Resources for Starting and Maintaining a Business in Kentucky

At CorpNet our mission is to help you start your business and help you keep it in compliance. To assist you in your entrepreneurial journey, we’ve collected answers to the most frequently asked questions small business owners have about starting and maintaining a business in the state of Kentucky.

Our goal is to provide you with a one-stop solution for all of your business, payroll tax registrations, and compliance filings. And if we can help you along the way, our team of entity filings and compliance experts is just a call away.

Quick Facts for Starting a Kentucky Business

Expedited Services Available: No
New Business Publishing Required: No
Private Registration Available: No

Registered Agent Required: Yes
Annual Report Required: Yes
Franchise Tax Required: No

State Sales Tax: 6%
State Income Tax: 5%
Unemployment Insurance: .3% – 9%

DBAs do not require a registered agent.

Kentucky Business Entity Options

Business Entity Type State Fees Applicable Form
General Partnership (Optional) $40 Statement of Partnership Authority (KNG)
Domestic Limited Partnership (LP) $40 Certificate of Limited Partnership (KNP)
Domestic Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) $40 Statement of Qualification (KNL)
Domestic Profit Corporation $50 Articles of Incorporation – Profit (PAI)
Domestic Nonprofit Corporation $8 Articles of Incorporation – Non-Profit (NAI)
Professional Service Corporation $50 Articles of Incorporation – Professional Service (KPS)
Profit Limited Liability Company (LLC) $40 Articles of Organization – Profit (KLC)
Nonprofit Limited Liability Company (LLC) $40 Articles of Organization – Non-Profit (NLC)
Professional Limited Liability Company (LLC) $40 Articles of Organization – Professional Service (PLC)
Statutory Trust $15 Application for Declaration of Trust
Unincorporated Nonprofit Association $15 Certificate of Association
Foreign Corporation $90 Certificate of Authority (FBE)
Foreign Limited Partnership $90 Certificate of Authority (FBE)
Foreign Limited Liability Partnerships​ $90 Statement of Foreign Qualification (FNL)
Foreign Business Trust $90 Certificate of Authority (FBE)

Not Sure Which Type of Business You Need?

Launch CorpNet’s Business Structure Wizard to get suggested entities based on your unique needs. It’s free and easy to use.

Key Kentucky Government Resources

Kentucky Secretary of State
700 Capital Ave
Ste. 152
Frankfort, KY 40601
sos.ky.gov

Kentucky Department of Revenue
501 High St.
Frankfort, KY 40601
revenue.ky.gov

Man Holding Tablet

Need a Small Business Compliance Checklist?

Business compliance can slip through the cracks! As your existing business evolves, you are required to file notify the state of any changes. Many business owners lose sight of these requirements and fail to realize they haven’t met compliance requirements.

Use our compliance checklist to determine which business filings you need to perform to manage this year’s activities and changes.

100% satisfaction guaranteed or we will refund 100% of our service fees with no questions asked!