How to Start a Business in Kentucky (Step by Step Guide)

Starting Business in KentuckyAre you thinking about starting your own business in the state of Kentucky? If so, then you have come to the right place!

On this page, you can find step by step DIY instructions on how to incorporate your business in Kentucky. From selecting the business entity type to forms to be filled, we have covered it all.

Let’s get Started

The first step in setting up your business is to select the business structure.

Broadly there are 4 types of business entities that can be registered:

  1. Limited Liability Company (Most Popular)
  2. Corporation
  3. Sole Proprietorship
  4. Partnership

Each business structure differs on the basis of taxation, asset liability and estate planning. We have written a detailed tutorial on how to choose a business entity type for your business here.

Below we have provided a broad outline of the steps involved in registering an LLC or Corporation in Kentucky.

Clicking on each step, opens up a detailed guide on how to complete it.

How to Start an LLC in Kentucky

Agency ResponsibleKentucky Secretary of State – Business Services
Form(s) to be filledArticles of Organization (Form KLC)
ModeOnline, Mail or In-person
Name ReservationOptional, Fee $15 (Mail)
Filing Fee$40
Time5 days
LawKRS Chapter 275


Summary:

  1. Conduct Business name availability search
  2. File for Business name reservation (Optional)
  3. Select a Registered Agent
  4. Fill the Articles of Organization (Form KLC)
  5. Prepare an Operating Agreement
  6. Apply for EIN Number
  7. Obtain necessary permits and licenses
  8. Obtain Kentucky Tax ID number
  9. (Ongoing) File Annual Report

How to Start a Corporation in Kentucky

Agency ResponsibleKentucky Secretary of State – Business Services
Form(s) to be filledArticles of Incorporation (Form PAI)
ModeOnline, Mail or In-person
Name ReservationOptional, Fee $15 (Mail)
Filing Fee$40
Time5 days
LawKY Rev Stat § 2.2-020 (2014)

Summary:

  1. Choose a name for your corporation
  2. File for Business Name Reservation (Optional)
  3. Select Registered Agent
  4. Fill Articles of Incorporation form
  5. Draft Corporate Bylaws
  6. Apply for EIN Number
  7. Obtain necessary permits and licenses
  8. Obtain Kentucky Tax ID number
  9. (Ongoing) File Annual Report


References:
https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Forms/Pages/default.aspx
https://law.justia.com/codes/kentucky/2011/275-00/

Last fact-checked on 25/07/2018

Kentucky Business Entity & Corporation Search

In Kentucky, business entity records are maintained by the FastTrack Business Organization. It is a subdivision of KY Secretary of State which deals with business formation and regulation. The business records can be accessed for free on the Kentucky Secretary of State website. Basic information such as business contact details, structure and other filed documents […]

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