Starting a Business in Missouri: Licenses, Registrations & Checklist

Missouri start-up checklist

Register for state taxes with Missouri Department of Revenue. Official page
Business-level tax: Corporate income tax.
Sales tax: get a Missouri sales tax license from Missouri Department of Revenue before you sell taxable goods. Official page
Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
Local sales taxes are collected through the state return.
If you have employees, withhold Missouri income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Register for unemployment insurance with Missouri Division of Employment Security. The 2026 taxable wage base is $9,000 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0% to 6%. Official page
New employers start at 2.376%.
Workers' compensation through Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation and private insurers. Required when: 5 employees (1 in construction)
Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

File Annual Registration Report (corporations and nonprofits): End of the month of incorporation or qualification; fee $20 online, $45 on paper.
Renew LLP registration (limited liability partnerships): Anniversary of registration; fee varies.
State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Business filings and annual reports: Missouri Secretary of State. Official page
Taxes: Missouri Department of Revenue. Official page
Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Missouri Division of Employment Security. Official page
Workers' compensation: Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation.
Real estate licensing: Missouri Real Estate Commission.
Alcohol licensing: Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
Child care licensing: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Health facility licensing: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

City business license (City collector / county): Kansas City, St. Louis and many cities require business licenses and occupational taxes.
Cannabis: adult-use licensing, regulated by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Cannabis Regulation.

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

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