Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
By doing a Missouri business search with the Secretary of State, you may look up an existing business entity or see if the business name you seek is available in Missouri. There are several reasons why you would want to use the Secretary of State’s website to do a Missouri business entity search. The most typical use is the name availability feature, which is used by potential business owners to double-check the availability of their selected moniker in the name database.
| Official Website: | https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/Default.asp |
| Address: | James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center, P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, MO 65102. |
| Telephone: | 1(866)223-6535 |
| E-mail: | mailto:corporations@sos.mo.gov |
| Working Hours: | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday |
Missouri Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup An Entity In Missouri
Missouri Secretary of State Business Search By Name
- You must start by visiting the Missouri Secretary of State’s Business Search webpage, irrespective of your search method. Once you’re there, make sure the drop-down menu’s search option is set to “Business Name.”
- Choose Starting With, Any Word, All Words, or Exact Match from the drop-down option before typing the business into the search form. You may also limit your search to only current businesses.
- The business name, charter number, kind of entity, status, date of creation, and registered agent information will all appear in a list.
- By selecting the name of the company you want to study or the company’s charter number, you may get further information. You can also click on the registered agent’s name to discover more about them.
- The links to purchase certificates, file online, and return to search results will be available on the third page. You’ll also be able to see all of the information that the Secretary of State has on record for you.
Missouri Secretary Of State Business Search By Registered Agent
- To search by a registered agent in Missouri, go to the Missouri Secretary of State Business Search website and type the first and last name of the registered agent in the search boxes.
- Continue by clicking SEARCH once you’ve chosen the details of the search from the drop-down box on the right.
- You’ll see a list of results based on the metrics of your search. Scroll through the selections until you locate the company or agent you’re searching for, then click on the link to get more details.
- You’ll be given the option to execute a few simple filing operations, buy certificates, and check all of the company’s available information.
Missouri Secretary of State Business Search By Charter ID
- For individuals wishing to buy certificates on behalf of their own business, searching by charter ID is the best way to go because it narrows down the results to your entity.
- Fill in the charter ID in the space provided on this page and select “SEARCH.” The next page should only show one result.
- Extensive information is available by clicking on the charter number or the business name. You will be presented with your entity’s business information and given access to the links that will allow you to obtain your Certificate of Good Standing.
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Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Missouri
1. Select a Business Structure
New businesses must determine the structure of their business. In the Missouri Department of Assessment and Taxation, the most frequent business formations are; limited liability companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and corporations.
2. Ensure the name you want is available
The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the Missouri Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. By checking the Missouri business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Missouri Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
3. Formally appoint a Registered Agent
The state of Missouri requires every business to have an agent for legal process serving. If a company is sued, this person or business consents to take court documents on the company’s behalf. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in Missouri such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Missouri resident, a Missouri company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
4. File an Initial Report and Missouri Articles of Incorporation
The articles must contain the following information: the corporation’s name; its intention; the number of shares it is permitted to issue; the name and address of the agent receiving service of process; the name and address of the resident agent receiving service of process; and the names and addresses of all incorporators.
5. Create bylaws and keep corporate records
The fundamental guidelines for running your organization are outlined in the bylaws, which are internal corporate documents. They are not reported to the government. Corporate bylaws are not legally needed for your company, but you should nonetheless adopt them since they define how your company will operate and demonstrate to lenders, creditors, the IRS, and other parties that your company is genuine.
6. Initial directors should be appointed
The management of the corporation is done by the board of directors. A company’s first board of directors is frequently chosen by the incorporators. Following that, the board is picked by the shareholders every year. A director or shareholder may be an incorporator
7. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the federal government
Obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
8. Obtaining Business Permits and Licenses
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Missouri Secretary of State Business Search
How do I come up with a catchy business name?
The first step in naming your firm is to figure out what type of business structure you’ll utilize. After that, you’ll come up with at least four potential names. The more ideas you generate, the better. Once you have a list of names, compare them to industry standards, name availability, and state regulations.
Why do I need an EIN for my Missouri corporation?
For federal tax filings, corporations must get an EIN. The Missouri Department of Revenue requires an EIN for business registration. When opening a bank account, obtaining a loan, or filing for local business permits and licenses, you may be asked for your EIN.
Is it necessary for businesses to register with the Missouri Department of Revenue?
Yes, you must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue if you do business in Missouri. You can register with the Missouri Department of Revenue either online or by filling out a Missouri Tax Registration Application. Before you can register, you’ll need your EIN.
How long will it take to form a corporation in Missouri?
When you file online, you may expect the state to approve your application on the same day. If you file by mail, it takes between 5 and 10 days to complete your Articles of Incorporation.