How to File an LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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articles of organization

The Articles of Organization is one of the main documents required while forming an LLC in Kentucky. The document needs to be filed with the Secretary of State in Kentucky to share all the important information related to the limited liability company that is going to be established.

On this page, LLCBuddy editors put all the information together about how to file the Articles of Organization in Kentucky. There might be several ways to file the formation document, online, by mail, fax, or by in-person visit to the office. Let’s dig more to check the available and easy ways in Kentucky to file the Articles of Organization while forming the LLC.

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?

The Articles of Organization for an LLC is the most important document among all. In general, establishing an LLC is much simpler than other types of business structures such as corporation or partnership. Among a few mandatory documents to file, Articles of Organization is one of the main papers.

By submitting the Articles of Organization, the LLC owners provide all sorts of information related to the LLC. Upon approval of the documents and information provided by the LLC, they can register their business with Kentucky Secretary of State.

Each state has a different requirement to fill out a form. The Articles of Organization usually includes the following:

  • The name of the LLC in Kentucky,
  • The effective date of the LLC,
  • The company’s principal office,
  • The business purpose,
  • The duration of the business,
  • A copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate, and
  • The name and address of the Registered Agent, organizers, and
  • At least one member of the company

Note that the Articles of Organization in Kentucky is a legal requirement, not to mention, the core of your LLC. It even makes up the bulk of your Kentucky LLC cost. Without it, you have no LLC. So, take the time to complete and file this certificate.

How to File Kentucky LLC Articles of Organization

Filing an LLC Articles of Organization with the State is easy. There are several ways to file it. As mentioned, the filing can be done online, by sending the PDF form by mail, or by other means (physical visit or fax). Statewise filing methods can be different. Alternatively, hiring a third-party service can make a lot of difference compared to doing it on your own. They help the LLCs to file documents easily without any complications. In Kentucky, the following methods are available.

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Step 1: Find Forms Online

Go to the Kentucky Secretary of State to download the Articles of Organization form for your LLC or to log into the online service.

Step 2: Fill Out Form

When filling out the form, you must have reserved an LLC name. Do a name search. Go to Kentucky LLC Name Search to check whether your chosen business name is available to use in this state.

You must attach a copy of your Name Reservation to your filled-out Articles of Organization form when filing. You also need to mention the name and address of the Kentucky Registered Agent. We recommend the best LLC services in Kentucky that you can choose to form your LLC, hire the Registered Agent, and file the Articles of Organization with the SOS.

If you plan to start an LLC in states other than Kentucky, you must file a foreign LLC in other states. For filing a foreign LLC you can explore the best LLC services that operate in 50 other states along with Kentucky.

What information does the Articles of Organization application need in Kentucky?

The application form for the Articles of Organization needs to include the LLC name, date of establishment, the company’s registered office, business purpose, how long the business will exist, and a copy of the LLC’s name registration certificate.

Step 3: File Formation Certificates

File your formation certificate either online or by mail (whichever is available and convenient for you) by filling out the form and sending it to the Michael G. Adams, Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602. For online filing, you must log in to the Kentucky Secretary of State or register with the portal. Submit the form online (if available).

Pay the required filing fee at the time of form submission to complete the LLC registration. For online filing, payment should be made using Credit or Debit Cards. For offline filing, payment should be made using a Cheque or in cash (if available).

Cost of Filing Kentucky Articles of Organization

cost

LLC cost in Kentucky includes all types of fees starting from name reservation fee, DBA filing fee ($20), Registered Agent costs, and Articles of Organization fee. In Kentucky, the filing fee of a formation document is $40. The standard fee for filing the Articles of Organization allows one to file the LLC within the standard time. However, by paying additional fees, you can expedite the process, and can be done as soon as within a few hours (depending on state rules).

Hiring a professional service can reduce some of the costs while filing an LLC. However, the state filing fee is mandatory and has to be paid at the time of registration. We recommend hiring ZenBusiness as it offers filing an LLC at $0 (plus state filing fee).

Amend Kentucky Articles of Organization: If you make any changes to your LLC, you must file the changes with the Secretary of State. To do so, you must Amend Kentucky Articles of Organization. LLCs can get the amendment form, fill it out with the changed/updated information, and send it back to the SOS online or offline.

FAQs

What is an LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
The LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky are the legal documents you file with the Kentucky Secretary of State to officially form an LLC.
How much does it cost to file LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
The filing fee to submit LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky is $40.
What information is required on the LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
The LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky must include the LLC’s name, address, duration, registered agent, organizers’ names and addresses, and the purpose of the LLC.
Can I file LLC Articles of Organization online in Kentucky?
Yes, you can file LLC Articles of Organization online through the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.
Is Kentucky an ideal state to form an LLC?
Kentucky can be a good state to form an LLC due to its affordable filing fees and business-friendly laws.
How long does it take to process LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky are usually processed within 1-2 business days after submission.
Can I reserve my LLC name in Kentucky before filing Articles of Organization?
Yes, you can reserve your LLC name in Kentucky for 120 days by filing a name reservation application.
Do I need an Operating Agreement for my LLC in Kentucky?
Although not required by the state, it is highly recommended to have an Operating Agreement for your LLC in Kentucky.
What is the processing time for LLC name reservation in Kentucky?
LLC name reservations in Kentucky are usually processed within 1-2 business days.
Can I change my LLC’s name after filing Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
Yes, you can change your LLC’s name in Kentucky by filing an amendment to your Articles of Organization.
Is the information on LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky public record?
Yes, the information provided on the LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky becomes public record once filed.
What is the LLC name availability search process in Kentucky?
You can search for LLC name availability in Kentucky through the Secretary of State’s website to ensure your desired name is unique and available.
Can I dissolve my LLC in Kentucky?
Yes, you can dissolve your LLC in Kentucky by filing Articles of Dissolution with the Secretary of State.
Are there any ongoing compliance requirements for LLCs in Kentucky?
LLCs in Kentucky have to file an annual report and pay a fee of $15 to the Secretary of State to maintain good standing.
Can I file a Foreign LLC in Kentucky?
Yes, you can operate a Foreign LLC in Kentucky by filing an application for a certificate of authority with the Secretary of State.
How can I contact the Kentucky Secretary of State for LLC-related inquiries?
You can contact the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office via phone, email, or in person for any LLC-related queries.
Do I need a physical address in Kentucky for my LLC?
Yes, you are required to have a physical address in Kentucky where the LLC’s records and registered agent are located.
Can I list a member of my LLC as the registered agent in Kentucky?
Yes, a member of your LLC can serve as the registered agent in Kentucky as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
Is an EIN required for my LLC in Kentucky?
If your LLC has employees or multiple members, you are required to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Can a non-resident own an LLC in Kentucky?
Yes, a non-resident can own an LLC in Kentucky as long as they appoint an in-state registered agent and comply with all state laws.
Are there any restrictions on the name of an LLC in Kentucky?
The name of an LLC in Kentucky must be distinguishable from existing entities and cannot imply affiliation with government agencies.
Can I adopt a trade name for my LLC in Kentucky?
Yes, you can adopt a trade name or “doing business as” (DBA) name for your LLC in Kentucky, which you can use for branding purposes.
Can I form a Professional LLC (PLLC) in Kentucky?
Yes, licensed professionals in Kentucky, such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants, can form a Professional LLC (PLLC) to provide their services.
Can I form a Series LLC in Kentucky?
No, Kentucky does not recognize Series LLCs, a type of entity that allows for separate liability protection for individual business units.
Can I convert my existing business entity into an LLC in Kentucky?
Yes, you can convert a different business entity, such as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, into an LLC in Kentucky through a statutory conversion process.
Can I use an online service to help me file LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
Yes, online services can assist you in preparing and filing LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky for a fee.
Is an operating agreement legally required for an LLC in Kentucky?
An operating agreement is not required by the State of Kentucky for forming an LLC, but it is highly recommended to have one to outline ownership, management, and operational procedures.
Can I expedite the processing of LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee when filing your LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky to receive a quicker response.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky?
Common mistakes to avoid when filing LLC Articles of Organization in Kentucky include inaccuracies in the name, address, or registered agent information, as well as incomplete or missing information in the filing documents.

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In Conclusion

The formation document or the Articles of Organization is the main document you need while forming your limited liability company in Kentucky. Certainly, you must attach supporting documents such as a name reservation certificate, registered agent name and address, and others. In Kentucky, filing the Articles of Organization is easy. However, mistakes can happen if you are a beginner or a first-time business filer. It is suggested to hire a professional service.

LLCBuddy editors recommend ZenBusiness, as it not only offers free LLC formation service ($0), but also, offers other services such as Registered Agent, operating agreement, EIN, Certificate of Existence for foreign LLC establishment, business name search, and many more.

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