How to File Articles of Organization in Kansas

In Kansas, as in most states, the primary step in creating a limited liability company (LLC) is to file articles of organization with the state. This is an absolutely crucial document that helps define your business, so it’s important to do it correctly.

An LLC is a business entity that offers liability protection for owners, as well as pass-through taxation, much like a sole proprietorship. 

What are Articles of Organization?

The articles of organization is a legal document you need to file with the state to form your LLC. It will specify details about your company and establish your LLC as an officially registered business entity in Kansas. 

The document is similar to the articles of incorporation you would file to form a corporation instead of an LLC. 

How to File the Kansas Articles of Organization

In Kansas, the process to file articles of organization is quite simple. The crucial first step is gathering the required information about your new LLC, before proceeding with the filing itself. 

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create your new business entity: 

1. Gather the required information about your business.
   • Entity name 
   • Entity address
   • Kansas resident agent name
   • Resident office address
   • Tax closing month

2. Visit the Kansas Secretary of State website

Find Kansas’ articles of organization form here. It’s easiest to fill out the form online and file immediately, but you can also download it, fill it out and mail it in. 

3. Filling out Articles of Organization Document

If you don’t already have a KanAccess online account, you’ll need to create one to file your articles of organization online.

Once you create your account, log in and select “Kansas Business Center” from the drop down menu. Then click “Submit” to head to the Kansas Business Filing Center dashboard. Click “Kansas Business Entity Formation”. The next screens walk you through creating a Kansas Business Filing Center account. Acknowledge that you already have a KanAccess account and select your preferred method of payment (pay as you go or bill your subscriber account). 

On the next screen, select “Kansas limited liability company” and click “Continue”. You will then be brought to the online articles of organization form.

On the first page of the form, enter your desired business name. You can also choose a previously registered name either from the drop down menu or by entering your I.D. number. If this is the first time you are registering your business name, you’ll get a confirmation that the name is available or not after clicking “Continue”. 

The next several screens will ask for your resident agent information, mailing address, and organizer information.  When you reach the end of the form, you’ll be given the chance to review your entries. If everything looks correct, click “Continue”. 

On the next screen, enter any email addresses you’d like a confirmation sent to. Enter your electronic signature and click “I Agree” at the bottom. The next screen informs you that a Letter from the Office of the Secretary of State and a Certified copy of your LLC Articles of Organization filing will  be available to view and print after checkout. Click “Continue to Checkout” to be taken to the payment screen.

When filling out your articles of organization form, be sure to double-check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Maybe you’ve just moved, or use your middle initial in official documents, such as with your bank account. If you get it wrong now, changing it later can be a real pain. So accuracy is crucial. 

• File Articles of Organization – The final step in the process is to submit payment through the website’s payment screen or mail in all documentation. The filing fee in Kansas is $160 for online filings and $165 for mail in submissions.

Kansas Secretary of State Contact Info

Main website:  State of Kentucky – Secretary of State

Resources for business owners:  Kansas Business One Stop Website 

Online portal website: KanAccess

Kansas Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
785-296-4564

Business Services Division
785-296-4564
[email protected]

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Bottom Line

In Kansas, it’s relatively easy to create an LLC, but you do need to jump through a few hoops. You now have all the information you need to officially create your new business and begin your entrepreneurial journey in The Sunflower State.