How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in Kentucky (The Guide)

If you're launching a limited liability company in Kentucky, it's a smart idea to know about the processing times offered by the Secretary of State so that you and other LLC members understand how long it'll take for the LLC to be registered.

Teaming up with our certified LLC experts who have over a decade long experience in the industry, we took the time to research the processing times of incorporating an LLC in Kentucky by checking the latest information found in the Secretary of State's official LLC documents.

Here's a summary of everything you need to know.

Quick Summary

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

It takes 2-3 weeks to form an LLC in Kentucky by mail or within one business day for online filings.

However, these aren’t the only filing options offered by the SOS.

You can file your registration papers in person or pay for expedited processing if you want faster delivery.

Kentucky LLC Processing Time

The processing time for an LLC in Kentucky is the standard time it takes the SOS to receive and approve the articles of formation.

The Kentucky SOS offers a variety of filing options, each with a distinct processing time.

Let's examine each filing technique more closely.

1. Online Filings 

You can file an LLC online on the Kentucky SOS website for $40. The business filings option is available on the SOS online service index [1].

Registration paperwork for limited liability companies submitted online is processed instantly or within the same day of filing.

Once you access the filing page, the first thing to do is to specify whether you're registering a Kentucky LLC or an out-of-state LLC (domestic or foreign LLC) [2].

You'll then proceed to fill out the necessary details of your LLC, including;

• LLC name
• LLC email
• The principal address of the business
• Management type (LLC member, manager, or veteran managed)
• Registered agent contact details (Name, address, and phone number)
• Official signatures of directors and resident agent service.

If you file online and complete the form, you can submit it as the original form or your PDF upload.

2. Mail Filings

Mail filing in Kentucky means you must submit a physical paper of the articles of formation to the Secretary of State's office.

You must log in to the SOS website to access the articles of the formation PDF form there. Once you complete all your LLC details, download the PDF and print it with black ink.

Write the correct mailing address on the envelope, and remember to attach the filing fee as a money order or check.

Your check of $40 should be made payable to the "Kentucky State Treasurer."

The Kentucky Secretary of State takes 14-21 business days to process mail submissions, including the mailing time.

You can submit your articles of organization to this official address:

Michael Adams
Office of the Secretary of State
P.O. Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602-0718

3. In-person Filings 

You hand deliver your registration papers to the SOS main office for in-person submissions.

Once you download and fill out the articles of formation form, print it and submit it along with the state fees.

In-person LLC filings are reviewed and approved on the same day of submission, but this can vary depending on the time of your filing and the filing volume.

For example, if you file on a weekday before noon, the SOS can process it within that day. But if you file on Friday past four, the SOS doesn't work on weekends, so you'll have to wait till Monday.

Note that in-person filings are only available between 8:00 AM-4:30 PM ET.

Submit your articles of organization in person to this office address:

Room 152, Capitol Building
700 Capital Avenue
Frankfort, KY 40601

4. Expedited Filings

Expedited processing allows LLC owners in the Kentucky department to get their LLCs faster than the standard processing time.

The SOS offers the following expedited processing options for Kentucky LLCs:

• $50 for a 5-6 business days LLC processing time
• $100 for 1-2 business day turnaround

Expedited processing is an excellent option for mail orders that take longer.

Steps To Start an LLC in Kentucky

Follow these eight steps to register an LLC in Kentucky.

• Step 1: Look up an LLC in Kentucky and select an available Kentucky LLC name that meets all the state law requirements outlined in KY Rev Stat § 14A.3-010.
• Step 2: Choose a registered agent service in Kentucky, a person or company, who'll be responsible for handling all correspondence and legal notices on behalf of your limited liability company.
• Step 3: Complete and submit your articles of organization to the Kentucky Division of Business Filings, along with the state fees.
• Step 4: Draft an LLC operating agreement. An operating agreement is a document that'll dictate how your LLC will conduct its internal and external business activities in Kentucky.
• Step 5: Per business law, register for a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) from the Internal Revenue Service website (IRS) to pay self-employment taxes and federal taxes.
• Step 6: Open a business bank account to separate your personal and LLC income.
• Step 7: Obtain the correct LLC business license from the state and municipal authorities.
• Step 8: File the necessary Kentucky LLC tax and submit an LLC annual report.

FAQs

Should You Hire an LLC Service in Kentucky?

When forming a limited liability business in Kentucky, knowing which paperwork to file, where to submit them, and how much to pay might be difficult.

This is why consulting with the top Kentucky LLC formation services is beneficial.

While these professional services will not create your LLC faster, they'll see that all LLC documents are filed on time and correct fees paid to the SOS.

You also get experts who'll handle your compliance/organization filing and help your business entity stay in good standing throughout its term.

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References:

1. https://web.sos.ky.gov/ofx/
2. https://web.sos.ky.gov/FastTrack/(S(2e2hn51sbb4edtfcxqnjcolrq))/FileLLC.asp