The Bluegrass State has developed a solid reputation for having a business-friendly climate paired with a constantly developing and improving economic profile, which is coupled with a perhaps overlooked quality of life that is unmatched by many other states.
If put aside the beautiful green landscapes, luscious state forests, amazing towns seeping with character and unique cultures, you are left with a state that knows exactly how to conduct business successfully and in the right way.
Kentucky’s business climate has been progressing each year in a positive direction, which is leading to more and more people registering businesses within the state, and beginning their path to entrepreneurial success.
So, how much does it actually cost to register a business in Kentucky? Well, it is dependant on the business type you are registering for, although whichever type you choose, Kentucky’s fees are significantly more reasonable than most other states.
Let’s get right into the upfront costs to register a company in Kentucky, whether that be an LLC, an Incorporated company, a partnership, a non-profit, or any other type of company or sole proprietor.
What is the cost to register a business in Kentucky?
One of the two different types of companies (most common) you may wish to form when starting and registering a business in Kentucky are:
- Kentucky Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Kentucky Incorporated Company (Inc.)
Of course, there are other types of structures such as sole proprietorship, a limited or general partnership, and non-profit, but the most common two are the limited liability company and corporation.
When it comes to registering your company in the U.S., it is important to be aware that the registration and renewal costs differ depending on which state you decide to register in. The type of business structure you decide on will also determine the specific costs.
If you would like to pay for the services of a formation and business filing services company to register your Kentucky business the right way, they can do it for an affordable fee that ensures it is done properly and all the correct documents are filed according to the law. They will also take care of all the after-formation procedures so your business is compliant with Kentucky law and legally registered.
How much does it cost to register a company in Kentucky?
- Kentucky LLC Initial Registration: $40
- Kentucky Corporation Initial Registration: $40
- Kentucky Non-Profit Initial Registration: $8
- Foreign LLC Initial Registration: $90
(this is so an out-of-state LLC can obtain a foreign qualification to do business in Kentucky) - Foreign Corporation Initial Registration: $90
(this is so an out-of-state Inc. can obtain a foreign qualification to do business in Kentucky) - Limited Partnership (LP) Initial Registration: $40
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Initial Registration: $40
- Sole Proprietorship Initial Registration: There is no set registration fee and it varies based on the type of sole proprietor business you are setting up.
The costs to register a business in Kentucky noted above are the total fees you must pay but do not include several optional fees that are offered by the Kentucky Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to renew a company in Kentucky?
According to Kentucky law, all entities conducting business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are required to file annual reports with the Secretary of State by June 30th of each year. Reports can be filed any time from January 1st through to June 30th.
Annual Fees to renew your business in Kentucky:
- Annual Fee for an LLC in Kentucky: $15
- Annual Fee for a Corporation in Kentucky: $15
- Annual Fee for a Kentucky Non-Profit: $15
- Annual Fee for a Limited Partnership (LP): $15
- Annual Fee for a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP): $15
- Annual Fee for a Limited Liability Limited Partnership (LLLP): $15
The above annual reporting fees for businesses are the minimum you must pay, and there are optional fees and additional state fees a business entity may need to pay should you wish to make changes during the year, rather than when your annual renewal is filed.
Other Kentucky Secretary of State Filing Fees
As a business owner or soon-to-be owner of a Kentucky company, you should be aware of the other various fees that are charged by the Secretary of State.
- Amendment of Articles of Organization: $40
- Certificate of Conversion: $75
- Articles of Merger: $50
- Articles of Revocation or Dissolution: $40
- Application to Reserve a Name: $15
- Resignation of Registered Agent: $10
Kentucky Secretary of State Mailing Address and Contact Information
Kentucky Secretary of State
700 Capital Avenue
Suite 152
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3490
Website: www.sos.ky.gov
Email: Email the Kentucky Secretary of State
If certain changes are made by an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership throughout the year, such as amending the Articles of Organization or changing the registered agent, officers, or managing members, the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office must be notified on the appropriate form and a fee must be paid.
