How to Incorporate in Missouri
Incorporating your business can be a step in the right direction. Having an "incorporated" status indicates to your customers that you are serious about the growth and potential of your company. Forming a corporation can also protect your personal assets, should your company ever become involved in a legal dispute. Missouri, along with other states, has it's own guidelines that must be adhered to when you desire to form a corporation within the state.
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Things You'll Need
- Business name
- FEIN
- Reservation of corporate name form
- Articles of incorporation
- Board of directors
- Filing fees
Instructions
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Decide on a name for your business. When deciding on a name, you should also think of alternate names, just in case there is a conflict with your first choice. The name must include one of the following taglines: "Incorporated," "Corporation," "Company," or "Limited."
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Contact the office for the Missouri Secretary of State at 573-751-4153 if you are local to Jefferson City, Missouri, otherwise, dial the toll free number 866-223-6535.
Advise the office representative that you would like to inquire if a business name is available. Give the office representative the business name you would like to reserve for your company. She will then be able to verify whether or not the name is already taken by another entity. If your first choice for a name is already taken, go down your list of alternate names to see if any of them are available.
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Submit a "Reservation of Corporate Name" form if you want to guarantee that your name is secured. You will also have to submit a $25.00 fee with the form. The fee will hold your desired business name for 60 days. Missouri law will not allow your reservation to exceed 180 days, including the renewal of reservations.
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Visit the IRS website to obtain a FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number). The IRS requires all corporations to obtain an FEIN.
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Create Articles of Incorporation for your company. The Articles of Incorporation will serve as a legal document that states the purposes of your company, along with the rules and regulations by which the company will abide. The Articles of Incorporation should also state the names and addresses of each individual on the company's Board of Directors. Missouri requires that your company have at least three board members to incorporate.
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File your Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. In order to file the articles, you must be at least 18 years of age. When submitting the Articles of Incorporation, be sure to include the appropriate "Incorporation Fee." The incorporation fee will vary depending upon the amount of authorized capital for your business. For example, if your capital is $30,000 or less your fee is $58.00. If you are incorporating as a non-profit organization, your fee is $25.00.
Note that if you are incorporating as an LLC, it is more economical to complete the online application.The fee to incorporate online is only $50.00. Only LLCs can incorporate online. All other corporation types must mail in the application.
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Wait to receive your "Certificate of Incorporation" in the mail.
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Tips & Warnings
Make all checks and money orders payable to the "Secretary of State."
All documents can be mailed to the following address:
Secretary of State
Attn: Corporations Division
PO Box 778
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Consult with an attorney to ensure there are no potential legal issues regarding your incorporation.
References
Resources
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