
Incorporating a business is essential for entrepreneurs looking to establish their venture as a separate legal entity. By filing Articles of Incorporation, business owners in Missouri can enjoy myriad benefits, such as limited liability, tax advantages, and increased credibility. However, the incorporation process may seem daunting for many, especially those not well-versed in the legal intricacies of their state. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to file Missouri Articles of Incorporation, taking you through the necessary steps and requirements to establish your corporation successfully.
Whether you are a startup founder or a seasoned business owner, understanding the process of filing Articles of Incorporation in Missouri, popularly known as The Show-Me State, is crucial for the seamless formation of your corporation. The following sections will outline the paperwork, fees, and registration procedures specific to Missouri, along with tips on navigating potential roadblocks and ensuring your application is approved. Let’s dive in and explore the ins and outs of incorporating your business in Missouri.
What is Articles of Incorporation in Missouri?
The Articles of Incorporation is a legal document required to file with the state government to legalize the creation of your corporation. In other words, filing these documents with the Missouri Secretary of State ensures the formation of the corporation in Missouri officially. The Articles of Incorporation is similar to filing the Missouri LLC Articles of Organization while filing an LLC in Missouri.
Missouri, also known as The Show-Me State, has some rules when it comes to file the Articles of Incorporation. We shared the step-by-step process here to file the incorporation document with the Missouri SOS. Checking with the SOS is recommended for more information.
It is always wise to consult a legal professional before you file your company under the Missouri SOS. FIling process can be easy, but it is sensitive. If you miss anything, it can totally stope the filing process.
– LLCBuddy Editorial Team
How to File Missouri Articles of Incorporation
You can file the Articles of Incorporation in several ways based on the state you are willing to start your corporation. In Missouri, you can file it in two method that is filing online, or by mail. The details are similar to the details you need when forming an LLC. Here are the details you must submit while filing the documents-
Step 1: Get the Form and Enter the Details
The first step is to get the Articles of Incorporation form from the Missouri Secretary of State. You will get both offline and online forms on the site, as available. You must pay the $50 fo filing online, $105 for filing by mail when submitting the form. Following are the details you must add to your incorporation form-
Name of the Entity
The first thing you need to do is submit your company’s name. Make sure to mention the exact name of the company that you decided on. Like the LLC naming guidelines, you must also follow the Missouri corporation naming requirements too. There are a few points to note when you name your company. They are,
- You cannot have a name used by other companies or businesses.
- You cannot have any name that is misleading or the same as government organizations.
- Banks, Insurance, Insurer, or any such names cannot be used as they reflect the financial organization.
- You must add terms like corporation, limited, company, incorporated, or incorporation. You can also add abbreviations like co., ltd., inc., and corp instead of the above terms.
Address of the Corporation
The next section of the form is to provide your main address. It is necessary to have a physical street address in Missouri. For those running an online business, you must provide any address in the state (including your home address) where you will receive all the business and legal documents and mail. While sharing your address, make sure not to use abbreviations, such as N.Y. for New York or L.A. for Los Angeles.
Missouri Registered Agent
The next point is to provide information about the Registered Agent. The Missouri Registered Agent is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving all the legal and official documents on behalf of the company. They must be aged above 18 years and have eligibility to conduct business in the state. The Registered Agent should be legit and experienced because, in case of any lawsuit, you need an expert to handle your issues. In most cases, the Registered Agent’s official address is the company’s official mailing address. If you form an LLC, hiring a registered agent is the most crucial step in the process.
Shares and Stocks
The next important information you must provide is about the stocks and shares. While filing the Articles of Incorporation, you must mention a minimum of one share. In Missouri, to start a corporation, you need at least Three director(s) initially. When filing the incorporation documents, you must provide the share of directors in the corporation. It decides the ownership of the company.
If you amend Missouri Articles of Incorporation in the future, you will not be able to change the initial directors. You might need an additional form to change the initial directors’ details. You must check with the Missouri SOS while filing the Articles of Incorporation amendment.
Additional Documents
You might need additional documents to submit along with the incorporation documents. In Missouri, you can attach a cover letter with the documents as an additional document. if you are willing to start a foreign corporation in Missouri, then you must add one document along with the Articles of Incorporation. Foreign corporations in Missouri must submit the Missouri Certificate of Good Standing along with the incorporation documents.
Signature
Finally, the signature of the directors and shareholders are required on the form. You can have more than one share and director. All your initial directors must submit their official signature while filing the corporation in Missouri. Get their signatures to file the Articles of Incorporation.
Step 2: Submit the Articles of Incorporation in Missouri
Once you are done filling up the form, now it is time for you to submit it. The form can be submitted in two method that is filing online, or by mail. Checking with a legal professional or a formation service while filing your corporation is recommended. It is sensitive, and one mistake can stop the entire filing process immediately.
- Online filing: Create an account/Log in to the SOS site, get the online form, fill it, and submit online
- Offline filing: Send the form by mail or drop it off in person to Corporations Unit, James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center, P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Cost of Filing the Articles of Incorporation in Missouri
The cost of filing the Articles of Incorporation in Missouri is an important aspect to consider when starting a new business. This one-time fee is necessary for officially registering your corporation with the Secretary of State and can vary depending on the specific requirements and regulations of Missouri. In some cases, additional fees may be required for expedited processing or other optional services. It is crucial for entrepreneurs to budget for this expense and research the specific costs associated with their Missouri in order to ensure a smooth and successful incorporation process. To file the Articles of Incorporation in Missouri, you must pay a filing fee. The filing fee is $50 fo filing online, $105 for filing by mail.
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Why Missouri Articles of Incorporation is So Important
One of the main reasons why the Missouri Articles of Incorporation is so important is that it legally establishes your business as a separate entity from yourself as a business owner. This separation is crucial because it helps protect your personal assets from any legal liabilities or debts incurred by the business. This distinction is especially important if your business encounters financial troubles or faces legal issues down the line.
Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation outline key information about your business, such as its name, purpose, address, registered agent, and the number of shares of stock the company is authorized to issue. Having all of this information clearly defined in a legal document can help avoid any confusion or disputes among shareholders or partners in the future.
Furthermore, having a well-drafted Articles of Incorporation can lend credibility to your business and help establish trust with customers, investors, and potential business partners. It demonstrates that you have taken the necessary steps to legitimize your business and operate in accordance with state laws and regulations.
Another key reason why the Articles of Incorporation is so important is that it lays the groundwork for how your business will be structured and governed. This document typically includes details about the management structure, voting rights of shareholders, and any specific provisions governing the company’s operations. By clearly outlining these details upfront, you can help avoid any disagreements or conflicts later on.
Moreover, the Articles of Incorporation also play a crucial role in ensuring that your business is in compliance with state laws and regulations. By filing this document with the Missouri Secretary of State, you are legally establishing your business within the state and registering it for tax and regulatory purposes. This compliance is essential for maintaining good standing and avoiding any potential fines or penalties.
In conclusion, while the Articles of Incorporation may not be the most exciting part of starting a business, it is undeniably one of the most critical. This document helps establish your business as a legal entity, sets the groundwork for its structure and governance, and ensures compliance with state laws and regulations. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to carefully draft and file this document to lay a strong foundation for your business’s success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of filing Missouri Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step for businesses looking to establish their presence in the state. This legal document serves as the foundation of the company’s structure and outlines essential information, such as the company’s name, purpose, and management team. To ensure a smooth and successful filing process, it is vital for business owners to familiarize themselves with the State of Missouri’s requirements, adhere to the applicable laws and regulations, and provide accurate and complete information in the Articles of Incorporation.