The 4 Best LLC Services in Kentucky 2023
Find the Best Service for Your LLC in Kentucky
Starting a limited liability company (LLC) in Kentucky? Hiring a business formation service makes the process easy, and lets you focus on growing your venture rather than sorting out forms.
If you choose to hire a formation service, make sure you use one that will provide comprehensive features and excellent customer support. We’ve ranked and reviewed the best LLC services in Kentucky to help with your decision.
Recommended Kentucky LLC Formation Service: Northwest
Best Kentucky LLC Formation Services
 |
Best LLC Services |
|---|---|
Northwest 4.7/5 |
HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
|
TailorBrands 4.5/5 |
BEST PREMIUM, ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE
|
ZenBusiness 4.2/5 |
|
Incfile 4.0/5 |
|
We reviewed and ranked the four best business formation services by actually forming separate LLCs with each service provider.
In this business formation services review, we’ll look at some of the best Kentucky LLC services in 2023 and share what makes them the top choice.
Best LLC Services in Kentucky:
Best LLC Service: Northwest
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent as the overall best online business formation service because of its affordability and knowledgeable customer support.
($29 + State Fees)
1. Northwest
Northwest's incorporation service starts at just $29 plus state fees; it includes LLC filing, premium registered agent services, customer privacy protection, online document dashboard, free mail forwarding, and more.
Northwest is known for its top-notch customer service; they provide their clients with Corporate Guides, who are highly trained US-based support agents. Every customer gets a Corporate Guide assigned to their specific account, so you can talk to the same person if you have any questions or concerns.
Pros
- Positive customer reviews
- User-friendly online ordering process
- No hidden fees or “free trials” that cost money later on
- Professional US-based customer service representatives
Cons
- You’ll need to pay extra fees for important small business formation features such as an EIN. Another option is to get an EIN for free on your own.
Read our full Northwest Registered Agent review to learn more.
Northwest
Northwest provides personalized, knowledgeable customer service at an affordable price.
($29 plus state fees)
2. Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands is fairly unique compared to other Kentucky company formation services. Depending on the package, it offers some powerful branding tools that can help improve your online presence.
Some of the features included in our favorite plan, the Elite package ($199 plus state fees), are an impressive logo maker, a social media post tool, and a business card creator. These tools are better than most and can make a big difference in your branding.
Pros
- Excellent premium package
- Includes powerful AI tools
- One of the best logo makers you will find
Cons
- Need to purchase the premium package to use the branding tools
Read our full Tailor Brands review to learn more.
Tailor Brands
Tailor Brands provides the best premium, one-stop shop package for entrepreneurs to form an LLC and build their online presence.
($199 + state fees)
3. ZenBusiness
The packages offered by ZenBusiness for LLC formation are all solid choices. The company even offers a $0 plus state fees package; however, ZenBusiness doesn’t give you as much as some other formation services, meaning it’s possible to get more for less from the right provider.
We particularly like Northwest Registered Agent for basic, budget business formation services and Tailor Brands for premium, brand-building services.
Pros
- Worry-free compliance included
- Has a $0 plus state fees option
- Well-known formation service
Cons
- No included registered agent service for one year
- Packages are more expensive than some competitors
Read our full ZenBusiness review to learn more.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness provides essential LLC services to help get your business up and running.
($0 + State Fees)
4. Incfile
Incfile is a popular budget-friendly option for Kentucky LLC formation providers. Its basic plan ($0 plus state fees) even includes a year of free registered agent service.
However, you don’t have the option to form a professional limited liability company (PLLC). And some reviews from clients indicate that it can be difficult to get in touch with customer service when needed.
Pros
- $0 plus state fees for basic formation services
- A year of free registered agent service is included
- Simple, quick checkout
Cons
- Customer service can be slow to respond
Read our full Incfile review to learn more.
Incfile
Incfile is one of the best LLC services if you are working with a limited budget, and want a lot of added features.
($0 + State Fees)
How to Form an LLC in Kentucky
You can start an LLC in Kentucky on your own in five easy steps:
1. Name Your Kentucky LLC
You won’t be able to form your venture until you actually name it. Be sure to follow the LLC naming rules that are outlined in the Kentucky naming requirements.
Then, make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the Kentucky Secretary of State website.
We also recommend using our LLC Name Generator tool to help secure a domain name for your company.
2. Choose a Registered Agent in Kentucky
You are required to designate a registered agent for your Kentucky LLC, which is an individual or business entity in charge of receiving legal documents, government correspondence, and more on behalf of your company.
If you form your company online through an account on the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal, you’ll gain access to all the resources you need to appoint a registered agent.
If you form a venture by mail, download the Articles of Organization, fill out the required fields and submit a physical copy to the Secretary of State. Your registered agent’s name and address will be requested in Article II.
Learn more by reading our guide on Kentucky registered agents.
3. File the Kentucky Articles of Organization
To register your small business, you will need to file Form KLC - Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Learn more with our Kentucky Articles of Organization guide.
4. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is a legal document that outlines the ownership structure and operating procedures of your enterprise in Kentucky.
Although an operating agreement is not required, it’s recommended. According to Kentucky Revised Statutes Section 275.015(21), every LLC should adopt a written or oral operating agreement to govern the company’s operating procedures.
You can read more about Kentucky LLC operating agreements in our full guide.
5. Get an EIN
You can think of an Employer Identification Number as a Social Security number for your Kentucky LLC. Get one for free through the IRS website.
FAQs
How much does it cost to start a Kentucky LLC online?
It costs $40 to form a Kentucky LLC online.
How do I file a Kentucky LLC annual report?
You can file your annual report through the Secretary of State website or by returning the annual report postcard. If filing through the website portal, you must search for your business by name.
What are some local resources to help me form a company in Kentucky?
To help you start your venture, we have identified the best resources across the state: