Missouri Business Licensing

Important Points:

• A retail sales license from the Missouri Department of Revenue is required for all businesses making retail sales.
• A local Missouri business licenses may also be required.

How to Get a Business License in Missouri:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact Internal Revenue Service to get an Employer ID Number (EIN), and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• Register your business entity with the Secretary of State
  • LLCs and corporations need to file an article of incorporation or articles of organization form.
  • Sole proprietorship and partnerships need to file a Registration of Fictitious Name form.
  • S-corporations need to file an article of incorporation and a IRS Form 2553.
• Contact your city or county government to obtain your local business licenses.

Missouri State Sales Tax:

• Missouri state sales tax is 4.225%
  • Additional local taxes may apply. See this list of city and county sales and use tax rates.

Useful Links:

• Missouri Secretary of State: Starting a Business
• Starting a Business in Missouri (SBDC)
• Doing Business in Missouri: Legal Formation (PDF)
• Online Business Registration
• Licenses and Registration Checklist
• Business Registration Forms
• Department of Revenue: Business Tax
• SBA Missouri
• Missouri SBDC
• Secretary of State in Missouri
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business