1. Does Kentucky Require an LLC Annual Report?
Yes—Kentucky requires LLCs and most registered entities to file an annual report with the Kentucky Secretary of State . The annual report helps keep your company’s public record accurate and typically confirms key details like your principal office and registered agent/office.
2. What Kentucky LLCs Must File Each Year
Kentucky yearly compliance for most LLCs is a straightforward checklist. Depending on your business setup, you’ll usually have:
Annual compliance checklist
- Kentucky Annual Report: Filed annually with the Secretary of State
- Registered Agent renewal: keep a valid agent as required under Kentucky law .
- Federal tax return (IRS): depends on LLC classification as explained by the IRS .
- Bookkeeping + records: maintain clean records to avoid issues with banks, payments, and audits
- Local licenses (if applicable): depends on city/county rules and business activity
3. What the Kentucky Annual Report Includes
Kentucky’s annual report is mainly about keeping your entity’s information accurate on the public record. Your report typically involves confirming details like:
Common details you confirm/update
- Principal office address
- Registered agent and registered office
- Officers/directors (if applicable) or members/managers (depending on entity type)
- Other contact and business record fields required by the form/online system
- Any updates needed to keep your record correct
Important: Kentucky notes you generally cannot change principal office or registered agent/office on the annual report postcard. Those changes typically require a statement of change filing instead.
4. Kentucky LLC Due Dates (June 30 Rule)
Kentucky annual reports are due by June 30 each year. In most cases, you can file during the window starting January 1 through June 30.
Good filing rhythm
- Best time to file: January–March (early, stress-free)
- Safe time: April–May (still fine)
- Risky time: mid–late June (rush + mistakes)
What causes problems?
- Waiting until the last week of June
- Outdated registered agent/principal office info
- Not saving proof of filing/payment
- Ignoring SOS notices due to inactive email/address
STAY COMPLIANT
Click the button below and our team will guide you through Kentucky annual report filing—fast and correctly.
Get Compliance Help5. Where to File + What You’ll Need
Kentucky annual reports are filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State and are commonly completed through the state’s online filing system. You can also file by mail/in person when needed.
What you should keep ready
- Legal LLC name and Kentucky organization number/entity ID
- Principal office address
- Registered agent and registered office details
- Officer/member/manager details (as required by your entity type)
- Payment method for the annual report fee
Why founders use a compliance service
- Avoid missed deadlines and status issues
- Reduce errors and rejections
- Keep clean records for banking and payment processors
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end compliance guidance | ✅ State + federal clarity | ➖ Partial | ➖ DIY-heavy |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
The Kentucky annual report is simple—but the consequences of missing it can be serious. File early, keep your registered agent active, and store proof of filing. This avoids issues with banks, payment gateways, and vendor verification.
6. How to File Kentucky Annual Report (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find your entity in Kentucky’s business database
Search your Kentucky LLC by name or organization number using the Kentucky business database so you can open the correct entity profile.
Step 2: Start the annual report filing (online recommended)
Use the Secretary of State’s online system to begin the annual report filing. Online filing is typically faster and easier to track.
Step 3: Confirm and update the required details
Confirm your principal office and registered agent/office details, and provide any officer/member/manager information required by your entity type. Make sure the details match your current setup.
Step 4: Pay the annual report fee and save proof
Pay the filing fee and download/save your confirmation (receipt + submitted report). This is useful for compliance history and banking verification.
Step 5: If you need to change principal office or registered agent, file the correct “statement of change”
If your principal office or registered agent/office changed, use the state’s required “statement of change” filing method rather than relying on the postcard.
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Set a recurring reminder for June 30 (file early in Q1 if possible)
- Keep your registered agent active and your addresses accurate
- Store your annual report confirmation and payment receipt
- If details changed, file the correct change documents (don’t rely on the postcard)
8. Fees, Penalties & Good Standing
- Annual report fee: typically $15
- Registered Agent (if using a service): commonly $50/year
- Missing June 30: can lead to administrative dissolution (domestic) or revocation of authority (foreign)
- Good standing impact: status affects banking, payment platforms, and vendor onboarding
| Compliance Item | Typical Timing | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Annual Report | Annually (file Jan 1 – June 30) | $15 |
| Registered Agent Renewal | Annually | $100–$300 |
| Federal Income Tax Return | Annually | Varies |
| Local Licenses (if applicable) | Varies by location | Varies |
9. Federal Compliance That Still Matters
1. Federal tax return (IRS)
Your federal tax filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules. Even if Kentucky’s annual report is simple, your federal compliance still matters.
2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts, hire employees, and work with payment processors. Keeping EIN records (IRS confirmation letter) helps with compliance documentation.
3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)
If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update beneficial ownership information. This is separate from Kentucky’s annual report, but it’s commonly reviewed during yearly compliance checks.
4. Other recurring federal obligations
- Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
- Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
- Maintaining clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews
10. Conclusion
The biggest takeaway: Kentucky LLCs must file an annual report, and the key deadline to remember is June 30 each year (with a filing window typically starting January 1).
With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right schedule, file the right information, and keep your business in good standing.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky annual reports are due by June 30 each year. Most businesses can file during the window starting January 1 through June 30.
The Kentucky annual report filing fee is commonly $15.
Yes. Kentucky annual reports can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s online filing system. You can also file by mail or in person when needed.
Missing the deadline can lead to serious status issues. Domestic entities may be administrative dissolution . (inactive and in bad standing until reinstated). Foreign entities may have their authority revoked.
Kentucky notes you generally cannot change principal office or registered agent/office on the annual report postcard. Those changes should be done via a proper statement of change filing.
Often, yes. The annual report is about keeping your business record accurate and maintaining good standing, not only about income.
After filing, save your confirmation/receipt and keep a copy of the submitted report in your compliance folder. This helps with banking and platform verification.