Form your company in Kentucky

Why form an LLC in Kentucky?

Kentucky's $40 filing fee and $15 annual report look cheap, but every LLC owes a $175 minimum Limited Liability Entity Tax each year even at zero revenue. Form here only if you operate in Kentucky.

A quick reminder from us: forming in a state where you do not actually operate usually means you still have to register (foreign-qualify) in your home state, often with little or no tax benefit. If you are unsure, tell us how you plan to operate and we will recommend the right fit — free.

Costs and fees

The Kentucky Secretary of State charges roughly $40 to file Articles of Organization, with an ongoing state cost of about $15/yr report + $175 min LLET. $175 minimum LLET due yearly even at zero revenue; flat 3.5% personal income tax (2026); sales tax applies. State fees are paid directly to the state and are separate from our service fee.

• Filing fee: $40 (approximate)
• Ongoing state cost: $15/yr report + $175 min LLET
• Typical processing time: Same day-1 day online

Taxes and privacy

Personal state income tax in Kentucky: Yes. Owner privacy on the public record is generally rated low.

Your federal tax obligations (and your EIN) are the same regardless of the state you choose — a single-member LLC is taxed as a pass-through by default, and we can obtain your EIN even if you do not have an SSN.

Pros of forming in Kentucky

• Very low upfront cost: $40 to file the Articles of Organization
• Annual report to the Secretary of State is only $15, due June 30
• Fast online filing and approval
• Income is pass-through for federal purposes; flat 3.5% Kentucky personal rate (2026) on Kentucky-source income

Things to weigh

• The $175 minimum LLET (Limited Liability Entity Tax) is owed to the Dept. of Revenue every year regardless of profit
• Annual report requires member/manager names, so owner privacy is limited
• Two separate annual obligations (SoS report + LLET return) add compliance overhead
• No advantage for a non-US founder with no Kentucky activity

Banking for your Kentucky LLC

Banking is not restricted by Kentucky formation; Kentucky LLCs open accounts with Mercury, Wise, Relay and national banks like any other state. Standard EIN and beneficial-owner KYC still apply.

Whichever state you choose, we prepare the documents banks ask for and can obtain your EIN even without an SSN. Bank and provider approval is always their decision — we are not affiliated with any bank.

Is Kentucky right for you?

Best for: Owners with Kentucky operations or property. If you operate physically in Kentucky, forming here keeps things simple. If you are a remote or non-US founder without a specific reason to choose Kentucky, a low-cost, privacy-friendly state like Wyoming or New Mexico is often the better default.

Not sure? Start your application and we will confirm the best state for your situation before anything is filed.