How to Amend Articles of Incorporation in Kentucky (2025)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Amend Kentucky Articles of Incorporation

Amending the Articles of Incorporation in Kentucky is required if you make any changes to your formed corporation. An amendment is a process through which you report the structural or any change in your corporation to the Kentucky Secretary of State. To do so, you are required to follow a few simple steps. You need to get the amendment form, enter the details of the changes, and submit it to the appropriate address along with the amendment fee.

In this article, we have shared the process in detail. You will learn how to amend Kentucky Articles of Incorporation in easy steps. It will be helpful for you if you read the article till the end. 

What is the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?

The Kentucky Articles of Incorporation is a legal document that you need to file with the Secretary of State while registering your corporation in Kentucky. It is similar to the Articles of Organization you file while creating an LLC in Kentucky. If you already own a corporation in Kentucky, you must know what the Articles of Incorporation is. However, those who are not aware of this document can get all the required details from this page. The Articles of Incorporation is a set of papers that have all the information regarding your corporation and are filed with the Secretary of State. You must pay the filing fees to register your Articles of Incorporation.

This document has information related to your corporation. Details like the name of the corp, principal address, Kentucky Registered Agent details, corporation structure, directors, shareholders, and signature of the incorporators should be mentioned in the document. An online or offline form mentioning these details should be filed with the SOS at the time of forming your corporation. You must pay the filing fee to the state online or by check. 

Like forming an LLC, for the corporation, it takes some time to form your business in Kentucky after filing the documents. You can expedite the filing process by paying additional money over the filing fees. 

It is good to make changes in your Articles of Incorporation. When you change anything, specifcally the name, it brings good and bad effects to the company. Make sure the name change does not affect your revenue or status adversely.

– LLCBuddy Editorial Team

How to Amend the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation

There are three main steps to file your amendment to the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation. Before you proceed with the steps of filing the form, you must know what changes you can make in your corporation and what changes you cannot. Let’s start with the first step and some related information, 

Step 1: Determine What Changes You Need in Kentucky Corporation

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Updating your Articles of Incorporation periodically can be beneficial by making necessary changes. However, frequent alterations in structure or name may not be advisable. The first step involves determining which changes are needed and assessing their potential impact. Modifying aspects of your existing business can affect your revenue or client relationships, so it’s crucial to carefully consider whether the changes are truly necessary and what consequences they may bring.

An up-to-date Articles of Incorporation reflects the current status of a corporation in Kentucky. The key elements of your updated Articles of Incorporation may include the advantages of being a Registered Agent, the company’s contact information, and the process for receiving legal notices, among other details.

Step 2: Review the Changes You Made in the Articles of Incorporation

The subsequent step involves reviewing the changes. The Kentucky Secretary of State may request additional supporting documents based on the modifications made to your corporation. After finalizing the changes, you can proceed to draft the Kentucky corporate amendment. Consult with the SOS to determine if any other documents need to be submitted. For instance, if you are changing the business name, you might be required to submit a name change/reservation form along with the Kentucky Corporate Amendment form.

What Can Be Changed in Articles of Incorporation

It is not easy to change things in your business. Besides, there are some restrictions in changing things in your corporation in Kentucky. There are things you can change, but there are things that you cannot change. I have mentioned a few points in this article that you can change above, such as the name, statement of purpose, and the number of shares issued. Now, there are things that you cannot change in the Articles of Incorporation. 

What Can not Be Changed in Kentucky Corporate Amendment?

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If you started a corporation in Kentucky, you must initially have appointed a Registered Agent. You cannot change the initial registered agent in the Articles of Incorporation Corporate Amendment. You can change it using other methods and forms available in the Kentucky SOS. 

Another point is the initial mailing address of your corporation cannot be changed in the Kentucky Corporate Amendment. In this case, you can change it through other methods requiring different forms. 

The third point is the initial directors who formed the corporation in Kentucky. The details of the initial directors cannot be changed in the Kentucky Corporate Amendment. There is no other way to change the directors’ details.

Step 3: File the Kentucky Corporate Amendment

Finally, file the Kentucky Corporate Amendment with the Secretary of State by the methods (online or offline) available. You must go through the filing process mentioned on the SOS official website before you start the filing process. You must pay the state fees for filing the Kentucky Corporate Amendment. 

If you are in Kentucky and have formed an LLC, you must file the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky with the SOS if you make any changes to the limited liability company.

Why Amend Articles of Incorporation in Kentucky?

There can be several reasons why you make changes to your corporation. A business runs based on diverse components. From economic conditions to internal structures (shareholders and directors), the corporation can change many times in its life based on external or internal reasons.

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Change of Kentucky Corporation Name: The name of the corporation does not often change because it is the primary identity of any business. Sometimes, a spelling or the entire name requires to be changed for many reasons. In that case, the corporation has to file the amendment with the SOS mentioning the old and new names. They have to submit the business name change form with the amendment form. 

Change of Statement of Purpose: This is a document where you explain the purpose of your corporation. The purpose says that you are involved in legal and lawful activities through your business. If you are having a nonprofit, you must have a community purpose. If you change that purpose, you must file the amendment. If you change the nature of the business or the purpose of the corporation overall, then you must file an amendment.

Change in Numbers of Stocks and Shares: Finally, if you change the number of shares or stock issues in your company, then you must amend it. It can be reduced or increased if you decide to remove or add a shareholder/partner to the corporation. In that case, it must be amended with the SOS.

Penalties for Not Filing the Amendment in Kentucky

Now, one question arises when we talk about filing the amendment what happens if you don’t amend the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation? The answer is simple. You might have to pay heavy penalties if you do not file it. Besides, you may lose existing clients as they may not be interested in continuing to work with your company. 

They might cancel the existing contract; you might lose the bank loan or advance opportunities, or you may lose the business bank accounts for not complying with the amendment filing requirements. Hence, it is highly recommended to amend the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation. 

FAQs

How do I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?
To amend your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation, you need to file Articles of Amendment with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
What information is required in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
The Articles of Amendment in Kentucky must include the name of the corporation, the date the amendment was adopted, and the text of the amendment.
Can I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation online?
Yes, you can file the Articles of Amendment online through the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.
Is there a fee to file the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, there is a filing fee required to amend your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation.
How long does it take for the Kentucky Secretary of State to process an amendment filing?
The processing time for amending Kentucky Articles of Incorporation can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks.
Can I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation to change the corporation’s name?
Yes, you can amend your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation to change the corporation’s name by filing Articles of Amendment.
How do I notify the IRS of an amendment to my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?
You can notify the IRS of an amendment to your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation by filing Form 8822-B.
Can I expedite the processing of my amendment filing in Kentucky?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee when amending your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation.
Do I need to provide a reason for amending my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for amending your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation.
Can I change the registered agent in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can change the registered agent by including that information in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky.
What happens after the Kentucky Secretary of State approves my Articles of Amendment?
Once the Kentucky Secretary of State approves your Articles of Amendment, the changes will take effect immediately.
Do I need the consent of all shareholders to amend the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?
It depends on the requirements outlined in the corporation’s bylaws and state law in Kentucky.
Can I add or remove directors in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can add or remove directors by including that information in the Articles of Amendment filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
How do I obtain a copy of my amended Articles of Incorporation in Kentucky?
You can request a copy of your amended Articles of Incorporation from the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office.
Can I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation to change the corporation’s purpose?
Yes, you can amend your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation to change the corporation’s purpose by filing Articles of Amendment.
How do I know if my amendment filing in Kentucky has been approved?
You will receive a confirmation from the Kentucky Secretary of State once your amendment filing has been approved.
Can I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation multiple times?
Yes, you can file multiple amendments to your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation if needed.
What if there is a mistake in my amendment filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State?
If there is a mistake, you may need to file an amended Articles of Amendment to correct the error.
Do I need to hold a meeting of the shareholders to approve the amendment in Kentucky?
It depends on the requirements outlined in the corporation’s bylaws and state law in Kentucky.
How do I search for existing Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?
You can search for existing Kentucky Articles of Incorporation through the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.
Can I appoint a new officer through the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can appoint a new officer by including that information in the Articles of Amendment filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
How do I make a name reservation in Kentucky before filing the Articles of Amendment?
You can make a name reservation by filing an Application for Reservation of Name with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Can I change the fiscal year in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can change the corporation’s fiscal year by including that information in the Articles of Amendment filed in Kentucky.
Can I include additional provisions in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can include additional provisions by including them in the Articles of Amendment filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Can I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation if the corporation is in good standing?
Yes, you can still amend your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation if the corporation is in good standing.
How do I dissolve a corporation in Kentucky?
To dissolve a corporation in Kentucky, you must file Articles of Dissolution with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Can I amend the number of authorized shares in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can amend the number of authorized shares by including that information in the Articles of Amendment filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
What forms do I need to file alongside the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
You may need to file additional forms depending on the specific changes being made to the Articles of Incorporation in Kentucky.
Can I change the principal office address in the Articles of Amendment in Kentucky?
Yes, you can change the principal office address by including that information in the Articles of Amendment filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
Can I amend my Kentucky Articles of Incorporation?
Yes, you can amend your Kentucky Articles of Incorporation.

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In Conclusion

Amending the Kentucky Articles of Incorporation may not involve numerous steps, but the process can be more complex than it appears. It’s crucial to carefully consider any changes to ensure they do not negatively impact your business or client relationships. Before proceeding with modifications and amendments, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or legal professional for guidance.

Due to the complicated structure, forming a corporation in Kentucky might be difficult. However, after forming the corporation, managing it seems to be more difficult for many people. A frequent change may or may not occur. But, every time you make a change, you must file the amendment with Kentucky SOS. It is also suggested that you do not make changes frequently as it may affect your brand in a reverse way.

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