Home › LLC Formation by State › Kentucky LLC
Kentucky LLC Formation: How to Start an LLC in Kentucky (2026)
Here is how to start an LLC in Kentucky: you file Articles of Organization with the Kentucky Secretary of State. After that, every Kentucky LLC must stay compliant with its annual report. We file it all for you, from anywhere in the world — no US visa, no SSN, no trip to the US.
Kentucky LLC at a Glance
How to Start an LLC in Kentucky: 6 Steps
- Search your name with the Kentucky Secretary of State. You can reserve one for 120 days for $15.
- Appoint a Kentucky registered agent with a street address in Kentucky.
- File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the Secretary of State. The state fee is included in our package price.
- Get your EIN from the IRS after approval. We apply for you, even without an SSN.
- Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue for the Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET), which has a $175 yearly minimum for most LLCs.
- File the $15 annual report between January 1 and June 30, starting the year after formation.
Our Kentucky LLC Package
One clear price. It covers the state filing fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year, plus our service. There are no separate fees to work out.
- LLC formation and state filing (state fee included)
- Articles of Organization
- Kentucky LLC certificate / formation documents
- EIN (federal tax ID) — with or without an SSN
- Registered agent for 1 year
- US mailing address for 1 year
- Operating agreement for banks and payment platforms
Optional add-ons: business bank account help (Mercury, Wise, Payoneer), Stripe setup, Amazon and Shopify setup. You choose them at checkout.
Forming Your LLC From Outside the US
You can form a Kentucky LLC from any country, without a US visa, an SSN or a trip to the US. Our non-resident LLC guide lists the documents we need, realistic timelines and what to expect from US banks in your country.
How Your Order Works
Order online or send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the total, file with the Kentucky Secretary of State, apply for your EIN and send your documents by email and WhatsApp as each one is approved.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking the yearly cost is $15. With the LLET minimum, most Kentucky LLCs pay about $190 a year.
- Missing June 30. Kentucky can dissolve the LLC; reinstatement costs a $100 penalty plus any unpaid report fees.
- Not registering for the LLET. It is filed with the Department of Revenue, separately from the annual report. Ask our tax team whether it applies to your setup.
- Choosing Kentucky only for the $40 fee. Look at the yearly cost too.
Kentucky Ongoing Filings: What You Must Know
Every Kentucky LLC files an annual report with the Secretary of State. The state sets the fee; we confirm the current amount before filing and remind you ahead of the deadline.
Do You Need a Registered Agent in Kentucky?
Yes. Every Kentucky LLC must have a registered agent with a physical address in Kentucky. Our package includes a Kentucky registered agent for the first year.
Is Kentucky the Right State for Your LLC?
A good fit if your business is in Kentucky. Remember the $175 LLET minimum each year on top of the $15 annual report. Probably not for founders abroad, who often pay less overall in New Mexico.
Kentucky vs Other Popular States
| Kentucky | Wyoming | Delaware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual filing | Annual report | $60 annual report | $400 annual tax |
| State income tax | Yes | None | Yes, for DE income |
| Best for | Living or doing business in Kentucky | Low cost, privacy | Investors, Delaware law |
Compare in detail: Wyoming LLC · Delaware LLC
How LLCPronto Helps With Your Kentucky LLC
We file Form LLC-1, act as your Kentucky registered agent for a year, get your EIN, and our tax team, including M. Hassan, CPA, can help with LLET registration. Price: $204, state fee included.
Yearly filing: see our Kentucky LLC annual report guide for the deadline, fee and how to file.
Kentucky LLC FAQs
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Kentucky?
After formation, you pay for a $15 annual report by June 30, plus the Limited Liability Entity Tax ($175 minimum for most LLCs). Our package costs $204 and already includes the state fee, your EIN, a registered agent and a US mailing address for one year.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Kentucky?
Online filings are usually approved within a few business days, though busy periods can take longer. Your EIN is ready within 24 hours of state approval, and bank account setup takes a few more days.
Can a non-US resident form a Kentucky LLC?
Yes. You don’t need to live in the US or have an SSN. You need a Kentucky registered agent, and we get your EIN from the IRS using Form SS-4.
Does Kentucky require an operating agreement?
Kentucky does not require you to file one, but you should have it. Banks and payment platforms often ask for it to confirm who owns the LLC.
Can I get an EIN for my Kentucky LLC without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. Owners without an SSN apply with IRS Form SS-4. The EIN is included in our package.
Compare Other States
Ready to Form Your Kentucky LLC?
Send us your LLC name on WhatsApp. We confirm the full cost, file your Articles of Organization and set up your registered agent.