Missouri LLC Annual Report (Do You Need to File?)

1. Does Missouri Require an LLC Annual Report?

For most LLCs, Missouri does not require a separate “annual report” with the Missouri Secretary of State . That means there’s usually no recurring yearly report fee to the state just to keep an LLC active.

2. What Missouri LLCs Must Do Each Year

Missouri has fewer state filing requirements for LLCs than many other states, but you still need a simple yearly routine. Here’s what most Missouri LLCs should handle each year to stay “clean” for banks, payments, vendors, and contracts.

Annual compliance checklist (practical)

1. Maintain a valid registered agent in Missouri: keep your agent and address active so you don’t miss legal notices
2. File federal tax returns (IRS ): depends on SMLLC vs partnership vs S-corp election
3. Handle Missouri tax registrations/payments if applicable: depends on your activity (sales tax, payroll, etc.)
4. Renew city/county licenses if required: local rules vary by where you operate
5. Keep records updated: operating agreement, member details, key decisions, and bookkeeping

3. What People Mean by “Annual Report” in Missouri

In Missouri, “annual report” confusion happens because:

1. Corporations file annual/biennial registration reports with the state
2. Some other entity types have renewals/registrations
3. LLCs generally don’t file a yearly state annual report, but still have recurring obligations (tax + licensing + agent)

If you only remember one thing: Missouri LLCs typically don’t file a state annual report — but you must still maintain your registered agent and handle taxes/licensing to stay in good standing.

4. Due Dates: What Has Deadlines vs What Doesn’t

For Missouri LLCs, there is usually no annual report due date with the Secretary of State. However, you still have deadlines in other areas (federal taxes, payroll filings, sales tax filings, and local license renewals).

5. Where to Update Details + What You’ll Need

Even though there’s typically no Missouri LLC annual report, you may still need to update details if something changes. The key is keeping your information consistent across: registered agent, banking, tax portals, and business licensing.

What you should keep ready

1. Legal LLC name and Missouri entity/charter number
2. Principal address and registered agent details
3. Member/manager details for internal records and banking
4. Federal tax classification (single-member, partnership, S-corp, etc.)
5. Logins for banking/tax portals (if applicable) and prior confirmations

Why founders use a compliance service

1. Avoid messy records that cause bank/payment verification issues later
2. Get the right “what applies to me” checklist (tax + licensing)
3. Keep a compliance folder ready for audits or onboarding

6. Step-by-Step Missouri LLC Compliance Checklist

Step 1: Confirm your tax classification

Your Missouri LLC’s federal tax filing depends on whether you are a single-member LLC, multi-member partnership, or you elected S-corp taxation. This determines which federal return you file and when.

Step 2: Keep your registered agent active

Your registered agent is how the state and courts reach your LLC. If your agent service expires or the address becomes invalid, you risk missing important notices.

Step 3: Track your “real deadlines” (not an annual report)

Missouri LLCs generally focus on: federal tax deadlines, state/local tax filings (if applicable), payroll filings (if you have employees), and local licensing renewals (city/county).

Important: If you operate in a city/county that requires a business license, renew it on time and keep proof.

Step 4: Save proof in a “Compliance Folder”

Keep copies of: IRS confirmations, tax filings, license renewals, registered agent invoices, and any state confirmations (when you file changes). This helps with audits, banking, payment processors, and platform onboarding.

Step 5: Update key information when it changes

If you change your principal address, registered agent, ownership structure, or management, update records and file any required changes promptly. Changes are what often trigger compliance problems later if they’re not handled cleanly.

7. Tips to Stay in Good Standing

• Keep registered agent coverage active year-round (don’t let it lapse)
• Track federal tax deadlines based on your LLC classification
• Renew local licenses if your city/county requires it
• Maintain accurate bookkeeping and store confirmations
• Document major decisions and keep your operating agreement updated

8. Fees, Penalties & Good Standing Risks

• Missouri SOS annual report fee for LLCs: Typically $0 (because there’s generally no annual report filing for LLCs)
• Registered Agent (if using a service): Typically $50/year
• Local business license renewal: Varies by city/county and business activity
• Tax penalties: Missing tax deadlines can trigger penalties/interest
• Good standing impact : Compliance gaps can affect banking, payment platforms, and vendor onboarding

9. Federal Compliance That Still Matters

1. Federal tax return (IRS)

Your Missouri LLC’s federal tax filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules. These federal schedules are usually the biggest recurring deadlines for LLCs.

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and work with payment processors. Keeping your EIN-related records and IRS confirmations organized is a big part of “compliance readiness.”

3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)

If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update federal beneficial ownership information (where applicable). This is separate from Missouri’s state filings but commonly comes up during annual reviews and audits.

4. Other recurring federal obligations

• Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
• Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
• Keeping clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews

10. Conclusion

The biggest takeaway: Missouri LLCs typically don’t file a standalone annual report with the Missouri Secretary of State. Your yearly compliance is usually about registered agent coverage, tax deadlines, and local licensing (if required).

With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right checklist, maintain clean records, and keep your business in good standing.