To form a Kentucky LLC, complete the Kentucky Form KLC Articles of Organization, attach a signed Statement of Registered Agent (Form SRA), and file both with the Secretary of State along with a $40 fee. You can file online through the Secretary of State’s business filings portal or mail the paperwork to Frankfort. The form itself is about one page, but each field has to match the statute and match Form SRA exactly, or the filing gets rejected.
What to Have Ready Before You Open the Form
KRS 275.025 requires four things in the Articles of Organization: the LLC’s name, a registered agent and registered office in Kentucky, the mailing address of the principal office, and whether the company will be member-managed or manager-managed.1FindLaw. Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XXIII 275.025 – Contents of Articles of Organization You also need Form SRA signed by your registered agent. The Secretary of State will not process Form KLC without it.
Settle each item before you start typing. Confirm the name is available. Confirm the agent has agreed to serve and that their Kentucky street address is accurate. Decide the management structure. Have the principal office mailing address in hand. Getting these right up front avoids the back-and-forth that most rejected filings involve.
Choosing a Compliant LLC Name
Your name has to end with “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “LC.” “Limited” can be shortened to “Ltd.” and “Company” to “Co.” The name must also be distinguishable from every other entity already registered in Kentucky, including corporations and partnerships, not only other LLCs.2Justia. Kentucky Code 14A.3-010 – Entity Name
Run your proposed name through the free business search at sosbes.sos.ky.gov before you fill anything out.3Secretary of State. Business Filings and Records Online Services Have a backup ready. If the Secretary of State considers your name too similar to one already on record, the filing comes back.
Appointing the Registered Agent
Every Kentucky LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent and registered office in the state.4Justia. Kentucky Revised Statutes 14A.4-010 – Registered Office and Registered Agent Required The agent receives lawsuits and government notices for the LLC. The registered office must be a physical Kentucky street address (no P.O. box), and the agent’s business address must match that office exactly.
The agent can be a Kentucky resident individual or a business entity qualified to operate in Kentucky. You can name yourself if you’ll reliably be at the address during business hours. Commercial registered agent services generally charge $49 to $149 a year if you’d rather not handle it personally.
Under KRS 14A.4-010, the appointment isn’t effective until the agent delivers written acceptance to the Secretary of State.4Justia. Kentucky Revised Statutes 14A.4-010 – Registered Office and Registered Agent Required That written acceptance is Form SRA.
Filling Out Form KLC Field by Field
Download the blank PDF from the Secretary of State’s Business Forms Library.5Secretary of State. Business Forms Library Type entries where possible; if you’re filling in a paper copy, use black ink and print legibly.
- LLC name. Enter the full legal name with the required designator, exactly as you want it registered.
- Registered office and agent. Provide the agent’s name and the Kentucky street address of the registered office. This information has to match Form SRA character for character.
- Principal office mailing address. This is where the LLC keeps its internal records. It doesn’t have to be in Kentucky.1FindLaw. Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XXIII 275.025 – Contents of Articles of Organization
- Management structure. Check either member-managed or manager-managed. In a member-managed LLC, all owners share authority to bind the company. In a manager-managed LLC, designated managers handle daily operations while other members stay passive.1FindLaw. Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XXIII 275.025 – Contents of Articles of Organization
- Effective date (optional). The LLC exists on the date the Secretary of State files the document unless you specify a later effective date.
- Period of duration. Kentucky LLCs have perpetual duration by default. Only fill in a duration if you want automatic dissolution after a set period.1FindLaw. Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XXIII 275.025 – Contents of Articles of Organization
The organizer signs the form. The organizer is whoever prepares and submits the articles and doesn’t have to be a member of the LLC.
Completing Form SRA
Form SRA is the Statement of Registered Agent Consent. It’s how the agent’s written acceptance reaches the Secretary of State.4Justia. Kentucky Revised Statutes 14A.4-010 – Registered Office and Registered Agent Required Missing or unsigned Form SRA is one of the most common reasons Kentucky LLC filings get bounced back.
Enter the LLC’s name exactly as it appears on Form KLC, list the agent’s name and Kentucky street address, and have the agent sign. Then compare both forms side by side. Even a small mismatch between Form KLC and Form SRA can trigger a processing delay.
How to File and What It Costs
Online
The fastest way is the Secretary of State’s business filings portal.3Secretary of State. Business Filings and Records Online Services You’ll enter the same information the paper form asks for, pay the $40 fee by credit or debit card, and receive electronic confirmation once the filing is accepted.6Secretary of State. Fees Online filings are generally processed faster than paper.
By Mail
Mail Form KLC and Form SRA together with a $40 check or money order payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer.6Secretary of State. Fees Send it to:
Office of the Secretary of State
Business Filings
P.O. Box 718
Frankfort, KY 406027Secretary of State. Business Filings Information
Paper filings typically take a few business days. Keep copies of everything you send.
What Happens After the Filing Is Accepted
When the Secretary of State accepts the filing, your LLC exists as a legal entity. The confirmation is your proof of active, good-standing status. Banks, landlords, and vendors may ask to see it. The Secretary of State’s office also lists several things to handle promptly after formation:7Secretary of State. Business Filings Information
- Apply for a free EIN from the IRS at irs.gov. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, or file federal tax returns.
- Contact the Kentucky Department of Revenue about any state tax accounts you need, including sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services.
- Check with your county clerk and city officials about occupational licenses and local business permits.
- If you plan to hire, set up an unemployment insurance reserve account with the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.
- Confirm workers’ compensation coverage with the Department of Workers’ Claims if you’ll have employees.
Put one more date on your calendar: June 30. Every Kentucky LLC must file an annual report with the Secretary of State by June 30 of each year after the year of formation, with a $15 fee.8Secretary of State. Annual Reports Missing it can lead to administrative dissolution, which strips your good standing and creates problems with banks, contracts, and your ability to sue. It’s easy to forget in the first year because you just finished the paperwork and assume everything is current.