Missouri LLC vs Delaware LLC (2026)
Compare Missouri LLC vs Delaware LLC — filing fees, taxes, privacy laws, and annual costs. Find out which state is actually better for your business.
| Factor | Missouri | Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $50 | $90 |
| Processing Time | 5 day(s) | 7 day(s) |
| Annual Report Fee | $0 | $300 |
| Annual Report Due | None required | June 1 |
| State Income Tax | Yes | No |
| Anonymous LLC | No | Yes |
| Publication Requirement | No | No |
| Foreign LLC Cost (if forming out-of-state) | N/A — you're in your home state | ~$105 + registered agent ~$150/yr |
Verdict: Missouri wins for most businesses
For most Missouri-based small businesses, forming locally is the clear winner due to lower costs and no foreign registration requirements. Delaware only makes sense if you need anonymous ownership or have specific investor requirements demanding Delaware formation.
Filing Fees & Formation Costs
Missouri charges just $50 to form an LLC versus Delaware's $90 filing fee. However, if you form in Delaware but operate in Missouri, you'll need to register as a foreign LLC in Missouri for an additional $105 fee. This means Delaware formation actually costs $195 upfront versus Missouri's simple $50 fee.
Taxes: Missouri vs Delaware
Missouri imposes state income tax on LLC profits, while Delaware has no state income tax for LLCs. However, Delaware charges an annual franchise tax of $300 minimum, which often negates any tax savings. Missouri requires no annual reports or fees, making it significantly cheaper for ongoing compliance.
Privacy & Asset Protection
Delaware allows anonymous LLC formation where member names aren't publicly disclosed, while Missouri requires member information in the filing documents. Both states offer strong charging order protection for single-member and multi-member LLCs. Delaware's privacy advantage is its main selling point for business owners seeking anonymity.
Annual Maintenance Costs
Missouri has no annual report requirements or fees, making ongoing maintenance virtually free. Delaware requires annual reports with a $300 fee, plus you'll need a Delaware registered agent costing around $150 annually. Total annual costs: Missouri $0 versus Delaware $450+ for Missouri-based businesses.
When Delaware Actually Makes Sense
Delaware formation makes sense if you need anonymous ownership, plan to raise venture capital (many VCs prefer Delaware entities), or operate in multiple states. For typical Missouri small businesses focused on local operations, the extra costs and complexity aren't justified. Stick with Missouri unless you have specific privacy or investor requirements.