Key Takeaways

  • Missouri LLCs must file taxes based on their federal tax election (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation).
  • Missouri does not charge an annual LLC fee, but LLCs must stay compliant with state tax and employment laws.
  • Missouri requires a state tax ID, and LLCs collecting sales tax must register and post a bond.
  • Annual reports are not required for Missouri LLCs, reducing ongoing compliance burdens.
  • Professional registered agent services can assist with maintaining compliance for Missouri LLCs.

Missouri LLC tax filing requirements must be undertaken in order to keep your business in compliance with state regulations. 

Steps for Filing Missouri LLC Taxes

There are steps to be taken for filing annual taxes in Missouri.

  • The legal structure you choose for your LLC - sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation - determines how it will be taxed.
  • If electing to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, the income from the business is attributed to the owner(s).
  • In the instance of a sole proprietorship, an owner receiving payment from the LLC must pay self-employment taxes.
  • An LLC taxed as a corporation has the income taxed to the business first, then any payment made to shareholders or officers becomes taxable income.
  • It is recommended that self-employment taxes and corporate income taxes be estimated and reported quarterly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). At the end of the fiscal year, taxes are then reconciled.
  • An LLC may be treated like a corporation. Do this by filing Form 2553 with the Internal Revenue Service.
  • For LLCs electing to be taxed as corporations, Form MO-1120 must be filed in Missouri.
  • A single-member LLC that is considered disregarded for federal taxation purposes must report income and expenses accrued by the LLC on the member's tax return.
  • In Missouri, a state tax identification number is required. Use Form 2643, which is the Missouri Tax Registration Application.
  • You will need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS to pay federal taxes.
  • The state requires a MITS/MO identification number to be included when submitting any forms to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
  • Withholding taxes are reported monthly or quarterly using a version of form MO-941.
  • Form MO-W3 is used to reconcile the LLC's tax withholding.
  • Form MODES-2699 is used to register to pay state unemployment taxes.
  • Quarterly taxes are filed using Form MODES-4-7 with the Division of Employment Security (DES).
  • For an LLC that is selling goods to customers, you'll need to collect and pay sales tax.
  • Missouri also requires that a bond is posted with the Department of Revenue.
  • If you have any questions or concerns about filing taxes, it is advised that you contact an attorney. 

Additional Missouri LLC Compliance Requirements

In addition to tax filing requirements, Missouri LLCs must meet several important compliance obligations to stay in good standing:

  • State Tax ID Number: All Missouri LLCs must obtain a state tax ID number by filing Form 2643, the Missouri Tax Registration Application. This is necessary for collecting sales tax, withholding employee income taxes, and paying unemployment taxes.
  • Sales Tax Collection: If your LLC sells tangible goods or taxable services, you must register for a Missouri sales tax license. You will also need to post a bond with the Missouri Department of Revenue, typically based on your estimated monthly sales tax liability.
  • State Unemployment Insurance: LLCs with employees must register with the Missouri Division of Employment Security to pay state unemployment insurance taxes. Form MODES-2699 is used for initial registration, and quarterly reports are filed on Form MODES-4-7.
  • No Annual Report for LLCs: Unlike many states, Missouri does not require LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This makes maintaining an LLC in Missouri simpler compared to states that mandate yearly filings​​.
  • Registered Agent Requirements: All Missouri LLCs must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Missouri. Many businesses use professional Missouri LLC services to fulfill this role and ensure legal compliance​.

If you are unsure about Missouri LLC tax or compliance steps, consider consulting a legal professional. You can easily find a qualified attorney through UpCounsel.

Information Regarding Filing Missouri Taxes

  • Missouri is known for having one of the most favorable tax structures in the nation.
  • Some states charge an LLC an extra tax or fee for being allowed to do business in their state. Missouri does not impose such a charge.
  • Keep in mind that an LLC is considered a "pass-through" tax entity. This means paying federal taxes passes through the LLC and becomes the responsibility of the individual LLC members.
  • If the LLC opts to forego the default pass-through tax process and chooses to be taxed as a corporation, a separate tax return must be filed for the LLC.
  • The Missouri Department of Revenue accesses corporate taxes. The tax accessed is against all income earned by a registered company in Missouri.
  • The Department of Revenue for Missouri follows the same procedures as the Internal Revenue Service, meaning, the LLC can be taxed as a partnership, corporation, or disregarded if the LLC is a single-member entity.
  • The corporate tax bill for companies doing business in Missouri is generally lower than other states.
  • The state of Missouri sets the rate for corporate income tax using a percentage of the net taxable income earned by a Missouri-based company.
  • A franchise tax is also accessed on assets within the state of Missouri. The current rate is 1/30th of one percent of the asset base for assets more than $1 million dollars.

Using Missouri LLC Services for Compliance and Support

Using a Missouri LLC service can help simplify compliance tasks, including:

  • Registered Agent Services: Hiring a professional registered agent ensures that your LLC never misses important state or tax notices. Many services offer low-cost registered agent packages that include compliance monitoring.
  • Business Formation Assistance: Missouri LLC services can assist with preparing and filing formation documents, obtaining an EIN, and registering for necessary state taxes.
  • Ongoing Compliance Support: Some Missouri LLC services offer reminders for tax deadlines, assist with sales tax registration, and help prepare tax documents, minimizing the risk of missing critical filings.
  • Privacy Protection: A registered agent can also help maintain your privacy by allowing you to use their address instead of your personal or business address on public records​.

When choosing Missouri LLC services, it's important to select a provider that offers transparent pricing and comprehensive support options.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do Missouri LLCs have to file an annual report?
    No, Missouri LLCs are not required to file an annual report, unlike corporations and LLCs in many other states.
  2. What taxes do Missouri LLCs need to pay?
    Depending on the tax election, Missouri LLCs may need to pay self-employment tax, corporate tax, sales tax, withholding tax, and state unemployment tax.
  3. Do Missouri LLCs need a registered agent?
    Yes, every Missouri LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Missouri to accept legal and government documents.
  4. How do I register for Missouri sales tax for my LLC?
    You must file Missouri Form 2643 to register for a sales tax license and post a bond with the Department of Revenue based on estimated liability.
  5. Can a Missouri LLC use a service for compliance?
    Yes, many companies offer Missouri LLC services, including registered agent services, formation help, tax compliance, and ongoing filing support.

If you need help with Missouri LLC tax filing requirements, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.