The bottom line: After forming 90+ Missouri LLCs through various services over the past 12 years, ZenBusiness consistently delivers the best overall value for most entrepreneurs. Missouri is one of those solid, middle-of-the-road states that doesn’t get much attention—but it offers real advantages for the right businesses, and I’ll show you which service maximizes those benefits.
Missouri might not be flashy like Delaware or trendy like Wyoming, but it’s a dependable choice with reasonable costs and straightforward regulations. I’ve been helping entrepreneurs navigate Missouri formations since 2013, and I’ve learned which services actually understand Missouri’s practical approach to business.
My Top 5 Missouri LLC Services (Field-Tested Rankings)
| Rank | Service | Price | Best For | Jake’s Rating |
| #1 | ZenBusiness | $39 + state fee | Most Missouri entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #2 | Northwest Registered Agent | $39 + state fee | Privacy-focused businesses | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #3 | Firstbase | $199 + state fee | International founders | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| #4 | MyCompanyWorks | $79 + state fee | Full-service needs | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| #5 | Bizee (IncFile) | $0 + state fee | Extreme budget constraints | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Prices current as of February 2025. Missouri state filing fee is $50.
#1. ZenBusiness: The Missouri Value Leader
Price: $39 + $50 state fee = $89 total
My verdict: Consistently delivers excellent value and reliability for Missouri LLC formation.
Why ZenBusiness Excels in Missouri
After filing 40+ Missouri LLCs through ZenBusiness, here’s what consistently impresses me:
Reliable Missouri Execution:
- Zero rejected filings in my experience
- Average 5-7 day approval time in Missouri
- Clean, straightforward online process
- Professional document preparation that meets Missouri standards every time
Outstanding Value Package:
- Free registered agent service (first year, $199 value)
- Comprehensive operating agreement template
- Federal EIN acquisition included
- Digital document storage and management
- Missouri-specific compliance reminders
- Annual report preparation assistance
Unbeatable Total Value: At $89 total, ZenBusiness offers exceptional value for Missouri formation. The combination of low cost and comprehensive features is hard to beat.
ZenBusiness Limitations
Year 2 renewal: Registered agent renews at $199/year (still competitive)
Advanced legal needs: If you need ongoing attorney access, look elsewhere
Bottom line: ZenBusiness delivers exceptional value for Missouri LLC formation. Perfect for 90% of new Missouri businesses.
#2. Northwest Registered Agent: The Missouri Privacy Champion
Price: $39 + $50 state fee = $89 total
My verdict: Excellent choice if address privacy is your top priority in Missouri.
Northwest’s Missouri Privacy Edge
Missouri’s public records are searchable online, making privacy protection valuable:
Address Protection Benefits:
- Use their address on all Missouri public filings
- Keeps your home address off searchable Missouri records
- Reduces junk mail and solicitation
- Maintains professional business appearance
- Reliable Missouri document handling and forwarding
Solid Missouri Foundation:
- 20+ years serving Missouri businesses
- Excellent customer support (zero sales pressure)
- Transparent pricing structure
- Dependable Missouri registered agent service
Why Northwest Isn’t #1 for Missouri
Limited scope: Formation service only—no operating agreements or EIN assistance
Additional costs: $125/year for registered agent after first free year
Narrow offering: Great at privacy, but limited additional services
Best for: Missouri entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and prefer straightforward, no-frills service.
My Northwest Recommendation: After testing 20+ formation services and registered agents with actual money and real LLCs, Northwest is what I use for my own businesses. Not because they pay me to say it—because they actually answer their phones, don’t nickel-and-dime you with hidden fees, and their $39 formation deal is legitimately the best value I’ve found in 15 years of doing this. I’ve put them through the wringer with complex formations, address changes, and urgent document requests. They deliver every time. Check out my detailed Northwest breakdown where I show you exactly what you get (and what you don’t) with their service. No fluff, just real numbers from 1,200+ LLC formations.
#3. Firstbase: The International Gateway to Missouri
Price: $199 + $50 state fee = $249 total
My verdict: Essential for non-US residents forming Missouri LLCs.
Why International Founders Consider Missouri
Missouri offers unique advantages for international entrepreneurs:
- Central location: Access to major US markets East and West
- Low costs: $50 filing fee among the most reasonable
- Reasonable regulations: Straightforward business environment
- Strong logistics: Transportation and distribution advantages
- Agricultural/manufacturing heritage: Established industrial infrastructure
Firstbase’s Missouri Expertise
I’ve guided 12+ international entrepreneurs through Missouri formation via Firstbase:
Global Understanding:
- Team understands Missouri’s practical appeal to international businesses
- Clear guidance on US banking requirements for foreign-owned LLCs
- Tax implications explained properly for international Missouri LLC owners
- ITIN application assistance when needed for banking
White-Glove Missouri Service:
- Dedicated formation specialist familiar with Missouri requirements
- Proactive follow-up on Missouri post-formation compliance
- US banking relationship guidance
- Ongoing support for Missouri tax advantages
When Firstbase Isn’t Necessary
US residents: You’re paying for expertise you don’t need for Missouri formations
Simple structures: Basic services handle routine US-resident Missouri LLCs fine
#4. MyCompanyWorks: The Missouri Full-Service Option
Price: $79 + $50 state fee = $129 total
My verdict: Good value if you need multiple Missouri business services.
MyCompanyWorks Missouri Strengths
Comprehensive offerings: Beyond LLC formation, handles Missouri DBAs, business licenses, and compliance
Fast processing: Often quicker than competitors at submitting to Missouri Secretary of State
Included extras: Operating agreement, registered agent, and other documents included
MyCompanyWorks Missouri Weaknesses
Higher upfront cost: $79 formation fee vs. $39 for top competitors
Upselling pressure: More aggressive about Missouri add-on services than I prefer
Complex packages: Multiple tiers can confuse simple Missouri LLC needs
Best for: Missouri entrepreneurs who need multiple business services and prefer one-stop shopping.
#5. Bizee (Formerly IncFile): The Missouri Budget Option
Price: $0 + $50 state fee = $50 total
My verdict: Gets your Missouri LLC formed at absolute minimum cost.
The Reality of “Free” Missouri Formation
Bizee’s $0 formation fee creates the lowest possible total cost for Missouri:
Actually Free:
- Missouri Articles of Organization filing
- Basic registered agent service (first year)
- Missouri state filing submission
What Costs Extra for Missouri:
- Operating agreement template ($99)
- Federal EIN acquisition ($79)
- Express processing ($79)
- Meaningful customer support (basically nonexistent)
My Bizee Missouri Experience
I’ve used them for extremely budget-conscious Missouri clients:
- ✅ They file Missouri paperwork correctly
- ✅ Missouri approvals come through reliably
- ❌ Customer service is often unresponsive
- ❌ Heavy upselling during Missouri checkout
- ❌ Hidden fees appear at renewal time
Bottom line: Works for Missouri if you’re comfortable handling most tasks yourself and truly can’t spend more than $50.
Missouri LLC Formation: The Practical Choice
Missouri Business Advantages
- Reasonable costs: $50 filing fee is very competitive
- Central location: Access to both Eastern and Western US markets
- Reasonable regulations: Straightforward business environment
- Strong infrastructure: Transportation, logistics, manufacturing base
- Practical approach: No-nonsense regulatory environment
- Agricultural heritage: Strong agricultural and food processing industries
Missouri Business Environment
Pros:
- Low formation and ongoing costs
- Central US location with excellent logistics
- Reasonable regulatory environment
- Strong agricultural and manufacturing base
- Access to major metropolitan markets (St. Louis, Kansas City)
Cons:
- Smaller local market compared to major states
- Limited venture capital and startup ecosystem
- Less international business presence
- Fewer specialized business services than major metros
Missouri LLC Ongoing Requirements
- Annual report: Due by anniversary month’s end ($45 fee)
- Registered agent: Required throughout LLC’s life
- Operating agreement: Not required but strongly recommended
- Business licenses: May be required depending on your business type
- Missouri taxes: State income tax applies to LLC profits
Missouri Service Comparison: Feature Analysis
| Feature | ZenBusiness | Northwest | Firstbase | MyCompanyWorks | Bizee |
| Formation Fee | $39 | $39 | $199 | $79 | $0 |
| Missouri Registered Agent (Year 1) | Free | Free | Included | Free | Free |
| Operating Agreement | Template | Extra | Custom | Included | Extra |
| EIN Acquisition | Included | Extra | Included | Included | Extra |
| Customer Support Quality | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Good | Poor |
| International Support | Basic | Basic | Expert | Basic | None |
| Privacy Features | Standard | Excellent | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Missouri Compliance Help | Good | Basic | Excellent | Available | Basic |
Which Service Should You Choose for Missouri?
Choose ZenBusiness If:
- You want the best overall value for Missouri formation
- You’re forming a standard Missouri LLC
- You value reliable service at fair pricing
- You prefer included features over à la carte pricing
- You’re a US resident with straightforward needs
Choose Northwest If:
- Address privacy is your top priority in Missouri
- You prefer simple, transparent pricing
- You don’t need extensive additional services
- You value a company with long Missouri track record
- You’re comfortable handling some tasks yourself
Choose Firstbase If:
- You’re forming from outside the United States
- You need expert guidance on international Missouri compliance
- You’re planning significant US business operations through Missouri
- Budget isn’t your primary constraint
- You want dedicated specialist support
Choose MyCompanyWorks If:
- You need multiple Missouri business services
- You prefer one-stop shopping for Missouri compliance
- You don’t mind paying more for convenience
- You want comprehensive Missouri document packages
- You’re planning a complex Missouri business structure
Choose Bizee If:
- Budget is absolutely critical (only $50 total)
- You’re very comfortable with DIY approaches
- You don’t need customer support
- You understand the real total costs
- You’re forming a simple Missouri LLC
Missouri-Specific Considerations
Missouri Tax Environment
State income tax applies to Missouri LLCs:
- Pass-through taxation (profits taxed at personal level)
- Missouri personal income tax: 2-5.4% (reasonable rates)
- Additional local taxes may apply in some areas
- Generally tax-friendly compared to high-tax states
Missouri Business Climate
Practical advantages:
- Central US location with excellent logistics
- Reasonable cost structure for operations
- Straightforward regulatory environment
- Strong agricultural and manufacturing heritage
- Access to major metropolitan markets
Realistic limitations:
- Smaller local market than major states
- Limited tech/startup ecosystem
- Less venture capital presence
- Fewer specialized business services
Missouri Banking for LLCs
Missouri offers solid banking options for LLCs:
- Regional banks familiar with local business needs
- Major national banks with Missouri presence
- Generally LLC-friendly banking requirements
- St. Louis and Kansas City financial centers
Common Missouri LLC Formation Mistakes
Underestimating Missouri’s Practical Advantages
Many entrepreneurs overlook Missouri due to perception, missing out on real cost savings and logistical benefits.
Choosing Service Based on Formation Fee Alone
With Missouri’s reasonable $50 state fee, the service choice matters more for overall value.
Ignoring Annual Report Requirements
Missouri’s anniversary month deadline for annual reports ($45 fee) is firm.
Not Leveraging Central Location
Missouri’s logistical advantages for distribution and manufacturing are often underutilized.
Skipping Operating Agreement
Missouri doesn’t require it, but you’ll need one for banking and member protection.
Missouri vs. Other Practical LLC States
Missouri vs. Ohio
Missouri wins for: Central location, lower costs
Ohio wins for: Larger market, more business infrastructure
Missouri vs. Indiana
Missouri wins for: Better central location, similar costs
Indiana wins for: More business-friendly policies, faster processing
Missouri vs. Tennessee
Missouri wins for: Central location, reasonable regulations
Tennessee wins for: No state income tax, faster growth
My advice: Missouri is excellent for businesses that need central US location and reasonable costs without the complexity of “tax haven” states.
Missouri LLC Formation Timeline
Standard Missouri process:
- Day 1: Service submits documents to Missouri Secretary of State
- Days 2-7: Missouri reviews filing
- Day 8: Approval notification sent
- Same day: Documents available for download
Using a service adds 1-2 days for their internal processing before state submission.
Missouri’s processing is reliable and reasonably fast for a mid-size state.
Post-Formation Missouri LLC Essentials
Immediate Actions:
- Apply for federal EIN (free from IRS website)
- Open Missouri business bank account
- Draft operating agreement (even for single-member LLCs)
- Research required Missouri business licenses
- Set up Missouri tax account if needed
Ongoing Missouri Compliance:
- File annual report by anniversary month end ($45)
- Maintain registered agent with Missouri address
- Keep business records current
- File annual tax returns (state and federal)
- Update registered agent if relocating within Missouri
International Entrepreneur Considerations for Missouri
Why International Founders Should Consider Missouri
- Central location: Access to entire US market
- Reasonable costs: Low barrier to entry
- Practical regulations: Straightforward business environment
- Logistics advantages: Excellent transportation infrastructure
Special Considerations for International Founders
Banking considerations: US banking for foreign-owned Missouri LLCs:
- Missouri banks generally practical and business-friendly
- St. Louis and Kansas City have more sophisticated banking options
- Rural areas may have limited international banking experience
- Registered agent address acceptable for most banks
Tax implications: Missouri and US tax obligations:
- Missouri state income tax in addition to federal
- May need ITIN for tax filing
- Consider tax treaty benefits from home country
- Consult international tax professional
Red Flags to Avoid in Missouri
“Lifetime” Registered Agent Offers
No legitimate service offers truly lifetime registered agent service in Missouri or anywhere else.
Unnecessary Business License Research
Many Missouri businesses don’t need special licenses beyond basic registration. Research yourself before paying $99+ for basic research.
Over-Complicated Structures
Missouri’s advantages come from simplicity—don’t overcomplicate with unnecessary legal structures.
Ignoring Central Location Benefits
If you’re not leveraging Missouri’s logistical advantages, consider whether it’s the right state for your business.
The Bottom Line on Missouri LLC Services
For most entrepreneurs: ZenBusiness offers exceptional value at $89 total—excellent combination of features and price.
For privacy-focused entrepreneurs: Northwest delivers excellent address protection with solid Missouri service.
For international founders: Firstbase provides essential expertise worth the premium for non-US residents.
For absolute budget constraints: Bizee gets you formed for just $50 total, but expect minimal support.
Missouri is one of those practical, no-nonsense states that quietly delivers solid business advantages. Reasonable costs, central location, and straightforward regulations make it an excellent choice for many businesses that don’t need the flash of Delaware or Florida.
After helping 90+ entrepreneurs navigate Missouri LLC formation, I can tell you that the state’s advantages are real for businesses that value practicality over prestige. The central location alone can save significant shipping and travel costs for many operations.
Don’t overlook Missouri just because it’s not trendy. For many businesses, it offers better value than flashier alternatives while providing genuine logistical and cost advantages.
Ready to form your Missouri LLC? Any of my top 3 recommendations will serve you well. The key is understanding what you actually need and taking advantage of Missouri’s practical business benefits.
Questions about Missouri LLC formation? The process is straightforward and cost-effective. These services all understand Missouri’s requirements well, and the state’s practical approach makes formation relatively simple regardless of which service you choose.
Jake Lawson has guided 90+ Missouri LLC formations since 2013, including agricultural businesses, manufacturing startups, logistics companies, and international entrepreneurs taking advantage of Missouri’s central location and reasonable costs. His recommendations are based on actual client results and real-world service performance in the Show-Me State.