Short answer: $40 to file, about $40 in year one, and about $190 a year after that. Formation fee (LLET may apply depending on tax calendar)
We've pulled these figures from the Kentucky Secretary of State, Division of Business Filings's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
First year vs every year after
Year one
$40
Formation fee (LLET may apply depending on tax calendar)
Each year after
$190
$15 annual report plus $175 minimum LLET
With a formation service
| Route | Upfront | Registered agent |
|---|---|---|
| File it yourself | $40 | You serve, or hire one separately |
| Northwest | $79 | Included year one, then $125/yr |
| Bizee Basic | $40 | Free year one, then $149/yr |
| Bizee Standard | $239 | Free year one, then $149/yr |
How Kentucky compares
Kentucky's LLC filing fee is $40. That's the 2nd lowest of 51 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $104, so Kentucky comes in $64 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $40 | 50 of 51 |
| Indiana | $95 | 37 of 51 |
| Missouri | $50 | 44 of 51 |
| Tennessee | $300 | 3 of 51 |
| West Virginia | $101 | 29 of 51 |
| Arkansas | $45 | 49 of 51 |
Kentucky fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $40 | $40 for both online and paper submissions |
| Annual Report | $15 | annual, Between January 1 and June 30 every year |
| Minimum state tax | $175 | Owed regardless of income |
| Name reservation (optional) | $15 | 120 days |
| Change of registered agent | $10 | |
| Amendment | $40 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $10 | |
| Application for Certificate of Authority | $90 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| Articles of Dissolution | $40 | |
| DBA / assumed name | UNCONFIRMED | UNCONFIRMED |
LLC cost and fees: Kentucky questions
What is the Kentucky LLC filing fee?
$40 for Articles of Organization. $40 for both online and paper submissions
How much does a Kentucky LLC cost per year?
About $190 a year in state fees. $15 annual report plus $175 minimum LLET
Does Kentucky charge a minimum LLC tax?
Yes. Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) applies to all LLCs with a strict $175 minimum tax. Personal income tax flat 3.50%, corporate flat 5.00%.
Is it cheaper to file a Kentucky LLC myself?
Yes, filing directly costs only the state fee. Services add convenience, a registered agent address and reminders. Northwest charges $39 plus the state fee, and Bizee's Basic package is $0 plus the state fee.
How much does expedited filing cost in Kentucky?
No paid expedited processing option offered
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: dba where, dba fee.