How to Start a Kentucky LLC

Are you looking to form a limited liability company (LLC) in the state of Kentucky, but you’re not sure how the formation process works? There are several important steps when it comes to creating a Kentucky LLC that is compliant and able to do business in the state.

To get started, please reference our 6-step guide below or hire an affordable online LLC formation service.

What is a Kentucky LLC?

The Kentucky LLC is one of the most popular business structures in state. It's a more casual and flexible type of business than a corporation, but includes personal asset protection that's lacking from sole proprietorships and general partnerships.

LLCs in Kentucky have simple formation and maintenance requirements, several options for how they can be taxed, and flexible management. From one-person businesses to multi-member LLCs with several owners, the LLC is a popular choice for a reason.

Forming an LLC in Kentucky (in 6 Steps)

Step One) Choose an LLC Name

Your LLC’s name is often the first impression you get to make on potential customers, and therefore it goes without saying that this is an important step. There are a few different aspects to take into consideration when selecting a name for your business:

Legalities

In the state of Kentucky, every limited liability company is required to have either the initials “LLC” or the phrase “limited liability company” in the name. In addition, you cannot include any words that refer to other business types (like “corporation” or “incorporated”), and you also can’t use words that are typically used to refer to specific kinds of businesses (like “bank” or “law office”).

Explanatory Naming

Another aspect to consider is including language that explains what your business does ― for example, if you’re a plumber, put the word “plumber” or “plumbing” in your LLC name. Additionally, if your business has strong values like being environmentally friendly, you can indicate that by including the word “green.”

Do You Like It?

At the end of the day, this is your business, and you should choose a name that makes you proud. You should also make sure your LLC name both sounds good when spoken out loud, and looks good when written down.

The most important consideration for naming an LLC is to not get too attached to any one business name until you have either reserved the name with the state of Kentucky, or you’ve officially formed your business. Kentucky makes this process rather easy, as you can search their entire state business database at this link, and if you’re not yet ready to form your LLC, you can reserve your desired name with the Application for a Reservation or Renewal of Reserved Name form.

Step Two) Designate a Registered Agent

Every LLC in Kentucky is required to designate a registered agent, which is the individual or registered agent service that receives government correspondence on behalf of your business, then forwards those documents to you.

According to the Kentucky Secretary of State,

each entity must designate a registered agent and registered office in Kentucky upon whom process (such as summons and subpoenas) may be served. Service on the registered agent is deemed to be service on the entity, regardless whether the registered agent actually forwards the notice to the entity.”

Without a registered agent, you could lose your good standing with the state of Kentucky, and the state also has the right to dissolve your LLC if they decide to. In a worst-case scenario, the state could fail to alert you regarding a lawsuit against your company, which could even lead to a judgment against your business because you didn’t defend yourself.

Step Three) File Formation Documents with State

Once you are ready to form your Kentucky limited liability company, you will fill out the articles of organization.

This is THE document that will register your LLC with the state. You’ll want to ensure all of the following information is correct on the form:

• Your chosen business name
• Name and address of your registered agent
• Management style (member-managed or manager-managed)
• Name(s) and address(es) of the LLC’s manager
• Name and address of the LLC’s organizer
• Signature of organizer and registered agent
• Effective date

You can either fill out this form online, or you can print off the pdf and mail it.

Cost to Form an LLC: The state of Kentucky charges a $40 fee to form an LLC.

Processing Time: It takes 3-4 business days for the state to process your Kentucky LLC formation paperwork and get your finalized documents in the mail to you. However, most filings that are completed online are finalized within one business day. Please note that the estimate of business days begins once ALL required paperwork is in order and filed correctly.

Step Four) Create an Operating Agreement

After you register an LLC in Kentucky, create a detailed outline that explains how you will run and manage your new business. Even though it doesn’t need to be filed with the state, put one together and keep it for your records.

When you open a bank account, you may be asked for this document in order to open an account. You’ll also want to keep in mind that any future business partners or managing members may also be interested in seeing your Operating Agreement before joining your company. After all, this document essentially serves as your overall plan for success.

An attorney can help you outline your Operating Agreement or create one from a free template online. You can read more about Operating Agreements here, but some of the basic information you’ll want to have includes:

• Individual members' ownership percentages
• Rights and responsibilities
• Voting powers and meeting guidelines
• Allocation of profits and losses
• Management rules for the LLC
• Provisions for buying a member owner out, or transferring their shares in the case of illness or death

Step Five) Handle Taxation Requirements

Federal Requirements

The vast majority of LLCs require a federal tax ID number, or EIN. An EIN is basically the business version of a social security number, and it’s used for a variety of important LLC functions.

For instance, you’ll need an EIN if you want to hire any employees, and many banks require them to open business bank accounts as well. You’ll also need one for tax purposes, hence the name federal tax ID number. Get an EIN for your LLC for free through the IRS.

State Requirements

When it comes to state-level LLC taxes, Kentucky levies these taxes based on the nature of your business.

One that every LLC needs is the limited liability tax. In addition, most LLCs will need to register for sales and use tax, and if you have employees you’ll need employer’s withholding tax as well. Beyond that, there are many industry-specific taxes like the telecommunications tax, transient room tax, motor vehicle tire tax, etc.

While determining which ones you need and then registering for them may sound like a headache, Kentucky makes the entire process very easy. All you need to do is fill out an online form on their “One Stop Registration” page, and they’ll automatically enroll you for the taxes that apply to your business.

Local Requirements

Depending on where in Kentucky your business is located, you could also need to pay some local taxes. The largest cities in Kentucky all have their own online business resources ― including Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and Paducah ― so don’t overlook this potentially crucial step.

Step Six) Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

The state of Kentucky does not have a general business license that each LLC needs to acquire in order to do business.

However, much like the state has industry-specific tax requirements, it also has licenses and permits that are required for businesses in certain industries. Kentucky has hundreds of these licenses, so there’s a good chance at least one of them applies to your LLC.

We recommend that every LLC owner search through the state database of occupational permits and licenses, and don’t forget that your local government may require licenses or permits as well. You can get more information on county-level licenses at this link.

Next Steps: What to do After Creating a Kentucky LLC

Open a business bank account

We highly recommend that you establish a separate business banking account so that your business and personal finances are maintained completely separate. This is important because it helps protect your personal assets and also makes filing taxes much easier. Once you receive your EIN from the IRS, you’ll be able to use it to establish an account at the bank or credit union of your choice.

Get Business Insurance

Every Kentucky business with employees is strictly required to acquire unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. For more information on either of these policies, check out the Division of Unemployment Insurance or the Department of Workers’ Claims, respectively. After you obtain these legally required policies, it’s probably also a good idea to pursue general liability insurance, as well as some industry-specific policies.

Understand income reporting

Income reporting is just what it sounds like – reporting the income you made from your business. It’s important to note that you must file this form whether you made or lost money over the course of the year. The state of Kentucky has several forms based on how your business is set up that you can access here.

Understand annual reporting

Kentucky requires that all LLCs file an annual report. You can file it online here. Your annual report will essentially serve to update the state on any pertinent information regarding your business that has changed over the course of the year.

Find an accountant

We don’t recommend that you attempt to manage your business finances without the help of a professional. There is too much room for error, and a professional can ultimately save you time and money by guiding you on how best to manage your business finances. At a minimum, enlist professional help to set you up with software and the steps for keeping up with your finances on a regular basis. Then, consult back with your accountant at least a couple of times per year – and especially at tax time – to ensure you’re keeping track of everything correctly.