6 Best LLC Services in Kentucky (2024) For Your Business
Hiring reputable LLC formation services for your Kentucky LLC is the most prudent strategy to shield your assets from any debts that may occur throughout the course of your business entity's operation.
Together with my legal team, we've evaluated top online LLC services in Kentucky to save you time.
Read on to find out which services are ranked best based on price, service features, and customer service.
| Company | LLC Packages | LLC Fees | Registered Agent Price | Same & Next Day Filing | Money-Back Guarantee | Free Package Features | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness (Best Overall) |
3 | From 0$ | $199 | Pro & Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
| Northwest (Best Premium) |
1 | $39 (using our link) | First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year | No | 90 days | None | No, A rating | No |
| Bizee (Most Affordable) |
3 | From $0 | First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year | Platinum Package | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
| Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials) |
1 | Free with Rocket Legal+ / $99.99 with Rocket Legal | $249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+ | No | 30 days | None | Yes | Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription) |
| Swyft Filings | 3 | From $0 | $199 | Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support | No | No |
| LegalZoom | 3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
ZenBusinessTop 6 LLC Formation Services in Kentucky (September 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Pricing starts at an accessible $0, not counting state fees.
- Users report satisfaction with its ease of use and support.
- Offers a variety of services, including LLC formation and legal compliance.
- Quick and effective in processing and document filing.
- Strong commitment to social responsibility and community involvement.
- Packages offer excellent value at competitive rates.
- Does not include Registered Agent in their business formation plans.
- Customer support hours are limited.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Ideal for small business owners looking for comprehensive yet affordable LLC services.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for those who need very specialized or complex legal services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness is highly recommended for its combination of affordability, comprehensive services, and excellent customer support, making it a top choice for small business owners.
ZenBusiness offers quality and affordable LLC formation packages for startups in Kentucky, reflecting their significant market impact.
Since March 2020, the platform has experienced substantial growth, expanding more than 400% and now assisting over 200,000 US entrepreneurs with their business formation and development journeys.
They will help you create a website for your company, buy a domain, and set up a business email account.
During our ZenBusiness trial, we received expert accounting guidance to assist us in setting up bookkeeping, accounting, and tax problems.
Their customer support team was super helpful, and we had a great experience working with them.
The ZenBusiness dashboard brims with resources and offers a clear post-filing sequence. Their client-first billing, especially for registered agent services, speaks volumes.
By giving you reminders, checking your report, and assisting you in filing on time, ZenBusiness can also maintain your LLC in good standing with the Kentucky SOS.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $40 State Fee): This is a great LLC service plan to form your LLC as it has name searches, business registration, a 100% accuracy guarantee, and standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks). Additionally, you can opt for worry-free compliance for the first year at no extra cost, with a renewal option at $199/year if chosen by customers. You'll also get Banking and Bank Account services. The package also encompasses the convenience of Money Pro Bookkeeping and a Website Builder tool.
- Pro Package ($199 + $40 State Fee): Has the Starter plan LLC service features plus annual reports, EIN filing, and a fastest "rush" filing option, completing submissions within 1-2 business days on average. Furthermore, users can access an LLC operating agreement template priced at $99.
- Premium Package ($349 + $40 State Fee): This LLC service plan offers everything from Pro plus more website services like domain registration, hosting, a website email address and business document templates.
- Kentucky Registered Agent Services ($199): The LLC service renews at the same amount every year.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Your address is kept off public databases, exclusively with Northwest.
- Choose only the services you require, offering flexibility.
- Acclaimed customer support for its responsiveness and expertise.
- Special discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- In business for over 25 years, indicating a strong track record.
- There are cheaper services, though quality may vary.
- Basic services are reasonably priced, but add-ons can increase costs.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Best for entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and personalized customer service.
Who is it not for?
- Less ideal for those seeking the lowest cost without regard to added privacy protections or customized support.
The Verdict
Northwest is notable for its strong privacy protection and exceptional customer service, catering especially well to those who value these aspects in their business operations.
Northwest Registered Agent offers excellent customer service and affordable packages.
You can utilize an operating agreement template that comes with each Kentucky LLC creation order placed with Northwest Registered Agent.
Our LLC formation process with Northwest Registered Agent was smooth and user-friendly. We managed the initial steps in 9 minutes, and our filing was complete in 72 hours.
We appreciated that Northwest offered us a registered agent and physical address to receive Service of Process documents in connection with the Kentucky LLC formation services we obtained from them.
Northwest Registered Agent uses the least amount of customer personal information possible to function as a barrier between the client and any state agency or public record.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $40 State Fee): Basic Plan will provide you will all documents needed to form a limited liability company with free one year of services of a registered agent.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $40 State Fee): Basic Plan features are included in Full Service Formation Plan. You will also get same-business-day filing and an account filled with a bunch of free forms and tools.
- Kentucky Northwest Registered Agent ($125 per year): If you hire Northwest to form your LLC, you get free registered agent service for a year. It brings you free privacy, mail forwarding, and professional corporate guidance.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- No cost to start LLC formation.
- Registered Agent service free for the first year with any package.
- Over two decades of dependable industry experience.
- Fast and efficient service delivery, typically in one day.
- Intuitive service management through an online dashboard.
- Some extra services come at a higher price.
- Customer support available only during business days.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- A great option for first-time entrepreneurs needing basic LLC services and guidance.
Who is it not for?
- Not for businesses that require robust in-house legal and consulting services.
The Verdict
Bizee provides a straightforward and cost-effective solution for LLC formation, perfect for startups and small businesses needing to minimize upfront costs.
Bizee (formerly IncFile) is a Houston-based registered agent and business formation firm. A wide range of incorporation, regulatory, and filing services are available from them.
We love how simple it was to log in to their dashboard to monitor the progress of our orders – Bizee's dashboard acts as a central monitoring station for all your activities.
Additionally, Bizee's customer service department provided fast response times to all of our issues.
The only issue we didn't particularly appreciate with this company is that they outsource most of their LLC services, and they have a lot of upsells.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $40 State Fee): This LLC services package includes drafting and submitting the files of your LLC, multiple name searches, a whole year of free registered agent service, and unlimited customer support.
- Gold Package ($199 + $40 State Fee): With Kentucky Gold Package you get all LLC services from Silver Package. But if you need your business banking account with company alerts, IRS Form 2553, and some advising how to do taxes in the state of Kentucky, Gold Package is the right choice for you.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $40 State Fee): Platinum Package comes with everything from Kentucky Gold Package plus a free domain name, business email address, and free next-day filling.
- Kentucky Registered Agent Services ($119 per year): It comes free of charge if you form a Kentucky LLC with any of the previous Bizee packages. Next year's renewal price will be $119 per year. You get easy access to your online documents on your personalized dashboard.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Comprehensive offerings in legal documents and assistance.
- Document Defense® provides robust contract protection.
- Easy-to-use interface for creating legal documents.
- No-cost access to legal experts for business inquiries.
- Reports of unanticipated billing issues.
- Confusion surrounding free trials and subscription management.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Suitable for businesses that might require legal services beyond LLC formation.
Who is it not for?
- Not optimal for those who only need basic formation services without ongoing legal support.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer offers comprehensive legal services combined with LLC formation, making it ideal for businesses that anticipate a need for continued legal assistance.
When we were in need of specific legal documents for our business, Rocket Lawyer came to the rescue. Their wide selection meant we found exactly what we needed, making our entrepreneurial journey smoother.
Each legal document you choose and fill out will cost $39.99 if you're a non-member.
To view all of Rocket Lawyer's materials, however, you would need to become a premium member, which costs 139.99 annually.
We'd also like to note that as a premium member, you can get some nice bulk discounts.
Even though the trial offers partial access, we recommend it because it helps you test and find a suitable plan before subscribing to any of them.
However, remember that this trial auto-charges if you don't cancel it.
LLC Formation Packages:
- LLC Formation Package ($99.99 + $40 State Fee): You get free legal documents, free LLC formation services, attorney services, and a 25% discount on registered agent service. Kentucky LLC formation is free if you subscribe to a $39.99 monthly subscription.
- Kentucky Registered Agent Services ($149.99 per year): If you have an annual membership, you get 25% off. Membership is $39.99 per month.
5 - Swyft Filings
Pros and Cons
- Competitive prices for LLC formation.
- Simple and user-friendly website.
- Outstanding customer service reputation.
- Swift document processing.
- Some services come with extra charges.
- Registered Agent fee increases over time.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Fits entrepreneurs looking for fast, efficient LLC services with great customer support.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those needing more complex legal services or in-person consultations.
The Verdict
Swyft Filings excels in speedy service and customer care, making it a good choice for entrepreneurs who need to get their business up and running quickly.
When we were in a rush to get our business off the ground, Swyft Filings was a lifesaver. We managed to complete the application in just a few minutes, and it was such a relief.
This is presuming you are prepared with all your details. All you have to do is select your favorite bundle and continue the process.
When it comes to filing timeframes for business formation, Swyft Filings is a market leader. For all premium business creation packages, they guarantee to file the next day.
Their customer support team was extremely helpful to us, and we would highly recommend their services whether you require prompt LLC formation or legal advice.
Holders of the Basic or Standard package can anticipate getting their incorporation paperwork in the mail within 15 business days.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $40 State Fee): Basic Package is perfect if you want basic LLC incorporation with document filing.
- Standard Package ($199 + $40 State Fee): Standard Package includes all features from Basic Package, along with the majority of documents (banking resolution, operation agreement, and organization minutes) required to launch your business, you will also receive a Federal Tax ID (EIN).
- Premium Package ($299 + $40 State Fee): With all features from Standard Package in Premium Package you get FedEx delivery of your approved articles with a tracking number, customized digital corporate kit, business website hosting, and free domain.
- Kentucky Registered Agent Service ($99 per three months): This will be a recurring subscription for each quarter.
6 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- Multiple business templates available for free.
- Comprehensive legal services for a variety of needs.
- Website is user-friendly with an easy-to-follow process.
- Customer support known for its effectiveness.
- LLC formation is more expensive compared to competitors.
- Persistent upselling of extra services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Good for entrepreneurs who want a well-known service with extensive resources and legal options.
Who is it not for?
- Not the best choice for those looking for the cheapest LLC service with minimal extras.
The Verdict
LegalZoom is recommended for its wide range of services and strong reputation, though it may come at a higher cost compared to some other providers.
We've been familiar with LegalZoom since its early days in 2011. When we used their services for a side project, we understood why they've served millions of customers over the years.
Customer assistance is included with each of LegalZoom's LLC creation packages and is accessible by phone or online chat seven days a week.
We like that LegalZoom provided us with a pre-filled Operating Agreement and asked us a few questions about our company. Their support teams were very knowledgeable and professional.
The Minutes Manager tool, which includes templates and instructions for conducting business meetings, is also available.
The Compliance Calendar provided by this LLC service is jam-packed with details and due dates pertinent to the filing needs for your particular line of business.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0+ $40 State Fee): Basic Package comes with the article of organization, LLC digital welcome packet, name check service, and a Wix-powered website that is customizable.
- Pro Package ($249 + $40 State Fee): Includes all the Kentucky Basic package's features, plus consultation for tax savings, an EIN, and an operating agreement.
- Premium Package ($299 + $40 State Fee): All features that Basic and Pro packages have, plus a 30-minute attorney countless consultations, and changes applied to the LLC formation document within the first 90 days. You also get a hands-on business attorney guide.
- Kentucky Registered Agent Service ($299): If you form the LLC with LegalZoom, you get a $50 discount for the registered agent service. After the first year, renewing would be $299 without fees.
Why You Should Trust Us
You should consider The Venture Smarter team for your Kentucky LLC formation needs due to our unparalleled expertise and dedication. Our mission began with the goal to offer Venture Smarter readers transparent, accurate, and comprehensive reviews of LLC services, tailored specifically for the Kentucky market.
Each team member contributes a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to integrity, guiding every review and recommendation we provide.
At Venture Smarter, our approach goes beyond mere data collection; we thoroughly investigate the services provided by each company. We've engaged with multiple LLC service providers anonymously, analyzing their features, customer service quality, and overall value, ensuring our assessments are particularly relevant to Kentucky entrepreneurs.
Our rigorous evaluation process guarantees that our advice is not only impartial but also customized to meet the unique demands of Kentucky's budding business community.
Furthermore, The Venture Smarter team continuously refreshes our reviews and guides, keeping pace with the evolving landscape of the LLC formation sector. This dedication to up-to-date and pertinent information means that Venture Smarter readers in Kentucky are always well-equipped to make well-informed decisions for their ventures.
Opting to rely on us means tapping into our in-depth research and direct experiences. We view ourselves not merely as reviewers but as your partners on the path to business ownership.
Our ultimate aim is to ensure that every Venture Smarter reader in Kentucky has access to the premier resources for initiating their LLC, streamlining the formation process to be as efficient and trouble-free as possible.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Kentucky
We closely examined the service features, pros, and cons of the top 10 LLC services in Kentucky. Our process was not just about listing services but understanding their offerings in depth.
This involved interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, leveraging the insights of an independent review team to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions.
We considered factors such as the cost of each service, the range of primary and supplementary services they provide, their overall reputation, and more.
This comprehensive approach allowed us to assign scores to each provider, taking into account any guarantees they offered and reviews from other customers.
1. Customer Support
Efficient customer support is vital for the timely and effective resolution of queries and issues. It reflects the company's commitment to its clients and its reliability.
We looked at the number of communication channels, responsiveness, and availability. ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent stood out for their quick, professional, and helpful support.
2. Turnaround Time
In a competitive market, the speed of service can be a significant differentiator for an LLC service provider. Companies that offer faster processing times can attract more clients looking for efficiency and promptness.
“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.”
- Arianna Huffington, CEO of Thrive Global
Companies like ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent demonstrated exceptional efficiency in processing times.
3. Pricing
Pricing is a critical factor, especially for startups and small businesses where budget constraints are common. Affordable pricing can make LLC formation services more accessible and appealing.
A 2020 study found that businesses that employed value-based pricing strategies reported an average increase of 5-10% in their profit margins compared to those that used cost-plus pricing strategies, highlighting the potential financial benefits of adopting a more nuanced approach to pricing.
ZenBusiness was notable for its low-cost packages, offering a blend of affordability and comprehensive service. Other services like Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee also provided competitive pricing structures.
4. Service Offered
The range of services, including essential features like Articled of Organization or EIN, and additional paid services like domain hosting and bookkeeping, is crucial in determining the comprehensiveness of an LLC service.
ZenBusiness and Bizee were rated highly for their comprehensive service offerings.
5. Reliability and Reputation
A reputable and reliable LLC service is more likely to attract skilled professionals and quality resources. This, in turn, enhances the quality of the service provided to clients.
We looked at ratings on platforms like TrustPilot and user reviews to identify the most reliable services. Based on this criterion, ZenBusiness stood out with 5-star ratings on the pricing and customer support.
6. Ease of Use
Dealing with legal and bureaucratic processes can be stressful. A user-friendly LLC service can alleviate much of this stress, making the process of starting a business less daunting.
Bizee was rated 5/5 for its user-friendly platform, which we found more adaptable to a range of different business needs.
Northwest also received a 5/5 for its good technology integration, such as mobile accessibility, cloud storage, and digital tools, which enhanced the overall functionality and appeal of the service.
7. Local Expertise
Each state has unique requirements for forming and maintaining an LLC, including variations in paperwork, fees, and ongoing compliance obligations.
An LLC service with local state law expertise ensures that all these state-specific legal requirements are met, helping businesses avoid legal pitfalls and penalties for non-compliance.
We rated ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent 5/5 as they demonstrated a strong grasp of Kentucky-specific regulations.
Related Articles:
- Looking Up an LLC in Kentucky
- Dissolving an LLC in Kentucky
- How Long Does it Take to Start an LLC in Kentucky
Steps To Form An LLC In Kentucky
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you start an LLC in Kentucky:
- Step 1: Get a Name for your business
- Step 2: Find a Kentucky Registered Agent
- Step 3: Submit the Kentucky Certificate of Formation
- Step 4: Put Together an LLC Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Get an EIN
FAQs
Is Kentucky an Ideal State to Get an LLC?
Yes, Kentucky is an ideal state to get an LLC because it offers various LLC tax incentives, tax credits, and small grants for small Kentucky businesses.
How Much Tax Does an LLC Pay in Kentucky?
An LLC in Kentucky pays a 5% corporate income tax rate and a 6% state sales tax rate. The Kentucky revenue department does not charge any local sales taxes.
Does Kentucky Allow Anonymous LLC?
No, Kentucky does not allow anonymous LLCs. If you want to safeguard your privacy for your Kentucky LLC, you should hire a third-party registered agent to receive your service of process.
Our Verdict
Having navigated the maze of LLC formation services in Kentucky firsthand, we can't stress enough the importance of choosing the right service. ZenBusiness, with its blend of affordability and quality, stood out for us.
Their dashboard, filled with resources, made our journey smoother. Drawing from our experience, ZenBusiness's client-first approach resonated with us the most.
If you're on the fence about which service to pick, we'd say go with ZenBusiness. Their commitment to helping startups like ours made all the difference in our entrepreneurial journey.
