Kentucky offers one of the cheapest LLC formations in the country at $40 filing and a $15 annual report. We guide you through Kentucky LLC filing, registered agent setup, and ongoing compliance — without the upsells common in the formation-services industry.
Key filing details as of 2026. Fees and processing times are subject to change — verify with Kentucky Secretary of State - Business Services before filing.
Filing Fee
$40
Annual Fee
$15 annual report
Annual Due Date
June 30
Processing Time
1–2 business days online
Expedited Filing
Available
Filing Agency
Kentucky Secretary of State - Business Services
Annual Report Required
Yes
Publication Required
No
State Income Tax
Yes
Kentucky's $15 annual report is a fraction of most states — total annual maintenance under $20.
The Kentucky filing fee is $40; ongoing annual cost is $15 annual report. These are state fees only — registered agent and other service fees are separate.
Kentucky typically processes online Articles of Organization filings in 1–2 business days online. Expedited service is available for additional fees.
The Kentucky Secretary of State - Business Services runs a modern online filing portal at https://sos.ky.gov/bus — most Kentucky LLC formations complete in under a week.
We guide you through each step — from name selection to getting your EIN.
Your name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable from existing Kentucky entities. We help check availability against the Kentucky Secretary of State - Business Services database before filing.
Kentucky requires a registered agent with a physical address in the state — not a P.O. Box. We provide registered agent services in Kentucky and all 50 states.
We prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State - Business Services. Filing fee is $40.
Draft your operating agreement (required practice even when not state-mandated) and apply for a federal EIN — both essential for opening a bank account and establishing your business.
Ready to form your LLC in Kentucky? We guide you through every step.
Get StartedHonest factors to weigh when deciding whether Kentucky is the right state for your LLC.
“Business Therapy & Advisory delivered a true five-star experience from start to finish. They handled my entire business formation and entity structure seamlessly, turning what could have been a complicated process into something clear, organized, and stress-free. We were referred by our accountant, and I couldn't be more grateful for that connection. The team made everything straightforward and efficient while still keeping things personable. They matched my sense of humor (which is no small task) while maintaining the right level of expertise and guidance, making the entire experience comfortable and collaborative. I fully plan to continue working with Business Therapy & Advisory for future needs and will confidently recommend their services to other business owners, as well as friends and family.”
Ian Harvey
Timeless Memorial Care, LLC
Have questions about Kentucky LLC formation? We're here to help.
Talk to an AdvisorDisclaimer: The information on this page is for general guidance and is current as of 2026. Filing fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. We recommend verifying current requirements with the Kentucky Secretary of State - Business Services before filing. This content does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult with a qualified attorney or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Schedule a free consultation and we'll guide you through every step — from choosing your entity type to Kentucky compliance.