Updated May 2026 Kentucky

Kentucky LLC Formation Cost (2026)

Complete breakdown of Kentucky LLC costs — from the initial filing fee to annual report fees, publication requirements, and ongoing taxes.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$40

Filing Fee

One-time

$15

Annual Report

Recurring

None

Publication Cost

$40+

Est. Year-1 Total

Excl. annual fee

LLC Formation Cost Calculator

Select your state to see filing fees, annual report costs, and formation gotchas.

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Forming an LLC in Kentucky: Full Cost Breakdown

To form an LLC in Kentucky, you file Articles of Organization (sometimes called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization) with the Kentucky Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $40.

Standard processing time is 3. Expedited processing is available: 1.

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Watch out

Kentucky's LLET (Limited Liability Entity Tax) applies to LLCs with over $3 million in revenue.

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Pro tip

Lowest formation fee in the US at $40.

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Don't forget your Operating Agreement

Even though Kentucky may not legally require it, an Operating Agreement protects your limited liability status and is essential if you have co-founders or a business bank account.

Source: Kentucky Secretary of State ↗

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Registered agent required in Kentucky

Every LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical Kentucky address to receive legal documents. Using a commercial service ($50–$150/yr) keeps your home address off the public record.

Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky LLC

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Kentucky?

Forming an LLC in Kentucky costs $40 for the state filing fee. The annual report fee is $15 per year. Estimated first-year cost is approximately $40.

What is the LLC filing fee in Kentucky?

The Kentucky LLC filing fee is $40. This one-time charge is paid to the Kentucky Secretary of State to officially register your LLC.

Does Kentucky require an annual report for LLCs?

Yes — Kentucky LLCs must file an annual report with a fee of $15. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Does Kentucky require LLC publication?

No — Kentucky does not require LLC publication. This eliminates a significant additional cost compared to states like New York that mandate it.

What is the Kentucky LLC franchise tax?

Kentucky does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, keeping ongoing operating costs lower.

How do I form an LLC in Kentucky?

To form an LLC in Kentucky: (1) choose a unique name including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company", (2) appoint a registered agent with a Kentucky address, (3) file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the $40 fee, (4) create an Operating Agreement, and (5) get a free EIN from the IRS. See our full Kentucky LLC formation guide for step-by-step instructions.