LLC Cost CalculatorBy Offshore Labs LLC
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Kentucky LLC cost

Ranked #9 of 51 on total first-year cost.

First year

$187

then $320/yr

Cost breakdown

Your breakdown3 items
  • Kentucky state feeState

    $42
  • Annual reportState

    Due within the first year

    $16
  • Registered agent (1 year)Service
    $129
True first-year cost

All state charges included

$187

Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.

The facts

State fee (as charged)
$42
Annual report
$15 / yr
Minimum state tax
$175
Standard processing
1-3 days
Expedited
Not offered
Publication
Not required

Forms & deadlines

Formation document
Articles of Organization (Form KLC)
Recurring filing
Annual Report
Report due
Annual report due June 30
Tax deadline
April 15; LLET due with the annual return

Tax treatment

Limited liability entity tax with a $175 minimum once receipts exceed $3M.

Official KY filing page →
Form an LLC in KY →Customise this estimateCompare with other states

Step by step

How to form an LLC in Kentucky

Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you Kentucky formation flow →

  1. 1

    Pick and check your Kentucky LLC name

    Free

    Search the Kentucky business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    $0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercial

    Every Kentucky LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization (Form KLC)

    Kentucky state fee — $42

    File the Articles of Organization (Form KLC) online with the Kentucky Secretary of State at https://sos.ky.gov/bus/. Standard approval takes 1-3 days. The state fee is charged as $42 at checkout.

  4. 4

    Get your EIN from the IRS

    Free direct · $80 with our EIN service

    Apply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.

  5. 5

    Write an operating agreement

    Free template · ~$50 drafted

    Not filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.

  6. 6

    File your BOI report with FinCEN

    Free direct · $50 with our BOI service

    Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.

  7. 7

    Open a US business bank account

    Varies by provider

    Use your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.

  8. 8

    Calendar your Annual Report

    $15

    Kentucky requires the annual report every year (Annual report due June 30), and it is already due in your first year. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.

  9. 9

    Plan for the minimum state tax

    $175 minimum

    Limited liability entity tax with a $175 minimum once receipts exceed $3M. Deadline: April 15; LLET due with the annual return.