LLC Formation Compared › Kentucky
LLC formation services compared in Kentucky (2026)
The Kentucky filing fee is $40. With a registered agent, Mainstay Filing (our best overall pick) comes to $239 in year 1; the other four services range from $40 to $289.
- Official sources, checked October 20, 2026
- Prices verified October 2026
Year-1 cost of each service in Kentucky
| Service | First-year price (with agent) | Year-1 total |
|---|---|---|
| Bizee | $0 Basic package, agent free the first year | $40 |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $39 package, agent included the first year | $79 |
| ZenBusiness | $0 Starter package plus $99 agent | $139 |
| Mainstay Filing | Included | $239 |
| LegalZoom | $0 Basic package plus $249 agent | $289 |
Kentucky filing details
- State filing fee
- $40
- Formation document
- Articles of Organization - Profit Limited Liability Company (KLC)
- Filed with
- Kentucky Secretary of State
- Yearly state report
- Annual Report, every year: $15
- Registered agent
- Required. A Kentucky resident, or an entity qualified to do business in Kentucky, whose business address is the registered office. The agent signs or files a written acceptance.
Mainstay Filing
$199 + $40 state fee = $239 in year 1
- LLC formation, prepared and filed
- Registered agent, all year
- EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
- Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
- Compliance reminders and stored documents
Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
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Kentucky questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Kentucky with a service?
In year 1, from $40 (Bizee) to $289 (LegalZoom), with a registered agent and Kentucky’s $40 filing fee included. Mainstay Filing is $239.
What does Kentucky charge to file an LLC?
$40, paid to the Kentucky Secretary of State for the Articles of Organization - Profit Limited Liability Company (KLC). Every service on this page adds that fee on top of its own price.
Do I need a registered agent for a Kentucky LLC?
Yes. A Kentucky resident, or an entity qualified to do business in Kentucky, whose business address is the registered office. The agent signs or files a written acceptance.
Is the cheapest first year the cheapest LLC?
Not always. Bizee is lowest in year 1, but the agent price changes after the first year for Bizee, Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness, while Mainstay Filing stays at $199.
Sources
- KRS 275.025 (contents of articles of organization); RA/office requirements incorporated from KRS 14A.4-010; $40 filing fee per SOS fee schedule (multira state research spine): apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=39663, checked August 12, 2026
- Kentucky formation fee: Filing fee, official source read 2026-10-01: www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/Fees.aspx, checked October 1, 2026
- Kentucky Secretary of State (multira state research spine): www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/Annual-Reports.aspx, checked August 12, 2026
- Kentucky Secretary of State (multira state research spine): www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/OnlineServices/Pages/default.aspx, checked August 12, 2026
- Kentucky report due date (multira state research spine, due dates verified 714/714): apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=47075, checked August 12, 2026
- Kentucky other cost: Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET), official source read 2026-10-01: revenue.ky.gov/Forms/INSTR_Form%20725.pdf, checked October 1, 2026
- Kentucky registered agent statute (KRS 14A.4-010): apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=36549, checked October 20, 2026
Provider prices: each company’s own pages, checked October 2026 (see sources and method).