Frequently Asked Questions

 

Topics

 

 

Business Names

  1. What is a “fictitious name?”
    A fictitious name is a name under which any person shall do or transact any business in this state which is other than the true name of such person. A fictitious name is commonly referred to as a “DBA,” an acronym for “doing business as.” Filing a fictitious name registration does not afford or secure any exclusive rights to the name.
  2. Who has to file a fictitious name registration?
    Any person or entity which is doing business under a name other than its true name must register that fictitious name. For instance, if John Doe is doing business under the name “John’s Lemonade Stand,” John Doe must register the fictitious name “John’s Lemonade Stand.” If the corporation known as Missouri Lemonade Manufacturing, Inc., is doing business under the name “Missouri Lemonade,” it must register the fictitious name “Missouri Lemonade.”
  3. Why is a corporation or limited liability company using the fictitious name I have registered?
    Filing or registering a fictitious name for your business does not afford or reserve any exclusive rights to the use of that name. There is no limit to the number of entities which may register the same fictitious name.
  4. How long does a name reservation last?
    A corporate name, or a name for a limited liability company or limited partnership, may be reserved for up to 60 days, and such reservation may be renewed for two additional 60 day periods. After a name has been reserved for 180 days, the name ceases to be in reserved status and the applicant who had the name reserved for the maximum 180 days may not reserve that name again. The applicant whose reservation expired may still use the name as its corporate name if available, and any other entity may place the name back into reserve status.
  5. If a name reservation expires, who can use it or reserve it?
    After a particular name’s reserve status expires, it is available to any party for use as a corporate name, even the party whose reservation expired. The party whose reservation expired, however, may never again place the name in reserved status.

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Registered Agent/Office

  1. Who may serve or act as a registered agent?
    An agent may be either an individual who is a resident of Missouri and whose business office is identical with the entity’s registered office, or it may be a corporation authorized to transact business in Missouri and which has a business office identical with the entity’s registered office.
     
  2. May my entity’s registered office address be a PO Box?
    A PO Box may be listed as a registered office address only if a physical street address in the same city is also listed. An entity’s registered office must be a physical location where the registered agent may be served process.
  3. May my entity’s registered office address be listed as the address of a mailing service company, such as Mailboxes, Etc. or the UPS Store?
    No. An entity may not list the address of a retail mailing store, such as Mailboxes, Etc. or the UPS Store, as its registered office; the registered agent’s business office must be the same as the registered office.
  4. May I change my entity’s registered agent without the consent of a new agent?
    The new registered agent must consent to his appointment in writing, and such written consent must accompany the filing of a statement of change of the registered agent.

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Corporations

 

Incorporators

  1. Who may serve as an incorporator for a corporation?
    A corporation may have one or more incorporators who must be a “natural person” and at least 18 years old. The incorporator or incorporators sign and deliver the articles of incorporation to the Secretary of State.
  2. Is the incorporator the owner of the corporation?
    Not necessarily. An incorporator does not have to be a shareholder of the corporation being incorporated, nor is the incorporator required to become a shareholder in the future.
  3. Can I amend the incorporator?
    No. An amendment to the articles of incorporation may not change or modify the incorporator or the incorporator’s address; that information is maintained forever and reflects the historical facts concerning who created the entity.
  4. Who signs the articles of incorporation?
    The incorporators sign the articles of incorporation; the incorporators do not have to be owners or shareholders.

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Shares/Shareholders

  1. How many shares should my corporation issue?
    The numbers of authorized shares a corporation will have to issue is left to the discretion of the incorporators; 30,000 shares are the most that may be authorized for the minimum incorporation fee of $58.00 If a corporation discovers that it needs to issue more shares of stock than are authorized, it may amend its articles to authorize additional shares.
  2. What are “classes” of stock?
    A corporation may issue its stock in one or more classes, and each class will have distinct characteristics. Some corporations have preferred stock, which traditionally means that holders of such stock have a preference or priority in respect to dividends over holders of common stock.  Classes of stock enable a corporation to give certain benefits to certain shareholders which are different than those afforded others.
  3. Can the Secretary of State tell me who the shareholders are of a corporation?
    No. The Secretary of State does not maintain or have the authority to require disclosure of information on the identity or holdings of shareholders of any corporation.
  4. May a corporation have only one shareholder?
    Yes. A single-shareholder corporation is permissible under Missouri law.

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General and Business Corporations

  1. What should I list as my corporation’s duration?
    A corporation’s duration is by default perpetual, though incorporators may choose a certain numbers of years for which it is to continue. If a corporation’s duration is set to expire after a certain number of years, the Secretary of State may dissolve the corporation after the expiration date; upon dissolution the corporation may no longer carry on its regular business.
  2. What should I list as my corporation’s purpose in the articles of incorporation?
    Most corporations list the specific business or activity in which they will engage to make a profit. For instance, a corporation which will make and sell lemonade might list as its purpose “to produce, market and sell lemonade.” In addition, many corporations also add a general or catchall purpose so that they may expand or alter their activities; such a general purpose might state “The corporation is formed to conduct and transact all lawful business activities allowed under the laws of the State of Missouri.” A specific purpose, a general purpose, or a combination of the two is acceptable.
  3. Should I file my corporation’s bylaws, minutes and/or stock certificates with the Secretary of State?
    No, the articles of incorporation are the only creation document filed with the Secretary of State.  Bylaws, copies of minutes of any meetings, stock certificates, shareholders’ agreements, and other internal corporate documents are not filed with, and will not be accepted by, the Secretary of State.
  4. Can I change the due date for my corporation’s registration report?
    Yes. General and Business For-Profit Corporations may change the month in which the registration report is due by changing the renewal month when filing a current registration report. Please note that the report is due on the last day of the month four months from the renewal month. For example, if you change the renewal month to May, the due date of the report will be August 3The filing fee for the change is $25.00.
  5. When can my corporation elect to file a biennial registration report?
    A corporation that was incorporated in an even numbered year (2000 for example) may elect to file a biennial registration report in an even numbered year. A corporation that was incorporated in an odd numbered year (2005 for example) may elect to file a biennial registration report in an odd numbered year.

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Dissolution

  1. What is administrative dissolution?
    When a corporation fails to timely file an annual report, fails to maintain a registered agent, its duration expires or in several other situations, the Secretary of State may administratively dissolve that corporation. The Secretary’s authority to do so is granted by statute, and upon dissolution, a corporation may no longer carry on its business other than to wind up, liquidate and pay off its creditors. A corporation may apply to have an administrative dissolution rescinded, and become reinstated, by requesting a “rescission packet” from the Secretary of State and complying with the requirements set forth in the packet.
  2. Can an administrative dissolution be repealed or undone?
    Yes. A corporation can have an administrative dissolution rescinded, and become reinstated, by filing an application, submitting a tax clearance letter and paying fees and penalties. You may place an order to have reinstatement forms emailed to you. To request the required forms and information please order online.
  3. Do I need a tax clearance letter to be reinstated after an administrative dissolution, and where do I get one?
    Yes. A tax clearance letter from the Department of Revenue is required to be submitted to the Secretary of State in order to be reinstated after administrative dissolution. The tax clearance letter from the Department of Revenue must state that the corporation has no taxes due and owing. To obtain a tax clearance letter, you should complete a Department of Revenue Form 943 Request for Tax Clearance Letter and submit it to the Department of Revenue as indicated on the form. An application for reinstatement should not be submitted to the Secretary of State unless it is accompanied by a valid tax clearance letter.

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Close Corporations

  1. What is a close corporation?
    A statutory close corporation is characterized by its traditionally small size, its consolidated management structure, and the statutory restrictions on the transfer of its shares. There are approximately 6,000 close corporations currently existing in Missouri. A statutory close corporation’s shareholders generally may not transfer their shares of stock without allowing the corporation’s other shareholders a right of first refusal and the corporation may operate without a board of directors and in some instances without bylaws. The close corporation election is made in the entity’s articles of incorporation.

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Professional Corporations

  1. 1.What is a professional corporation?
    A professional corporation is organized to carry out one or more professional services, and the shareholders of the professional corporation must be licensed or authorized to practice a certain profession, which includes accountants, architects, engineers, attorneys, dentists, physicians, veterinarians, real estate salespeople and registered nurses. The articles of incorporation filed to form a professional corporation must be accompanied by a certificate of the licensing authority of the subject profession. Professional corporations are managed in a manner similar to general corporations, though all directors and officers of a professional corporation, other than the secretary, must be qualified persons with respect to the underlying profession of the entity. The shares of a professional corporation may only be owned by similarly qualified persons, or by partnerships, other professional corporations or limited liability companies, which are wholly owned by other licensed individuals.

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Nonprofit Corporations

  1. Do nonprofit corporations have shareholders?
    No. Nonprofit corporations do not have shareholders. No one “owns” a nonprofit corporation and the law prohibits distributions of the nonprofit corporation’s assets or income to individuals.
  2. What are “members” of a nonprofit corporation?
    A nonprofit corporation may, but is not required to, have members. “Member,” as defined by law, means any person who has the right to vote upon the election of directors of a nonprofit corporation. If a nonprofit corporation is to have members such feature must be mentioned in the corporation’s bylaws or articles. Members do not personally own the nonprofit corporation or have a financial stake therein, and the corporation’s income cannot be distributed to the members.
  3. What is a distribution clause in a nonprofit corporation’s articles of incorporation?
    A distribution clause is the section in nonprofit articles of incorporation that describes how the corporation’s assets will be distributed upon dissolution. A nonprofit corporation will often identify another nonprofit corporation as the recipient of its assets upon dissolution.
  4. How do I apply for tax-exempt status as a charitable organization, 501(c)(3)?
    If you intend to apply to the IRS for recognition of federal tax-exempt status as a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, your article of incorporation must contain certain provisions.  For more information, visit this page on the IRS website.  To learn about the general requirements for federal tax-exempt status, visit https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits, or download IRS Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for your Organization.
  5. What steps must be taken to dissolve a nonprofit corporation?
    There are three primary steps to take when dissolving a nonprofit corporation.  Step 1:  File the Articles of Dissolution of Voluntary Action for a Non Profit Corporation with the Secretary of State's office.  Step 2:  File the Articles of Termination with the Secretary of State's office.  Step 3:  File the Notice of Dissolution with the Attorney General's office.  Steps 1 and 2 can be completed online using the Secretary of State's Online Business Services Portal.

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Limited Liability Companies

  1. What should I list as my company’s “purpose” in the articles of organization?
    You may list a specific purpose directly related to your company’s business or endeavor, and you may supplement that with, or solely state, that the company’s business is to transact any or all lawful business for which a limited liability company may be organized under the laws of the State of Missouri.
  2. Should my limited liability company be managed by a manager or a member?
    All limited liability companies must indicate in their articles of organization whether the entity will be manager-managed or member-managed. This election determines who will manage the affairs of the company, and who will have the authority to bind the company. If a limited liability company is to be member-managed, each member has the authority to be involved in management, and to bind the company. The company’s operating agreement may restrict or place conditions on such management in any manner the members desire. If a limited liability company is manager-managed, the authority to manage the company and create obligations for it is vested in one or more managers, who are appointed by the members or designated in the operating agreement.
  3. Must a manager be a member?
    No. Missouri law does not require a manager to also be a member of the limited liability company.
  4. What should I state as the duration of my limited liability company?
    A limited liability company may exist as long as the organizers desire, and may exist perpetually. The organizers may determine to limit a limited liability company’s existence by providing for its dissolution upon a certain date or after a certain number of years. The organizers may also determine to provide for a limited liability company’s dissolution upon the occurrence of a certain event.
  5. Who can be an organizer?
    Any person, whether or not they are or will be a member or manager, may serve as an organizer and sign and file articles of organization with the Secretary of State.
  6. Should I file my limited liability company’s operating agreement with the Secretary of State?
    No. The articles of organization document is the only creation document filed with the Secretary of State, and the Secretary of State will not accept an operating agreement for filing.
  7. Do limited liability companies have to file an annual report?
    No.
  8. Who may sign amendments or other documents filed with the Secretary of State after a limited liability company is organized?
    Limited liability company documents filed with Secretary of State are generally to be signed by an “authorized person,” which is the manager of the limited liability company or, if member-managed, by a member.

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Partnerships

 

General

  1. What is the difference between a limited partnership, a limited liability partnership, and a limited liability limited partnership?
    A limited partnership is a statutory entity created by filing a certificate of limited partnership with the Secretary of State; a limited partnership must have at least one general partner and at least one limited partner. A general partner is liable for the obligations of the limited partnership, while the limited partner has no personal liability for the same.

    A limited liability partnership is a general partnership that elects limited liability partnership status by filing an application for limited liability partnership registration. Upon securing such registration, all partners in the limited partnership, though they remain general partners, are afforded the same liability protection enjoyed by limited partners in limited partnerships. Other than this limited liability component, a limited liability partnership maintains all the other characteristics of a general partnership.

    A limited liability limited partnership (LLLP) is a limited partnership that elects limited liability limited partnership status by filing an application for LLLP registration. Upon securing such registration, all partners in the limited partnership, including the general partners, are afforded personal liability protection. Other than the limited liability component, an LLLP maintains all other characteristics of a limited partnership.
  2. Are partnerships required to file annual reports with the Secretary of State?
    No, though certain types of partnerships may be required to complete certain types of annual filings or renewals with the Secretary of State. General partnerships do not file any documents whatsoever with the Secretary of State, and limited partnerships are not required to make an annual filing. Registration as a limited liability partnership or an LLLP is only valid for one year, but such registration may be renewed on a yearly basis by filing a renewal form with the Secretary of State.
  3. What is the difference between a general partner and a limited partner?
    A general partner, who is usually charged with operation and day-to-day management of the partnership’s affairs and business, takes on personal liability for the obligations and debts of the partnership and the actions of the other partners. A limited partner is shielded from such liability and traditionally is not as involved in the day-to-day affairs of the limited partnership. Until recently a limited partner’s shield from liability was threatened or removed if the limited partner became involved in the management or operation of the limited partnership, but in 1997 changes to the laws regulating limited partnerships allowed a limited partner to participate in limited partnership management without risking liability for the limited partnership’s obligations.

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Limited Partnerships

  1. Who signs amendments to the certificate of limited partnership?
    Amendments must be signed by at least one existing general partner and all new general partners identified in the amendment as new general partners.
  2. Do limited partnerships file annual reports?
    No.
  3. Can the Secretary of State cancel, dissolve, or terminate a limited partnership?
    The Secretary of State can cancel an existing limited partnership certificate, or reject or disapprove a certificate, if a limited partnership fails to maintain a registered agent, fails to pay required filing fees, or engages in certain prohibited activities related to fraud or deception.

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Limited Liability Partnerships

  1. Who signs a partnership’s application (or reapplication) for registration as a limited liability partnership?
    The application (and reapplication) should be signed by a majority of the partners or by one or more partners authorized to sign the application on behalf of the partnership. If the application is signed by an authorized partner or partners, no evidence of such authority needs to be filed or provided to the Secretary of State.
  2. What fees do I pay to register as a limited liability partnership?
    The registration fee for a limited liability partnership is $25 for each partner in the partnership, with the total fee not to exceed $100.
  3. What fees do I pay to renew limited liability partnership registration?
    The renewal fee for a limited liability partnership is $100 plus, if the renewal increases the number of partners, $50 for each partner added, with the renewal fee not to exceed $200.

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Online Filings

  1. Why should I file documents online?
    Businesses save time and money by filing online. Filing a general business corporate registration report online saves the corporation $25 per year, and can be completed in a matter of minutes.   The savings for filing articles of organization for a limited liability company online is $55.00 ($50.00 online versus $105.00 by paper).  Filing online eliminates postage, mailing, and delivery service costs.
  2. How do I pay for online filings?
    All fees associated with online filings or registrations must be paid with a credit card. The Secretary of State’s office accepts Master Card, Visa, American Express and Discover.
  3. Do I have to have an e-mail address to file online?
    Yes. All online filers must have an e-mail address. An e-mail address is required by the credit card processor.

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Domestic v. Foreign

  1. What is the difference between domestic and foreign entities?
    In Missouri, “domestic” entities are those that first registered in Missouri, while “foreign” entities have registered in another state/jurisdiction before registering in Missouri. A common example of a domestic entity is an LLC that was formed and operates in Missouri and filed its articles of organization only with Missouri. A similar example of a foreign entity is an LLC that was formed and registered in another state and now intends to conduct business in Missouri, so it would register with our office as a foreign LLC.
  2. So even if a business was first registered in another state in the U.S. (Delaware, Illinois, Florida, etc.), it is considered a foreign business in Missouri?
    Yes. The term “foreign” refers to any entity that was first registered outside of Missouri.

 

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Foreign Entities

  1. What qualifies as “transacting business” or “doing business”?
    Under Missouri law, whether an entity is transacting or doing business in the state is determined on a case-by-case basis. There is no statutory standard or bright-line rule to apply to determine if an entity must register. Many entities enlist the assistance of any attorney to make a determination as to the entity’s obligation to register; this analysis is often based upon past court decisions.
  2. Does a single or isolated project or task in Missouri qualify as “doing business”?
    Missouri statute specifically provides that an isolated transaction or project that is completed within 30 days, and is not one in the course of repeated transactions of a like nature, does not qualify as “doing business”. In this situation, the foreign entity is not under the obligation to register with the Secretary of State.
  3. Does collecting debts qualify as “doing business”?
    No. Missouri statute specifically provides that securing and collecting debts, and enforcing mortgages and security interests, do not qualify as doing business.
  4. What if I am obligated to, but do not, register my foreign entity?
    An entity that is not registered, but by law is required to be, cannot legally transact business or maintain a lawsuit in Missouri until it secures a certificate of authority. If the failure to properly register is discovered after an action is initiated by an unregistered foreign entity, the action could be suspended until the registration is completed. In addition, foreign entities that do not comply with the registration requirement are subject to a fine of not less than $1,000, which is collected through the institution of a lawsuit.

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General Questions

  1. What is the “technology fee?”
    The technology fee is a five dollar charge added to the regular filing fee collected for filings by the Secretary of State. By law, the technology fee is deposited into the state treasury and is credited to the Secretary of State’s technology trust fund account.
  2. Does the Secretary of State regulate banks?
    No. Banking and financial institutions are regulated by the Division of Finance. Articles of incorporation and other filings for banking and financial institution entities are filed with the Division of Finance.
  3. Does the Secretary of State regulate insurance companies?
    No. Insurance companies are regulated by the Department of Insurance. Articles of incorporation and other filings for insurance companies are filed with the Department of Insurance.
  4. Where do I get a business license?
    Many municipalities and/or counties require that businesses obtain a business license before opening a business in their city or county; a business license is not the same as a certificate of incorporation or certificate of organization issued by the Secretary of State. Business licenses are obtained directly from the local governmental authority; the Secretary of State does not issue business licenses.
  5. What is the physical mailing address for over-night packages?
    Overnight packages should be addressed to 600 West Main, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
  6. What is the “effective date” of my filing?
    By statute, it is the day of the Secretary of State’s endorsement on the original document. In most cases, this is the date the document is received and initially reviewed by the Secretary of State.
  7. Where do I get my tax ID number?
    The Internal Revenue Service issues Federal Employer Identification Numbers (FEIN), sometimes called a tax ID number. An FEIN application, known as an SS-4, may be completed online at the IRS website. A state taxpayer identification number is issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue. That number can be obtained online at https://dor.mo.gov/business/register/.

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Trademarks/Service Marks

  1. What is the difference between a trademark and trade name?
    A trademark is a word, name, symbol or device, or combination of any of the same, used to identify goods made or sold by a certain person or entity, and to distinguish those goods from goods made or sold by others. A trade name is a word, name, symbol or device, or combination of any of the same, used to identify a person’s business or occupation and to distinguish it from the business or occupation of others. Put simply, a trademark identifies goods, while a trade name identifies a business or occupation.
  2. What is a service mark?
    A service mark is a mark used to sell or advertise services and to distinguish the services of one service provider from another.
  3. Can I register my trade name with the Secretary of State?
    The Secretary of State does not specifically register trade names in a manner which reserves specific rights for the registrant or secures exclusive use of the trade name. The Secretary of State does register, and in fact requires the registration of, business names which are other than the true name of the business operator; these are fictitious names. Registering a fictitious name does not secure any exclusive use rights for the registrant.
  4. Must my business name be registered as a corporation or a fictitious name before I can register a trademark with the business as the owner?
    Yes. A valid business registration (corporation, limited liability company, fictitious name registration, etc.) is required before registering a trademark.
  5. If I do not have examples of my mark as of yet, may I still submit my application?
    No.  The mark must be in use before a trademark or service mark application can be submitted.  Two working examples of the mark must be submitted with the application.

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UCC

  1. What are my payment options for online UCC filings?
    Online UCC filings may be paid for with a credit card or by establishing an ACH account, which allows the Secretary of State to directly withdraw fees from a user’s bank account.
  2. Are online searches of UCC records certified?
    No.
  3. When filing a UCC document, how many copies do I need to send?
    Just one; once the UCC document is filed we will send a copy to the address listed on the filing in the “send acknowledgement to” box .
  4. Can attachments to our online filings be scanned and filed online?
    No, not at this time; however, such technology is being reviewed and considered as a future service.

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