Form Your Kentucky LLC
State filing fee: $40 • Processing: 5-7 business days
Start Your Kentucky LLC in the Bluegrass State
Kentucky offers entrepreneurs affordable business formation with one of the lowest filing fees nationwide. With a growing economy, strategic location, and business incentives, Kentucky provides excellent opportunities for small business growth.
Compare Top 5 LLC Formation Services
| Service | Price | Processing Time | Registered Agent |
|---|---|---|---|
ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 1 day | $199/yr |
Bizee Fastest Formation | $0 + state fees | 3 weeks Expedited: 1 day | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
Inc Authority Free Formation | $0 + state fees | 7-10 days Expedited: 2 days | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr |
LegalZoom Best for Legal Support | $0 + state fees | 5-14 days Expedited: 1 day | $249/yr |
Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents | $99.99 + state fees | 5-7 days Expedited: Not available | $149/yr |
Top 3 Recommended Services for Kentucky
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Kentucky LLC Formation Costs
Kentucky LLC Cost Breakdown
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Formation service fees: $0 - $299 (depending on provider)
- • Registered agent service: $99 - $299/year
- • EIN from IRS: Free (or $99+ if using a service)
Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky has the most affordable LLC formation in the United States, with a filing fee of only $40. Kentucky also requires an annual report with a minimal $15 fee, due by June 30th each year. The first annual report is due by June 30th of the year following formation. These low costs make Kentucky one of the most budget-friendly states for LLC formation and maintenance.
Standard processing time for Kentucky LLC formation is 5-7 business days when filed online through the Kentucky Secretary of State's website. Paper filings typically take 7-10 business days. Kentucky does not offer expedited processing services directly through the state, but the reasonable standard processing times make expedited service unnecessary for most businesses.
Yes, Kentucky requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent with a Kentucky street address. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official state correspondence. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Kentucky address, or hire a professional service for privacy and reliability.
- File an annual report by June 30th with just a $15 fee
- Maintain a registered agent at all times
- No franchise tax for LLCs
- Keep basic company records and operating agreement
- Update the state if you change your registered agent or principal office address
Kentucky attracts businesses with its extremely low costs, strategic location, and growing economy. The state offers excellent transportation infrastructure with access to major markets within a day's drive. Kentucky has been actively recruiting businesses with tax incentives and workforce development programs, particularly in manufacturing, logistics, and technology sectors.
- Lowest LLC filing fee in the nation at $40
- Minimal annual report fee of only $15
- No franchise tax for LLCs
- Strategic location with access to 2/3 of US population within one day's drive
- Growing manufacturing sector, especially automotive
- Strong bourbon and spirits industry
- Competitive labor costs and skilled workforce
Kentucky doesn't legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it's strongly recommended. An operating agreement defines ownership percentages, management structure, and operational procedures. Without one, Kentucky's default LLC laws will govern your business operations, which may not align with your specific needs. Banks typically require an operating agreement for business banking.
- Automotive manufacturing (Toyota, Ford)
- Aerospace and defense
- Bourbon and spirits production
- Agriculture and food processing
- Logistics and distribution
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Energy production (coal, natural gas, renewable)
- Technology and business services
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