6 Best LLC Services in Kentucky (2023) 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.
ZenBusiness
Northwest
IncFileTop 6 LLC Formation Services in Kentucky (November 2023)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
ZenBusiness offers quality and affordable LLC formation packages for startups in Kentucky.
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.
- Faster formation process
- Offer a variety of packages
- Affordable Kentucky LLC formation
- Responsive and personalized customer service
- Worry-free filing procedures
- Non-profit business formation service is not offered
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
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.
- No hidden charges for their LLC services
- Client data is protected
- Over 20 years of LLC formation experience
- Includes free registered agent service for a year
- Expensive plans for LLC services
3 - IncFile (Most Affordable)
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 – IncFile's dashboard acts as a central monitoring station for all your activities.
Additionally, IncFile'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 IncFile packages. Next year's renewal price will be $119 per year. You get easy access to your online documents on your personalized dashboard.
- Extensive experience
- Prompt customer care
- Affordable packages for LLC services
- Includes one year of statutory agent service
- Outsourced offers and upsells
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Essentials)
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.
- They offer a demo account
- Access to different legal documents
- Premium subscribers get bulk discounts for LLC services
- Expensive business formation service
- Asks for credit card information
5 - Swyft Filings
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.
- Prioritizes customer satisfaction
- Offer accounting consultation
- Payment can be made in installments
- Many services are contracted out
- No free Kentucky registered agent service
6 - LegalZoom
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.
- Well-recognized brand
- Minutes planner tool
- Professional legal staff
- Annoying upsells
- Their plans lack a registered agent service
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.
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.
ZenBusiness was notable for its low-cost packages, offering a blend of affordability and comprehensive service. Other services like Northwest Registered Agent and IncFile 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 IncFile 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.
IncFile 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.
Our #1 Recommendation
ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
- Faster formation process
- Offer a variety of packages
- Affordable Kentucky LLC formation
- Responsive and personalized customer service
- Worry-free filing procedures
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of November
- Non-profit business formation service is not offered
