Missouri Processing Times and Fees
Fees for corporate filings are based on processing times. If you want to setup your Missouri corporation quickly, you can speed up the process by paying an extra fee for expedited filing. We explain how long it takes to incorporate in each state, with and without expedited service. Visit "Compare Pricing" in our incorporation center to see all state fees in Missouri.
Deciding Between a Missouri S Corp or a C Corp Tax Designation
Missouri S Corps and C Corps have similar requirements for limitation of liability, corporate structure, management and documentation. It's up to you to decide which type of corporation best suits your needs. Here are some differences.
- Taxation: A C Corp files its own tax return and pays taxes based on its income and expenses. An S Corp passes its earnings on to its owners, who pay taxes at their respective individual tax rates.
- Documents: The IRS requires that you file Form 2553 to elect S Corp status. At tax time, a C Corp must file a Form 1120 tax return. S Corps file Form 1120S tax returns.
- Ownership: A C Corp may have as many classes of stock as its owners choose, and it can have an unlimited number of shareholders. An S Corp may have only one class of stock and is limited to a maximum number of shareholders, usually 100. Only individuals and certain trusts and estates can be shareholders in an S Corp.
Personnel Requirements
Every state has its own personnel requirements for incorporating. In Missouri, they include the following:
- Age: An incorporator in Missouri must be at least 18 years of age.
- Number: A Missouri business may incorporate with one or more directors and one or more shareholders.
- Residence: Missouri does not have a residency requirement for directors or shareholders.
Other Requirements for Articles of Incorporation
In addition to personnel requirements, your Missouri Articles of Incorporation must also include the following:
- The name of your registered agent. Every corporation needs a registered agent to accept service of process and other legal documents on behalf of the business. Your registered agent must be available during regular business hours. We can help you designate a registered agent when you incorporate with us.
- Your corporation's duration and purpose.
- The number of shares that the corporation is authorized to issue.
Guidelines for Your Name
Naming your corporation is a matter of personal choice, but you must follow certain guidelines in Missouri.
- Your name should include "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated" or "Limited." It must end with an abbreviation of one of these words.
- Your name must not imply that your business is associated with a government agency or that it has been organized for an illegal purpose.
- Your name must be distinguishable from that of any other Missouri business.
Missouri Corporate Taxes and Reports
Paying taxes is as important for a corporation as it is for an individual. You'll need an employer identification number, or EIN, from the IRS to identify your corporation as a taxpayer. An EIN is the equivalent of an individual's Social Security number.
We have more information about the tax structures and obligations of both C Corps and S Corps.
A Missouri corporation must also file a corporate registration report, along with the appropriate filing fee, on an annual or biennial basis.
Keeping Corporate Records and Ongoing Filing Requirements
Missouri may require your corporation to create bylaws and minutes of directors' meetings. We have more detailed information about Missouri's requirements for bylaws and meeting minutes.
Good luck getting your Missouri corporation under way! We have all the legal documents, filing and tax information you'll need to get started.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
