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Missouri · How-To Guide

How do I get a business license?

Missouri Secretary of State (entity formation) / Missouri Department of Revenue (tax registration) / Local jurisdiction for local licenses
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine your business structure: sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership
  2. Register your business entity with the Missouri Secretary of State (for LLCs and corporations) - file online at sos.mo.gov/business/corporations; Missouri offers online filing through its business portal
  3. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at irs.gov if forming an entity, hiring employees, or operating as a partnership
  4. Register with the Missouri Department of Revenue for applicable state taxes:
  5. - Missouri Vendor License / Retail Sales Tax License (if selling taxable goods/services) - register online at mytax.mo.gov (MO MyTax); free
  6. - Withholding Tax registration (if you have employees)
  7. - Missouri DOR: dor.mo.gov/business/register
  8. Check with your city or county for LOCAL BUSINESS LICENSES - Missouri municipalities each independently decide requirements; most Missouri cities require a local business license; county requirements vary
  9. Check for industry-specific state licenses: contractors (no statewide general contractor license in Missouri - most regulated at city/county level); health professionals, real estate, cosmetologists, engineers through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration (pr.mo.gov) under the Department of Commerce and Insurance
  10. Renew entity annual registration with Secretary of State; renew local licenses per municipality; renew professional licenses per division schedule
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Business name and type of activity
  • Missouri business address and registered agent (for LLCs and corporations)
  • Entity formation documents if LLC or corporation
  • EIN or Social Security number
  • Industry-specific certifications if applicable
Fee
LLC formation: $50 online (low nationally); corporation: $58 online; annual registration: $45 (LLC), $45 (corporation) - affordable; Vendor License: free; local business license: varies by city RENEWAL: Entity annual registration due by the end of the month of formation anniversary; local license: annual per city schedule; professional licenses: biennial typically ONLINE OPTION: Yes - sos.mo.gov/business/corporations (entity formation); mytax.mo.gov (tax registration); pr.mo.gov (professional licenses) WHERE TO GO: Missouri Secretary of State (entity formation); Missouri DOR (tax registration); City/County offices (local license); Division of Professional Registration (professional licenses)
Online Option
Yes - sos.mo.gov/business/corporations (entity formation); mytax.mo.gov (tax registration); pr.mo.gov (professional licenses)
Where to Go
Missouri Secretary of State (entity formation); Missouri DOR (tax registration); City/County offices (local license); Division of Professional Registration (professional licenses)
County-specific variations apply

Missouri cities and counties each independently administer local business licenses. Kansas City (Jackson County), St. Louis City, Clayton (St. Louis County), Springfield (Greene County), Columbia (Boone County), Independence, Lee's Summit, and other cities have their own business licensing requirements. Kansas City's business license is comprehensive and covers many business types; St. Louis City has its own system. Rural Missouri municipalities may have minimal or no local licensing requirements. Verify with your specific city/county before operating.

Missouri Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Missouri LLC formation: $50 - low nationally.
  • Annual registration fee: $45 for most entities - affordable.
  • Missouri NO STATEWIDE GENERAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE: Unlike many states, Missouri does not require a general contractor's license at the state level - licensing for contractors is primarily at the city and county level; check your specific municipality.
  • Missouri sales tax: 4.225% state rate; local city and county rates add 1%-5%; combined rates in Kansas City and St. Louis area often reach 9%-10.8%; food (home consumption) taxed at reduced 1.225% state rate.
  • Missouri personal property taxes also affect businesses - personal property (equipment, vehicles, inventory) taxed annually; file with County Assessor.
  • Missouri has a graduated state income tax for individuals; flat 4% corporate income tax rate.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Missouri Secretary of State, Business Services - sos.mo.gov/business/corporations | (573) 751-4153; Missouri DOR (tax registration) - dor.mo.gov | (573) 751-5860; Division of Professional Registration - pr.mo.gov | (573) 751-0293