To operate a business in Missouri, you must go through the process of business registration. The first step is to consult with an attorney about choosing your business structure. Your options include Sole Proprietorship, Limited Partnership, LLC, and Corporation. Once you have made your selection, you must file a creation document to the Secretary of State office.
You must then file a Fictitious Name Registration so you can perform trade or engage in business activity under that name. You can perform these steps through the Online Services portal at the SOS website.
The next step is to register your business for taxes at the Missouri Department of Revenue. There are different types of taxes that you must register for depending on the type and nature of your business. You must also register with the Missouri Division of Employment Security if you are hiring employees. This can be done through the Missouri Department of Labor & Industry Relations website.
Finally, you can go to the IRS website to process the federal employer identification number. You must obtain workers compensation insurance for your employees. You can also check out other Missouri agencies depending on what industry your business belongs in, and if there is a need for additional licenses and permits.
As of 2002, the state of Missouri is divided into 114 counties, 946 municipalities, and 312 townships. Elected county officials for each county include the commissioners, revenue collector, public administrator, prosecuting assessor, coroner, and treasurer. It has 536 public school districts and 1,514 special districts. Missouri was also the first state in the union to award home rule to cities.
St. Louis, which is an independent county, is governed by an elected mayor, comptroller, and a board of aldermen (city treasurer, circuit attorney, revenue collector, and sheriff). These officers perform functions similar to county officers. Other cities are usually overseen by an elected mayor and council.
The local government of Missouri is governed by its fourth constitution, which was last ratified in the year 1945. The county and city are considered the most important units of the local government.
Since it is a border state, it serves as bellwether for the party politics in the country. It is mostly dominated by the Democrat Party but Republicans have been elected into office, as well.
See the main Missouri Page for county links.© State & Local 2023