Form Your LLC in Kentucky

A Kentucky LLC gives you personal liability protection, flexible pass-through taxation, and fewer formalities than a corporation. Most owners finish the initial filing in one sitting and then just handle simple annual renewals.

With FormPros, you can file online fast and stay compliant year after year.

Steps to Form a Kentucky LLC

1) Choose a Business Name

• Must include “LLC” or “L.L.C.” and be distinguishable in Kentucky.
• Optional name reservation is $15 for 120 days. Search the KY Secretary of State database and avoid restricted words (like “bank” or “insurance”) unless you have approval.

2) Appoint a Registered Agent

• Required; must have a physical street address in Kentucky (no P.O. Boxes) and accept legal notices during business hours.
• You can be your own agent, but many choose a professional for privacy and reliability—this can be changed later with a simple filing.

3) File Articles of Organization

• File with the Kentucky Secretary of State; state filing fee is $40 (online or mail).
• You’ll list your principal office, registered agent, and management type—keep the stamped approval for banking and licensing.

4) Create an Operating Agreement

• Not filed with the state but highly recommended to define ownership, voting, and distributions.
• It prevents member disputes and is often requested by banks or investors as proof of internal rules.

5) Get an EIN

• Free from the IRS—needed for taxes, payroll, and business banking.
• Even single-member LLCs often obtain an EIN to keep personal and business finances clearly separated.

6) Open a Business Bank Account

• Keep finances separate to preserve liability protection.
• Bring your EIN, approved Articles, and (if multi-member) your Operating Agreement so the bank can verify owners and signers.

Kentucky LLC Costs & Ongoing Obligations

Expense	Amount	Frequency	Notes
Articles of Organization	$40	One-time	File with KY Secretary of State (online filing available).
Annual Report	$15	Yearly (due by June 30)	File each year to stay in good standing.
Registered Agent Service (optional)	~$100–$300	Yearly	Use a professional if you don’t want to list your own KY street address.
Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET)	$175 minimum	Yearly	Kentucky’s entity-level tax; amount can be higher based on receipts/profits.
Name Reservation (optional)	$15	Up to 120 days	Holds your name if you’re not ready to file.

Why Choose FormPros?

FormPros makes Kentucky LLC formation simple and stress-free. We handle the paperwork, guide you through compliance, and ensure your LLC is set up correctly the first time.

✅ Fast online filing
✅ Expert support
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ Ongoing compliance help

Start your Kentucky LLC today with FormPros and focus on building your business—not dealing with state forms.

Form an LLC

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Form an LLC in Kentucky FAQs

• How much does forming an LLC in Kentucky cost?
  Filing the Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State costs $40. Additional fees may apply for services like reserving a name or appointing a registered agent.
• What is a Series LLC in Kentucky?
  A Series LLC allows one main LLC to have multiple divisions (or “series”), each with its own assets and liabilities. Each series operates independently but under the umbrella of the main LLC.
• What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Kentucky?
  • LLC: Provides limited liability protection, offers tax flexibility (pass-through taxation), and has fewer formalities.
  • Corporation: Also provides limited liability but is subject to corporate tax rates and formal requirements like holding annual meetings and maintaining a board of directors.
• What is the difference between a C Corp and an S Corp in Kentucky?
  • C Corp: Pays corporate income tax, and shareholders are taxed on dividends (double taxation).
  • S Corp: Avoids double taxation by allowing income to pass through to shareholders’ personal tax returns but has restrictions on the number and type of shareholders.
• Can an LLC be a not-for-profit in Kentucky?
  No, an LLC cannot be a not-for-profit entity. Nonprofits in Kentucky must form a nonprofit corporation and apply for tax-exempt status.
• How long does it typically take to form an LLC in Kentucky?
  It typically takes 1-2 business days if filed online and 3-4 weeks if filed by mail, depending on processing times.
• Can a Kentucky LLC Operating Agreement be modified?
  Yes, the operating agreement can be modified as long as all members agree to the changes and the modifications are documented properly.
• How do I look up an LLC in Kentucky?
  You can look up an LLC by searching the Kentucky Secretary of State’s online business database.
• Can I register my LLC in Kentucky if I don't live there?
  Yes, you can register an LLC in Kentucky even if you don’t live there, but you must appoint a registered agent with a physical address in Kentucky.
• Can a foreigner own a Kentucky LLC?
  Yes, a foreigner can own a Kentucky LLC. There are no residency or citizenship requirements for LLC ownership.
• Can an LLC own property in Kentucky?
  Yes, an LLC can own property in Kentucky, just like any other business entity.
• Can one person own an LLC in Kentucky?
  Yes, Kentucky allows single-member LLCs, meaning one person can own and operate the LLC.
• Is a Kentucky LLC required to have officers?
  No, an LLC in Kentucky is not required to have officers. It can be managed by its members or by appointed managers.
• What is the process for naming an LLC in Kentucky?
  The name must be unique and include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation like "LLC." You can check name availability on the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website and reserve a name if needed.
• Can I convert an existing business into an LLC in Kentucky?
  Yes, you can convert an existing business to an LLC by filing the appropriate conversion documents with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
• How do I renew an LLC in Kentucky?
  You must file an annual report with the Kentucky Secretary of State by June 30 each year and pay the renewal fee to keep your LLC in good standing.