Lesson 1 · Kentucky
How to Start an LLC in Kentucky (2026): a 8-Step Lesson and the 3 Best LLC Services
Before you begin
You will be able to
- The Kentucky filing, what it costs and where it goes
- How to meet the registered agent rule
- How to stay in good standing
- Who we would hire to file
Who we would hire in Kentucky
1. Kentucky Registered Agent.co: best for a budget formation
Kentucky Registered Agent.co earns the highest mark because a $199 formation fee, then $99 a year to keep the agent.
A lower three-year cost than Mainstay Filing earns it first place; cost counts for 32% of the grade.
The annual report is not covered by its price.
What the price covers
- Your Kentucky formation is prepared and filed
- The first year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- Then $99 a year
- Year one of agent service is in the price
- A formation fee of $199
Where it loses points
- The annual report is left to you
- Help with the EIN is $99 more
2. KY Registered Agent.org: best for a local filer
Taking second place is KY Registered Agent.org, where a $199 formation fee, then $99 a year to keep the agent.
The annual report is not covered by its price.
Kentucky Registered Agent.co and this service charge the same.
What the price covers
- Your Kentucky formation is prepared and filed
- The first year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- A formation fee of $199
- Then $99 a year
- Year one of agent service is in the price
Where it loses points
- The annual report is left to you
- Help with the EIN is $99 more
3. Mainstay Filing: best for a hands-off first year
Taking third place is Mainstay Filing, where three chores, the filing, the registered agent and the annual report, are folded into a single $199 annual price.
That $200 three-year gap to Kentucky Registered Agent.co settles where it lands.
Each annual report is filed on your behalf (state fee $15, at cost).
What the price covers
- Your formation filing is prepared and submitted
- Registered agent for twelve months
- Annual report prepared and filed
- The EIN application
- No markup on the state fee
Marks in its favor
- Renews at $199
- The EIN application is included
- $199 yearly, everything in one
Where it loses points
- Costs $100 more per year from year two
Prices in one table
| # | Service | First year | From year two | Three-year total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky Registered Agent.co | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Kentucky Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | KY Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit KY Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Starting an LLC in Kentucky, one step at a time
-
Step
1Pick a name and make sure it is free
Look up the name on the Kentucky business register at the Kentucky Secretary of State first.
Jot down two backup names before you search.
-
Step
2Name a registered agent
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. A Kentucky resident, or an entity qualified to do business in Kentucky, whose business address is the registered office. The agent signs or files a written acceptance.
The address has to be a physical registered office in Kentucky that matches the agent's business address. A P.O. box is not enough.
Any service in our graded list can be your registered agent.
Where this comes from: Checked against apps.legislature.ky.gov, October 2026
-
Step
3File it on your own, or hand it off
You can file on your own and pay the state $40, or let a service do it for $199 more; the grades are above.
-
Step
4Hand in the Articles of Organization - Profit Limited Liability Company
When the Kentucky Secretary of State accepts the Articles of Organization - Profit Limited Liability Company (Form KLC) together with $40, the LLC exists.
Where this comes from: Checked against sos.ky.gov, October 2026
-
Step
5Do not miss Kentucky's special rule
- Limited Liability Entity Tax: a $175 minimum each year to the Department of Revenue.
Where this comes from: Checked against revenue.ky.gov, October 2026
-
Step
6Get the company a tax ID (EIN)
Your EIN comes from the IRS rather than from Kentucky. Apply once the state has approved the filing, then give the number to your bank. Mainstay Filing includes the EIN application in its yearly price.
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Step
7Agree on the ground rules in writing
Think of the operating agreement as the LLC's rulebook: who owns what, kept by you and not sent to the state.
-
Step
8Keep the LLC active
Kentucky wants the annual report every year, due on or before June 30, and the fee is $15. Do not forget the tax: Limited Liability Entity Tax: a $175 minimum each year to the Department of Revenue.
Where this comes from: Checked against sos.ky.gov, August 2026
Kentucky costs by step
| Line | Goes to | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Formation filing | State | $40 |
| Annual report | State | $15 every year |
| Tax due yearly | State | $175 a year |
| Service fees (optional) | Your service | $199 in year one |
| State fees for three years | State | $595 |
Why this order
What settled it was tuition over three years, worth 32% of the grade.
Paying Kentucky Registered Agent.co for three years adds up to $397, which is $200 below the Mainstay Filing total.
Questions students ask
What is the price of forming a Kentucky LLC?
Kentucky charges $40. Service fees among our picks run $199.
Which form creates the LLC?
The Kentucky Secretary of State receives the Articles of Organization - Profit Limited Liability Company (Form KLC), the filing that forms the company.
Is a registered agent required?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
What does Kentucky require each year?
Every year the LLC files the annual report, which costs $15 and is due on or before June 30. A yearly minimum tax applies as well.
Can I form the LLC without a service?
The state takes filings directly from owners, so you can skip the service; expect $40 plus a registered agent.
Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?
Kentucky Registered Agent.co first, then KY Registered Agent.org and Mainstay Filing; Kentucky Registered Agent.co leads on tuition over three years.
Class references
- Kentucky Secretary of State is covered in the official page at sos.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
- Kentucky Secretary of State is covered in the official page at sos.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
- Kentucky report due date is covered in the official page at apps.legislature.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
- KRS 275.025 is covered in the official page at apps.legislature.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
- Kentucky formation fee: Filing fee, official source is covered in the official page at sos.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
- Kentucky registered agent statute is covered in the official page at apps.legislature.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
- Kentucky other cost: Limited Liability Entity Tax, official is covered in the official page at revenue.ky.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
- November 13, 2026: the pricing page for Kentucky Registered Agent.co
- November 13, 2026: the pricing page for KY Registered Agent.org
- November 13, 2026: the Kentucky service page for Mainstay Filing