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Home > How to Incorporate In Your State > Kentucky (KY)
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Incorporate in Kentucky (KY)

Learn the basic facts about Kentucky corporations and Kentucky limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between Kentucky corporations and Kentucky LLCs and learn about Kentucky rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.

Forming a Kentucky Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your Kentucky business. The most advantageous entities to form in Kentucky are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in Kentucky. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in Kentucky, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.

Get Started

If you decide that a Kentucky corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in Kentucky, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:

$115 + State Fees
$250 + State Fees
$350 + State Fees
  • Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
  • Preliminary Name Check with State
  • Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
  • BizComply Online Compliance Tool
  • 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
  • Everything included with the Basic Package
  • Expedited Processing Service
  • Corporate Kit & Seal
  • Corporate Forms CD
  • Everything included with the Standard Package
  • Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
  • Compliance DVD
  • Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
  • Overnight Shipping


State Fees Apply

Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.


Incorporating in Kentucky

Kentucky Corporate Name Endings
Kentucky Corporation Requirements
Kentucky Corporate Taxes and Fees
Kentucky Business License Requirements


Kentucky Corporate Name Endings

The corporate name must be distinguishable upon records of Secretary of State from the name of existing business entities filed with the Secretary of State. The corporation may use one of these names if another corporation consents in writing or in certain other enumerated cases. The name must include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited," or an abbreviation thereof. The name shall not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by the act or the articles.


Kentucky Corporation Requirements

Director Information

  • Minimum Number: One or more.
  • Residence Requirements: No provision.
  • Age Requirements: None.
  • Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
    Officer Information
  • Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
    Stock Information
    An increase in shares may cause an increase in initial filing fees.

    Corporate Records

  • The articles of incorporation, bylaws, minutes of shareholders' and directors' meetings, financial statements furnished for the past three years, a list of directors' and officers' names and addresses, and the most recent annual report must be kept with the corporation's records.


    Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit http://revenue.ky.gov.

    S Corporation

    S Corporation status is recognized by the State of Kentucky. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.


    License Requirements

    Kentucky requires that you obtain a license and pay a fee if operating certain types of businesses in the state. The following is a partial list:
  • Agents
  • Architects
  • Auctioneers
  • Barbers
  • Companies
  • Driver
  • Engineers
  • Insurance
  • Loan
  • Pharmacists
  • Plumbers
  • Real estate
  • Salespeople
  • Schools
  • Training
    Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Kentucky

    Kentucky LLC Name Endings
    Kentucky LLC Requirements
    Kentucky LLC Taxes and Fees
    Kentucky Business License Requirements


    LLC Name Endings

    The name of an LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "Limited Company," "LC," "Ltd.," "Co.," "LLC," or "L.L.C."


    Kentucky LLC Requirements

    Member/Manager Information

  • Minimum Number: one or more
  • Residence Requirements: no provision
  • Age Requirements: no provision
  • Members/managers are not required to be listed in the articles of organization


    Kentucky Taxes and Fees

    Annual Statements

    The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.

    Taxes

    For more information on taxes, visit http://revenue.ky.gov.


    License Requirements

    License Requirements
    Kentucky requires most businesses to obtain a license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.

  • Registered Agents in Kentucky

    Kentucky corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in Kentucky. The Kentucky registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.

    A Kentucky registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in Kentucky. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in Kentucky.

    If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in Kentucky. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in Kentucky, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.

    Large companies in Kentucky benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in Kentucky. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in Kentucky benefit by providing a consistent Kentucky address.

    Another advantage to using another company as your Kentucky registered agent is that the information of your Kentucky registered agent is public record.

    Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in Kentucky.

    Questions? Please contact our customer service team Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM central time at 800-981-7183 or 608-827-5300. You may also email your questions to info@bizfilings.com, or take advantage of our Live Chat option. Live Chat hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM central time.

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    Did You Know?

    Did You Know?

    Corporations often gain tax advantages such as: the deductibility of health insurance premiums paid on behalf of an owner-employee; savings on self-employment taxes, as corporate income is not subject to Social Security, Workers Compensation and Medicare taxes; and the deductibility of other expenses such as life insurance.


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