How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Kansas (Full Guide)

Forming a Kansas limited liability company provides you with flexible membership, liability insurance, and pass-through taxation.

While you and your partners might prefer to enjoy these perks as quickly as possible, it's essential that you comprehend how long it takes the Kansas Secretary of State to accept and process LLC registration forms.

Working with our licensed LLC and business experts, we've spent two months researching the Kansas Secretary of State's website for the available LLC filing options and processing times.

Here's everything you need to know.

Quick Summary

How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Kansas?

It takes 5 business days to form an LLC in Kansas by mail and one business day for online filings.

The Kansas Secretary of State also offers different LLC filing options, including online, fax, or in-person.

As we'll see further down, the filing methods have different  processing times.

Kansas LLC Processing Time

Here's a detailed description of each incorporation method the Kansas Secretary of State Business Services provides.

1. Online Filings 

When filing your limited liability company online, you can access the Secretary of State business services via KanAccess on the Kansas Business Filing Center [1].

Once you create a user account on KanAccess, you must log in to access the document filing service.

The Kansas SOS processes online LLC filing almost immediately because there's no additional transit/mailing time.

If you file online, the different payment methods include Visa, Discover, Mastercard, American Express, or electronic checks.

As per Kansas SOS regulations, if you want to pay via an electronic check from a checking account, ensure you list your routing and account numbers at the bottom of the check [2].

2. Mail Filings 

Mail filing in Kansas takes about 5 working days to be processed.

Note that the document processing takes 2-3 working days plus the extra mailing time.

Remember to attach the state fees as a money order or check payable to the Kansas SOS when mailing your LLC registration documents.

Note that cash is not accepted for mailings, and the SOS will automatically reject LLC papers submitted without this fee.

Also, if you mail a bad check, you'll incur a $25 penalty for any returned checks.

While the legibility of the execution is crucial, Kansas business law requires that you print the signer's name beneath the signature line.

After approval of the LLC articles of formation, the Kansas SOS will mail it back to your registered agent service using the regular first-class mail service.

Submit your paper documents to:

Kansas Office of the Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
Phone: (785) 296-4564
Fax: (785) 296-4570

3. Fax Filing

You can fax your new LLC formation documents in Kansas and pay an additional $20 processing charge on top of the standard state fee.

You can fax your documents and process payments to the Kansas Business Services office.

Fax filing can take 1 working day to be processed.

If you fax the correct documents with updated information before 4:00 pm CT, your LLC will receive that day's filing date.

After approval, you can request a certified/stamped copy to be faxed to you for an additional $1.

4. In-person Filings 

You can submit your LLC articles of organization by visiting the Kansas Secretary of State.

Download the articles of formation document online, fill it out, and print it.

You can pay the state fees by check or credit card.

In-person filing has a LLC processing time of 2-3 business days.

5. Expedited Filings

Expedited shipping allows small corporation owners to receive their approved LLC formation papers sooner at an extra state fee.

Unfortunately, the state of Kansas doesn't offer expedited service for LLC documents.

If you want your LLC registration documents approved faster, filing them online is best because the processing is almost immediate.

Steps To Start an LLC in Kansas

Here is a rundown of the steps to start an LLC in Kansas.

• Step 1: Look up an LLC in Kansas and select an LLC name; once you get an available name, you can reserve it for 120 days.
• Step 2: Hire a registered agent service in Kansas because Kansas state laws mandate all LLCs to name a registered agent service authorized to handle compliance during regular working hours.
• Step 3: Draft and file your certificate of formation along with the correct Kansas LLC cost.
• Step 4: Draft an LLC operating agreement to govern your LLC and show whether the members or a professional manager manages it.
• Step 5: Register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for filing taxes and hiring employees.
• Step 6: Obtain the necessary Kansas state and county LLC business license.
• Step 7: Open a business bank account for your Kansas LLC.
• Step 8: File an LLC annual report in the beginning of January but before April 15.

FAQs

Should You Hire an LLC Service in Kansas?

Although starting an LLC in Kansas has several benefits, it can be a challenging endeavor if you are new to the process and are unfamiliar with Kansas LLC rules and regulations.

This is why, if you desire timely compliance filing and good standing with the Secretary of State, choosing the best Kansas LLC formation services for your limited liability company is a step in the right direction.

While these professional services will not make the LLC processing time faster, they'll ensure all necessary documents are filed on time and the correct fees paid.

Additionally, you'll get access to highly trained customer service teams who'll walk you through each stage of forming and running your business entity.

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References:

1. https://sos.ks.gov/business/business.html
2. https://sos.ks.gov/business/faq-business-entity.html