Cost guide
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Kentucky?
Filing it yourself, a Kentucky LLC costs $40 to start (about $55 in year one) — everything else on the typical "LLC cost" list is either free or optional. Here's the honest breakdown.
Not legal advice. Open Legal Aid is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or representation. Our guides and tools offer general legal information and self-help documents only, and using them does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time — for advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
| Item | Cost | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $40 | Yes — one-time |
| Annual report / state tax | $15/year | Yes — recurring |
| EIN (federal tax ID) | $0 | Free from the IRS — never pay for this |
| Operating agreement | $0 | Recommended — use our free generator |
| Registered agent | $0 yourself, or ~$100–$150/yr for a service | Yes — but you can be your own |
| Formation service | $0–$300+ | Optional — you can file yourself |
Ongoing requirement in Kentucky: $15 annual report, due by June 30 (filing window Jan 1–Jun 30). Typical processing: Online: near-instant; mail ~7–10 business days. Figures are estimates — verify with the Kentucky Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing. Doesn't include business licenses, permits, or taxes on income.
Kentucky LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Kentucky?
The one-time Articles of Organization filing fee in Kentucky is $40. The recurring cost is $15/year ($15 annual report, due by June 30 (filing window Jan 1–Jun 30)). An EIN from the IRS and writing your own operating agreement are both free. Verify the current fee with the Kentucky Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
Is a registered agent required, and does it cost extra in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky requires an LLC to have a registered agent, but you can act as your own at no cost if you have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. A registered agent service typically runs about $100–$150 per year if you'd rather not use your own address.
What's the cheapest way to form an LLC in Kentucky?
Filing the Articles of Organization yourself directly with the state and acting as your own registered agent costs only the $40 state filing fee — no formation-service markup. A paid formation service adds convenience, not anything you can't do yourself. Verify the current fee with the Kentucky Secretary of State (or equivalent) before filing.
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Next: read the full Kentucky LLC formation guide, check whether your business name is available in Kentucky, brainstorm ideas with the free name generator, or build your free formation checklist.