Summary
The fact that you may need to register with state agencies like Missouri Secretary of State is a sneaky misconception that many folks miss.
However, with the rise of remote work, states have begun cracking down and levying penalties for those who (unknowingly) fail to register.
If you're considering operating in Missouri, use this guide to:
- Explore the that triggers the need to register with the Missouri Secretary of State, including criteria such as physical presence, economic activity, and advertising efforts.
- Determine where and how to register with the Missouri Secretary of State.
- Understand additional requirements such as Registered Agents, registration with other state departments, and ongoing annual reports.
What criteria would trigger the requirement to register with the Missouri Secretary of State?
Missouri considers a business to be "doing business" if it has a significant level of activity or presence within the state's borders. This includes:
- Physical Presence: Having an office, store, warehouse, or any other physical establishment in Missouri.
- Employees in Missouri: Hiring employees who live and work in the state.
- Regular Sales and Activity: Engaging in frequent sales, providing services, or conducting other income-generating activities with Missouri clients or customers.
- Missouri-Based Income: Regularly generating revenue from sources within Missouri.
Activities that Missouri might NOT consider "doing business":
- Isolated Transactions: Conducting sporadic sales or infrequent projects in the state without a continuous pattern.
- Owning Property: Holding property, investments, or securities within Missouri.
- Litigation: Defending or bringing legal action within Missouri courts.
- Specific Exemptions: Missouri statutes specifically exempt certain activities from being considered "doing business," like soliciting orders for interstate sales or holding meetings.
Where do I register, and what else is required?
- A Certificate of Good Standing is required
- A Registration Report must be filed within 30 days after registration is processed
In addition:
A Registered Agent is required to serve as the company's physical in-state presence to receive important legal documents. Do not fall victim to the common misconception that you can leverage an in-state employee as your Registered Agent. It's far too risky.
You'll want to review the other registrations required in Missouri. Here's a Missouri specific guide we put together.
What is the registration fee?
The fee charged by Missouri is $155.
How long does Missouri usually take to process?
Missouri usually takes approximately 1 - 2 weeks to process registrations.
What is required ongoing?
Each state has a complex schedule of required annual reports, which can vary by entity type. Let's take a look at Missouri's:
C-Corporation
- Filing Date: May 15
- Filing Frequency: Annual
LLC
- Filing Date: November 15
- Filing Frequency: Annual
Non-Profit
- Filing Date: February 1
- Filing Frequency: Annual
There is an Easier Way
Automate registration and annual report tracking in AbstractOps.This guide should definitely help reduce some of the confusion for Missouri. However, if you have multiple states to worry about, you may look to:
Automate state registrations and annual reports
Centralize email, snail mail, state ID’s, and registered agents, and
Take control of action items, eliminating risks before they become penalties.
Start the AbstractOps product demo to see how easy this can be.
Note: For the avoidance of doubt, nothing provided here shall contemplate, constitute or include tax or legal advice. Always double check with state agency websites for the most up-to-date requirements.
