How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Kentucky?

Kentucky LLC Online Filing Fee: $40

The main cost tostart an LLC in Kentuckyis the $40 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Kentucky Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our otherCost to Start an LLCandHow to Form an LLCguides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Kentucky

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Kentucky, you’ll need to register your LLC as aforeign LLC in Kentucky.

The cost for registering aKentucky foreign LLC is $90. You can register a foreign LLC in Kentucky by filing aCertificate of Authority(Form FBE).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing a Reservation or Renewal of Reserved Name (Form RES) and paying the$15filing fee.

Assumed Name

File a Certificate of Assumed Name (Form ASN) and pay the$20filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Kentucky

Step 1:Name Your Kentucky LLC
Step 2:Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3:File the Articles of Organization
Step 4:Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5:Get an EIN
Step 6:File the Annual Report
Step 7:Keep Your Company Compliant

步骤1:命名您的肯塔基州LLC

When you name your Kentucky LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Kentucky
2. Meets Kentucky naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended:Visit ourStart an LLC in Kentuckyguide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Kentucky.

Not sure what to name your business?Check out ourHow to Name a Businessguide and freeLLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a网络域. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Kentucky must appoint aregistered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for acceptingservice of processin the event your business is sued.

Your Kentucky registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Kentucky
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

In Kentucky, your registered agentmustconsent to appointment by signing the formation documents.

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

TheKentucky Form KLC - Articles of Organizationis a document that is filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $40 online. This can befiled by mailas well.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit ourHow to File the Kentucky Articles of Organizationguide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Kentucky LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement?An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important?A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read ourKentucky LLC operating agreementguide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN?AnEINor Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by theInternal Revenue System (IRS)to identify a business for tax reporting purposes.An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN?An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening abusiness bank account
• Hiring employees

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Kentucky requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail for a flat $15 fee. To file a hard copy report, fill out your informationonlineand print it out.

Kentucky LLC annual reports are due by June 30 every year. The filing window opens on January 1.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Your Kentucky LLC must operate within the legal frameworks set by federal, state, and local authorities:

• Kentucky LLC Licenses & Permits:Upholding all rules and regulations from federal, state, and local governments is a necessity for your LLC. The required licenses and permits depend on the nature of your business activities.
• Tax Obligations for Kentucky LLCs:Regularly updating yourself on your tax responsibilities is crucial. The statewide sales tax in Kentucky is fixed at 6%, without any additional local taxes. When you employ staff, remember to register for the Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax. Kentucky also enforces a flat income tax rate of 5%.
• Employee Onboarding in Kentucky:当你打算雇用,确认资格啊f new employees to work in the US, report newly hired staff to the state, arrange for workers' compensation insurance, manage tax withholdings for employees, and ensure workplace compliance posters are prominently displayed.

Meeting these requirements not only ensures the smooth operation of your business but can also safeguard your business from complications with the state.