Missouri Business License
Small Business Programs for Missouri
Are you starting a business soon in Missouri? There's a lot to learn, but the state provides a wealth of resources online. Make sure to quickly familiarize yourself with all the steps expected of new business owners.
To start, you'll want to check out the "Missouri Business Portal." There you'll find plenty of resources about how to start and manage a business in the state. You will also learn about the various registration requirements, filings, and taxes for small businesses.
Obtain A Single or Multiple Business Licenses
It's possible that your new business will not need a license to operate in Missouri. However, certain types of companies will need more than one. There are several different generalized categories for business permits and licenses in Missouri. These include the following:
- Professional and Occupational Licenses
- Agricultural Permits and Licenses
- Environmental Registrations, Permits, or Certifications
There are also a few categories of license and permits governed by state agencies. If you want to learn which ones are involved, visit the Business Portal website and click on the section called "Registering My Business." There you can find out just what's in store for you as a new owner.
When filling out your business license application, it is important to remember that local licenses also apply. These will vary depending on the locality. A prime example is the city of St. Louis. They require any business operating within their confines to get a Graduated Business License.
Other cities in the state, like Springfield, also have specific requirements. If you need information for your area, find their website and look for their Licensing page. You'll discover what, if anything, you need to do to comply.
Lastly, if you will be selling any physical items, or providing certain rental or other services, you will need to get a sales tax license from the Missouri Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue website has all the information you need to know about whether or not you need to file sales tax with the state.
Ensure The Proper Record Filing For Your Business
One of the first questions you will want to ask yourself before you start the process of filing your business license is what type of business will you be starting. Will your business be a sole proprietorship, or a limited liability company (LLC), or a corporation?
Each of these will have their own tax laws and will be filed with the Missouri Department of Revenue differently. When it comes to your business tax classifications you want to make sure you get it right. There are many different types of businesses that you can start. Knowing the best choice for you and your business will help you when it comes time to file taxes.
You will have to file formation papers with the Missouri Secretary Of State office, and declare which type of business you will be starting. Discover more by visiting the "Business Services Division" section, which goes into detail about the process. Depending on your formation type, you will have varying responsibilities.
Get Your Professional License
Members of a wide variety of occupations and professions will also need licenses issued by the state. Professionals like dentists, architects, accounts, lawyers, and doctors all need licensing. You can find out much more information about this subject by visiting the Missouri Division of Professional Registration and the Missouri Business Portal.
You can find specific information for any profession at "Division of Professional Registration" website. That should provide you with all the details about your chosen occupation. If your job appears in the list, you'll need to follow all applicable regulations. These licenses protect consumers and help the industry thrive. Discover what fees are appropriate, so there are no surprises later.
Fictitious Name Registration
Once you know what type of business you will be starting, and whether or not you need a specialized professional license, the next decision you will need to make is deciding on a business name.
You, like most business owners, will probably want to register a fictitious name for your company. Most companies, other than a sole proprietorship, use trade names to identify their services and products. LLCs, partnerships, and corporations all have to register a trading name upon formation.
You may also decide to add a name later, using the process known as filing a DBA. The term stands for "Doing Business As" and allows corporations to identify themselves with an alternative trade name. You can learn much more about the subject on the Secretary of State website under the section called "Fictitious Name Registration."
Register Appropriate Service Marks of Trademarks
The state of Missouri offers registration for statewide service and trademarks. If your business wants additional protection for your marks, registering makes sense. The Secretary of State website contains plenty of information on registering trademarks. To help you decide what you will need, look in the "Trademarks and Service Marks" section. This process is distinct from Federal registration and may be advantageous depending on your company's needs.
Conclusion
If you want to ensure that you are following the correct business licensing requirements, then you will need to do some research first. Hopefully, this article has helped to point you in the right direction before you get started. The chamber of commerce is here to help you with each step along the process of starting and operating your own business.
From registering your name and your trademark to ensuring you are choosing the right business type, there are many choices to make when filing for a business license in Missouri. As you begin the process of creating your own start-up company, come back to the chamber of commerce website to answer your many questions.
FAQ
How Do I Register My Missouri Business?
Missouri's Secretary of State requires that all businesses register in order to be allowed to operate in the state. Only sole proprietors or general partnerships can operate in Missouri under their own names. The type of business registration you choose will determine the type of company, LLC, partnership, or corporation that you are using. Every business must register for a business tax permit as well. Depending on the nature of your company, you may also need registration for unemployment tax or sales/use tax.
Does Missouri Require Businesses to Have Licenses?
Missouri does not require all businesses to have the same general business license. However, certain services and goods are required to be licensed by the state. Businesses such as commercial driving, food production, and entertainment venues are all subject to this requirement. You can find out whether your business needs a business permit by checking at www.business.mo.gov/lookup/PermitSearch.aspx.
Missouri also has 39 licensing boards which are responsible for licensing a variety of trades and professions. These licensing boards cover your business and the services you provide to them. There are often licensing requirements for your state. Many municipalities have licensing requirements for local businesses in addition to state requirements.