Form a Corporation in Missouri
Forming a Corporation in Missouri costs $58 in state filing fees and typically takes 5-7 business days to process. After that, plan for a $20 annual report fee.
Last verified July 2026 against official Missouri sources · see sources
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How to File
Choose and Reserve a Corporate Name
Select a unique name that includes a required corporate designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' or an abbreviation thereof. Conduct a name availability search on the Missouri Secretary of State's online portal and optionally reserve the name for 60 days for a $25 fee.
30 minutes
Designate a Registered Agent
Appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Missouri who is available during normal business hours to receive legal and official documents on behalf of the corporation. The registered agent can be an individual Missouri resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Missouri.
15 minutes
File Articles of Incorporation
Prepare and file Articles of Incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State, including the corporate name, registered agent information, number of authorized shares, incorporator details, and optional provisions. Filing can be completed online through the Missouri Secretary of State's Business Services portal or by mailing a paper form.
1 hour
Appoint Initial Directors
Identify and appoint the initial board of directors, who will oversee the corporation's management until the first shareholder meeting. Missouri law requires at least one director, and their names and addresses may be listed in the Articles of Incorporation or established at the organizational meeting.
30 minutes
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Adopt Bylaws — Conduct the initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt corporate bylaws, issue shares of stock, elect officers, and address other foundational matters. Bylaws are not filed with the state but serve as the internal governing document for the corporation.
- •Obtain EIN and Open a Business Bank Account — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax filing, hiring employees, and opening a business bank account. Use the EIN to open a dedicated corporate bank account to maintain separation between personal and business finances.
- •Register for Missouri State Taxes and Obtain Licenses — Register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes, including corporate income tax and sales tax if selling taxable goods or services. Obtain any required local or industry-specific business licenses or permits needed to legally operate in Missouri.
Fees and Processing Time
- State filing fee:
- $58
- Expedite fee:
- $25
- Standard processing:
- 5-7 business days
- Expedited processing:
- 24 hours
Missouri charges $58 for online filing of Articles of Incorporation for a for-profit corporation. Paper filings cost $58 plus a $25 handling fee. Expedited 24-hour processing is available for an additional $25. Fees are based on the number of authorized shares: up to 30,000 shares costs $58; additional shares increase the fee incrementally up to a maximum of $458.
Corporation in Missouri: Quick Answers
How much does it cost to form a Corporation in Missouri?
The state filing fee is $58, plus $25 if you choose expedited processing. Optional costs such as a paid registered agent are on top of that.
How long does it take to form a Corporation in Missouri?
Standard processing is 5-7 business days; expedited processing is 24 hours.
Does a Corporation in Missouri need a registered agent?
Yes. You must name a registered agent with a physical Missouri address. You can serve as your own agent if you have a Missouri street address and are available during business hours.
Does Missouri require a Corporation to publish a notice?
No. Missouri has no newspaper publication requirement for this entity type.
What are the annual fees and filings for a Corporation in Missouri?
The annual report fee is $20. Due: April 15. See Annual Obligations below for other required filings.
Advantages
- ✓Limited liability protection shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Easier to raise capital by issuing shares of stock to investors, making it attractive for venture capital and outside investment
- ✓Corporations have perpetual existence, meaning the business continues regardless of ownership changes or the death of a shareholder
- ✓Potential for tax advantages through S-Corp election, employee benefit deductions, and splitting income between salary and dividends
Considerations
- •Subject to double taxation as a C-Corp — the corporation pays corporate income tax and shareholders pay personal income tax on dividends
- •More complex formation, governance, and compliance requirements compared to LLCs, including mandatory bylaws, board meetings, and annual reports
- •Higher administrative burden with strict recordkeeping requirements such as maintaining minutes, resolutions, and a stock ledger
Annual Obligations
How a Corporation Compares in Missouri
Corporation vs. LLC
A Missouri LLC offers more flexible management and taxation (pass-through by default) with fewer formalities, while a Corporation has a rigid structure with directors and officers but is better suited for raising investment capital through stock issuance.
Corporation vs. S-Corp
An S-Corp is not a separate entity type but a federal tax election available to qualifying Missouri corporations; it allows pass-through taxation to avoid double taxation, whereas a standard C-Corp is taxed at both the corporate and shareholder levels.
Corporation vs. Partnership
A Missouri Corporation provides full limited liability protection for all owners, whereas a general partnership exposes all partners to personal liability for business debts; a corporation also offers greater longevity and easier transfer of ownership.
Corporation vs. Nonprofit
A for-profit Missouri Corporation is formed to generate profit for shareholders and pays corporate income tax, while a Nonprofit Corporation is organized for a charitable or public purpose, may seek tax-exempt status, and cannot distribute profits to members or directors.
Sources
Fees, steps and deadlines on this page come from Missouri's official filing office and tax agency pages listed below and were last verified in July 2026. Fees change — confirm on the official site before you file.
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