physical street address in Missouri, not a P.O. box. You can serve as your own registered agent, but most founders use a service to keep their home address off public records.

How long does LLC formation take in Missouri?

Online filings with the Missouri Secretary of State are processed immediately. You will receive confirmation and your filed Articles of Organization right away. Missouri does not offer expedited processing because standard online filing is already instant.

Does Missouri require an operating agreement for an LLC?

Yes. Missouri is one of the few states that legally requires every LLC to adopt a written operating agreement under RSMo 347.081. Even single-member LLCs need one. Without it, a court could question whether your LLC is a properly maintained entity, which puts your personal liability protection at risk.

About the Author

Daniel Wong

Legal & Compliance Analyst

Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.

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Questions about LLC services in Missouri

4 comments

M

mara_k

July 26, 2026

I keep seeing that Missouri makes you have an operating agreement even for a single member LLC. Is that actually the law or just a sales pitch

Daniel WongStartupOwl team

Legal & Compliance Analyst · July 28, 2026

It is actually the law here. Missouri statute RSMo 347.081 requires every LLC to adopt a written operating agreement, even a one person LLC. It is one of only a few states that mandate it. This is not a formation site upsell, though they will happily sell you a template. You can write a simple one yourself that lists ownership, how profits are split, and who manages. Keep the signed copy with your records, banks and courts may ask for it.

D

Devin

July 17, 2026

How much does it really cost to start an LLC in Missouri once everything is added up

Daniel WongStartupOwl team

Legal & Compliance Analyst · July 19, 2026

The state filing fee is $50 online, which is one of the lowest in the country. That is the only required cost to form. After that, the extras are choices, a registered agent service if you do not want your address public, and a business license only if your city or trade requires one. Missouri has no annual report fee for LLCs, so yearly upkeep is light. Budget the $50, then add only what your specific situation needs.

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