How to Start an LLC in Kentucky (2026)

From The Business Formation Podcast · 8:18

Show by The Business Formation Podcast

To start an LLC in Kentucky, you file Articles of Organization, Form KLC, with the Kentucky Secretary of State, and pay $40. Every step for 2026, including who can be your registered agent, the $15 annual report due by June 30, the $175 minimum entity tax, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in Kentucky (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($239 at checkout with Kentucky's $40 fee). Includes your Form KLC filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed by June 30. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/kentucky/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-kentucky KY Registered Agent.org: $199 + state fee ($239 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.kyregisteredagent.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-kentucky Kentucky Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($239 at checkout). Forms your Kentucky LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.kentuckyregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-kentucky Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:28 Step 1: Choose a name0:53 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:26 Step 3: File the Articles of Organization2:02 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:26 Step 5: Get a free EIN3:05 Step 6: File the annual report3:33 What it costs4:11 The county clerk copy4:35 Picking your registered agent5:03 Why the annual report matters5:32 First-year checklist6:00 The 3 best ways to file in Kentucky7:23 Three years of service fees7:48 Recap Kentucky LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization, Form KLC, with the Kentucky Secretary of State online through FastTrack or by mail: $40 (waived for veteran-owned businesses). Usually processed the same day, up to three business days. A copy also goes to the county clerk where the registered office is. Name: must include "limited liability company," "limited company," "LLC" or "LC." Reservation $15 for 120 days. Registered agent: a Kentucky resident, a Kentucky entity, or an authorized foreign entity at a Kentucky street address (no PO boxes); the agent signs a written consent. Change: $10. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Limited liability entity tax (LLET): $175 minimum per year, Department of Revenue. Annual report: $15, due between January 1 and June 30 each year, starting the year after formation. Non-filers are administratively dissolved; reinstatement penalty $100. No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources Form KLC, Articles of Organization (PDF): https://web.sos.ky.gov/forms/corp/KLC-Articles%20of%20Organization-Profit%20Limited%20Liability%20Company.pdf Kentucky Secretary of State, fees: https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/Fees.aspx Kentucky Secretary of State, FAQ: https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/FAQs.aspx Kentucky Secretary of State, annual reports: https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/Annual-Reports.aspx Kentucky Department of Revenue, Form 725 instructions (PDF): https://revenue.ky.gov/Forms/INSTR_Form%20725.pdf IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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