How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Kansas?

Kansas LLC Online Filing Fee: $160

The main cost to start an LLC is the $160 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Kansas Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Kansas Annual Report Fee: $50

Kansas requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.

You can submit this form through the Kansas Secretary of State website or by mail. The filing fee is $50 online and $55 by mail.

Registered Agent Fee

In Kansas you can be your own registered agent (known in Kansas as a resident agent), but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Kansas Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Kansas

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Kansas, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Kansas.

The cost for registering a Kansas foreign LLC is $165. You can register a foreign LLC in Kansas by filing an Application for Registration of Foreign Covered Entity (Form FA).

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Kansas. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Kansas business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days months prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation Form (Form NR) and paying the $30 online or $35 mail filing fee.

Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Kansas business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $15 plus $1 for each page.

Certificate of Good Standing:
Also known as a Kansas certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $10 online fee or $15 mail fee. A certificate of good standing is often required by banks and lending institutions.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Kansas

Step 1: Name Your Kansas LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Kansas LLC

When you name your Kansas LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Kansas
2. Meets Kansas naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Kansas guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Kansas.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent

All LLCs in Kansas must appoint a resident agent. A resident agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Kansas resident agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Kansas
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Kansas Form DL - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Kansas Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $160 online and $165 by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Kansas Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Kansas LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Kansas LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees