How to start a business in Missouri (2026)
Everything a new business in Missouri needs in the first months: registration, licenses, taxes, insurance and the yearly deadlines, with official links.
1. Register your business
Most owners form an LLC with the Missouri Secretary of State. Once it's registered, find it here to claim a free website and see your exact dates.
2. Taxes
Get a free EIN from the IRS first. How. Register with Missouri before your first taxable sale. Register in Missouri
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, you pay estimated tax four times a year.
Missouri's yearly report
Missouri doesn't require an annual report from LLCs. There's no state fee if you file on time.
Your first-month checklist
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Get your EIN
Free from the IRS, online in about 10 minutes. Banks, clients and payroll all ask for it. You never need to pay a service for it. How to get it free
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Open a business bank account
Keeps the company's money separate from yours, which is what protects your LLC. See options
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Register for sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services
Register with Missouri before your first taxable sale. Register in Missouri
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Get general liability insurance
Most clients, landlords and venues ask for a certificate before you start. See options
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Set up bookkeeping
Track every sale and expense from day one so taxes take hours, not weeks. See options
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Payroll and workers' comp before your first hire
Most states require workers' comp once you have employees, and payroll software handles the tax filings. See options
What insurance costs
| Coverage | Median per month |
|---|---|
| General liability | $45 |
| Business owner's policy (BOP) | $83 |
| Workers' compensation | $54 |
| Professional liability | $88 |
Source: Insureon (100,000+ customers), Feb 2026. Your price depends on your work, location and history.
Other trades in Missouri
Sources: state agency sites linked above; annual report rules compiled from state sites (checked Oct 2026). Rules change, so confirm with the agency before filing.