How To Start An LLC In Kentucky In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in Kentucky, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Bluegrass State.
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Kentucky offers one of the most affordable and straightforward LLC formation processes in the US. With a $40 state filing fee (among the lowest in the nation), reduced state income tax rate, and same-day processing available, Kentucky is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. Whether you're in Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, or anywhere else in the Bluegrass State, you can have your Kentucky LLC up and running quickly.
Our top pick for Kentucky LLC formation is ZenBusiness. They offer same-day processing for Kentucky LLCs, include a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $0 formation package means you only pay the $40 Kentucky state fee. With their expertise in Kentucky business law and excellent customer support, they make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best Kentucky LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for Kentucky LLC Services
Best Overall for Kentucky ZenBusiness excels at Kentucky LLC formation with their same-day filing option and deep knowledge of Kentucky's specific requirements. They include their Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (saving you $199+), handle your state registration, and provide ongoing compliance support. Their team is well-versed in Kentucky's annual report requirements and can help ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
Kentucky entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and fast, accurate filing
Pros
- Same-day Kentucky LLC filing available
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year
- Includes Kentucky annual report reminder service
- Expert support familiar with Kentucky requirements
- 100% accuracy guarantee on Kentucky filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require upgraded plans
- Registered agent is $199/year
Fastest Kentucky Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast Kentucky LLC formation with guaranteed same-day processing. They provide a free Kentucky registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks Kentucky's June 30th annual report deadline. Perfect for entrepreneurs who need their Kentucky LLC formed immediately and appreciate the automated compliance tracking.
Best For:
Kentucky businesses needing the fastest possible formation
Pros
- Same-day Kentucky processing guaranteed
- Free Kentucky registered agent for first year
- Lifetime company alerts for Kentucky compliance
- Dashboard tracks Kentucky annual reports
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in KY LegalZoom brings decades of experience with Kentucky business formation. Their attorney network includes Kentucky-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for Kentucky businesses with complex legal needs or those who want the security of professional legal backing throughout their business journey.
Best For:
Kentucky businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for Kentucky law
- Rush filing available for Kentucky (1-2 days)
- Comprehensive Kentucky legal forms library
- Phone support with Kentucky expertise
- 30+ years serving Kentucky businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- Kentucky registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best Kentucky Branding Package Tailor Brands combines Kentucky LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Perfect for Kentucky's thriving creative and manufacturing industries, they help establish your brand identity while handling the legal formation. Their packages include everything needed to launch a professional Kentucky business presence online and offline.
Best For:
Kentucky creative businesses and startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder with Kentucky business info
- Business cards with Kentucky address
- 1-2 day Kentucky processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for Kentucky business
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No rush processing for Kentucky
Free Kentucky Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free Kentucky LLC formation where you only pay the $40 state fee. They include a free Kentucky registered agent for the first year and handle all required Kentucky filings. While processing is slower than competitors, they're perfect for Kentucky entrepreneurs prioritizing cost savings over speed.
Best For:
Budget-conscious Kentucky entrepreneurs
Pros
- Truly free Kentucky LLC formation
- Free Kentucky registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for Kentucky businesses
- Handles Kentucky state filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- Kentucky business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- Kentucky registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to Kentucky LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service without the bells and whistles. They handle your Kentucky state registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates, making them ideal for business owners who prefer a simple, direct approach.
Best For:
Kentucky entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for Kentucky businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles Kentucky state filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward Kentucky LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No rush processing for Kentucky filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to Kentucky LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus Kentucky's $40 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they're perfect for entrepreneurs who want speed and simplicity without hidden costs in their Kentucky LLC formation process.
Best For:
Kentucky businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day Kentucky formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- Kentucky-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Fewer customization options
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple Kentucky LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to Kentucky-licensed attorneys and an extensive library of legal documents, they're ideal for businesses that need ongoing legal support. While formation takes longer than specialized services, the added legal resources make it worthwhile for complex Kentucky business needs.
Best For:
Kentucky businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and document creation
Pros
- Access to Kentucky-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- Rush Kentucky processing available (additional fee)
- Kentucky business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- Kentucky formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable Kentucky LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. While their pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many Kentucky business owners appreciate, with knowledgeable representatives who understand Kentucky's specific LLC requirements and annual reporting deadlines.
Best For:
Kentucky entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with Kentucky expertise
- First year registered agent included
- Rush processing available for Kentucky
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Kentucky annual report reminders
- Basic compliance tools included
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of Kentucky business ownership. While their basic LLC formation is straightforward, their real strength lies in helping established Kentucky businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements, making them ideal for companies planning significant growth or those with specialized compliance needs.
Best For:
Kentucky businesses with complex compliance needs or planning to expand
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing Kentucky compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- Kentucky annual report filing services
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
Kentucky LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a Kentucky LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company" or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other Kentucky businesses
- ✓ Kentucky Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a Kentucky street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization: Filed with Kentucky Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by Kentucky but highly recommended
- ✓ Annual Report: Due by June 30th each year with $15 filing fee
Kentucky LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $40
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Report: $15 per year (due by June 30th)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county and business type
Kentucky LLC Timeline
- • Name Availability Check: Instant online through Kentucky Secretary of State
- • Processing Time: Same day (online) to 5 business days (mail)
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Total Time to Launch: 1-7 business days with expedited service
Why Form Your LLC in Kentucky?
Tax Advantages
- • Reduced state income tax rate
- • Affordable annual report fee ($15)
- • Business tax credits and incentives available
Business Environment
- • Strong manufacturing sector
- • Growing healthcare and biotech industries
- • Competitive cost of doing business
- • Strategic location with market access
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Charging order protection
- • Privacy for members
- • Flexible management structure
Easy Administration
- • Low state filing fee ($40)
- • Same-day processing available
- • Minimal ongoing requirements
- • Business-friendly regulations
Kentucky LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Kentucky?
The Kentucky state filing fee is $40 (one of the lowest in the nation). Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS or $50-$150 through a service), and the annual report fee of $15. Most Kentucky entrepreneurs spend between $50-$400 total to form their LLC, depending on which services they choose.
Do I need a registered agent for my Kentucky LLC?
Yes, Kentucky law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a Kentucky street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a Kentucky address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Many services include the first year free with formation packages.
How long does it take to form an LLC in Kentucky?
Kentucky offers same-day processing when you file online through the Secretary of State portal. Mail filings typically take 3-5 business days. You'll also need to file a copy with your county, which usually processes within 1-2 days. With expedited service through providers like ZenBusiness or Bizee, you can have your Kentucky LLC fully formed and ready for business within 1-2 business days.
What is Kentucky's annual report requirement?
Kentucky LLCs must file an annual report by June 30th each year, starting the year after formation. The report costs only $15 and can be filed online through the Kentucky Secretary of State website. It updates your business information including address, registered agent, and member/manager details. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution. Most formation services provide reminders and some will file it for you.
Can I form a Kentucky LLC if I don't live in Kentucky?
Yes, you don't need to be a Kentucky resident to form a Kentucky LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a Kentucky street address. This is where professional registered agent services become essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you may also need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What name requirements exist for Kentucky LLCs?
Your Kentucky LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in the state. It must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" at the end. You can check name availability through the Kentucky Secretary of State website. Certain words like "bank," "insurance," or "trust" may require additional approval. You can also reserve a name for up to 120 days if you're not ready to form your LLC yet.
Popular Kentucky Cities for LLCs
- • Louisville
- • Lexington
- • Bowling Green
- • Owensboro
- • Covington
- • Newport
- • Florence
- • Fort Thomas
- • Frankfort
- • Georgetown
- • Richmond
- • Elizabethtown
- • Paducah
- • Henderson
- • Hopkinsville
- • Madisonville
Ready to Start Your Kentucky LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their Kentucky LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services.