Missouri Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Missouri refers to the process by which a business entity formed in another state seeks permission to conduct business in Missouri. This involves registering with the Secretary of State and meeting certain requirements to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

There are 2 different ways to foreign qualify in Missouri depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Missouri or use Mosey to do it.

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Missouri Foreign Registration for LLC

Foreign limited liability companies "transacting business" in Missouri must register with the Secretary of State by filing an Application for Registration. Missouri, like most states, provides a list of activities considered not "transacting business" instead of defining "transacting business."

  1. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing

    Missouri requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home state issued within 60 days.

  2. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must continuously maintain a registered agent in Missouri designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be an individual or a business authorized by the Secretary of State to "transact business" in the state. Note: A PO Box may be listed as a registered office address only if a physical street address in the same city is also listed.

  3. Create an Account Online

    Visit Missouri Online Business Filing System to create an account to register your business.

  4. File Application for Registration

    After creating an account, log in and click "Create LLC" under "LLC Filings" to start the Application for Registration. You will also need to upload your certificate of good standing.

Missouri Foreign Registration for C Corporation

Foreign corporations "transacting business" in Missouri are required to register with the Secretary of State by filing an Application for Certificate of Authority (Form Corp. 42). Missouri, like most states, provides a list of activities considered not "transacting business" in lieu of defining "transacting business."

  1. Obtain Certificate of Good Standing

    Missouri requires a Certificate of Good Standing (also known as a Certificate of Existence) from your home state, issued within 60 days.

  2. Establish a Registered Agent

    You must continuously maintain a registered agent in Missouri designated to accept service of process. Your registered agent can be an individual or a business authorized by the Secretary of State to "transact business" in the state. Note: A PO Box may be listed as a registered office address only if a physical street address in the same city is also listed.

  3. Create Online Business Filing Account

    You need an Online Business Filing account to access the Application for a Certificate of Authority.

  4. File Application for a Certificate of Authority

    Log into your Online Business Filing account to file an Application for a Certificate of Authority (Form Corp. 42).

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Missouri.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Missouri.

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