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How to form an LLC in Kentucky

File an Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings. State filing fee $40.

Start my Kentucky LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$40

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Online FastTrack filings are effective when filed, usually same day; mailed filings take longer. No expedite …

Keeping it active

Annual Report

January 1 - June 30 of each year, starting the year after formation. · $15

The steps in Kentucky

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Company”, “LLC”, “LC”, “Ltd. Co.”. Must be distinguishable from names on record. Reservation $15 for 120 days. You can reserve a name first for $15 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    Kentucky-resident individual, Kentucky entity, or foreign entity authorized in Kentucky; registered office at a Kentucky street address (no PO box). The agent must agree to serve — LLCPros prepares a consent for them to sign.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings (form KLC). You can file online or by mail. Fee: $40.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by Kentucky law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (january 1 - June 30 of each year, starting the year after formation.).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$40
Optional: name reservation$15
Later: Annual Report$15

Payable to Kentucky State Treasurer (KRS 14A.2-060). Fee may be waived for veteran-owned businesses (KRS 14A.2-165).

State taxes to know about

Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) owed annually by most LLCs, $175 minimum; single-member LLCs owned by individuals generally exempt.

Questions about Kentucky LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in Kentucky?

The Kentucky filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $40. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in Kentucky?

You file an Articles of Organization (form KLC) with the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings.

›Does Kentucky require a registered agent?

Yes. Kentucky-resident individual, Kentucky entity, or foreign entity authorized in Kentucky; registered office at a Kentucky street address (no PO box).

›Does a Kentucky LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, january 1 - June 30 of each year, starting the year after formation., fee $15.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official Kentucky page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • The newspaper publication rules and deadline
  • The link to the state’s business name search
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.