To start a business in the state of Missouri you need to file articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State. Make sure that you include all the information required by RSMo Section 351.055.

You'll need to calculate the incorporation fees. The amount of that fee is defined in RSMo Section 351.065 and is dependent on the dollar value of authorized shares.

You can choose to create a close corporation, which under the law can choose not to have a board of directors, annual meetings, or bylaws, if so specified in the articles of incorporation. Rules governing the creation of close corporations can be found in RSMo Section 351.750 and some of the following sections.

Foreign corporations doing business in the state of Missouri aren't required to file articles of incorporation in the state of Missouri, but they are required to pay a fee of $155 dollars to obtain a certificate of authority.

Nonprofit corporations can also be formed for a variety of purposes, including trade organizations, civic associations, and political groups. To do business in Missouri, nonprofits must be designated as either "public benifit" or "mutual benefit" corporations as specified in RSMo Section 355.881.