Steps for Starting a Business

The following list includes some basic steps for starting your business in Missouri. For additional information, please consult http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/startBusiness.

STEP 1:
Consult with professionals, such as an accountant, attorney, financial adviser, and other experts for advice regarding your small business

STEP 2:
Create a Business Entity

• Choose a business entity
• File a creation document with the Secretary of State, if needed
  • Corporation — Articles of incorporation
  • General Partnership — No creation document required, but fictitious name filing may be necessary
  • Limited Partnership — Certificate of limited partnership
  • Limited Liability Company — Articles of organization
• Consider Fictitious Name Registration — If the business will operate under a name other than your own or the exact name of the entity, you must register that different name.

You can access many of these filings electronically through the Secretary of State’s Online Services at https://bsd.sos.mo.gov

STEP 3:
Register the business for required state taxes, if applicable

• Missouri Department of Revenue

STEP 4:
Register with the Missouri Division of Employment Security for unemployment tax purposes

• Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations

STEP 5:
Apply for a federal employer identification number

• Internal Revenue Service

STEP 6:
Obtain Workers Compensation Insurance

• Check to see if you are required to carry coverage at Missouri Division of Workers Compensation.
• Contact the Fraud and Noncompliance Unit with additional questions regarding coverage requirements.

STEP 7:
Register with other Missouri agencies if required in your industry

• Business Links to Helpful Organizations & Government Agencies
• Link to Professional Licensing

STEP 8:
Register for a business license and other necessary permits (if any) with local city or county