How to File Articles of Organization in Kentucky

In Kentucky, 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 Kentucky. 

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

How to File the Kentucky Articles of Organization

In Kentucky, 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
   • Registered agent name
   • Registered office address
   • Governing authority type
   • Effective date

2. Visit the Kentucky Secretary of State website 

Find Kentucky’s 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 Kentucky Online Gateway account, you’ll need to create one to file your articles of organization online.

Once you create your account, log in and click “Enroll” within the “Kentucky Business One Stop” box on the dashboard homepage. You will then be brought to another landing page. Choose “Use My Account” under the “Already have a KOG account?” header. On the next screen, click “Register a new business”. 

On the next page, you’ll be asked to select which type of business you are registering. Select the appropriate choices, then click the “Next” button at the bottom. 

You will then be brought to the first page of the form, which begins with a disclaimer. Read the information, click the check box, then click “Next”. The next several screens will ask for registration contact information, your business name, registered agent information, principal office address, and business representative information. You’ll also be asked to confirm the effective date of your filing and any business administrator information. Finally, enter your electronic signature. 

The last screen offers you the opportunity to review all your entered information. If everything looks correct, click “Next” at the bottom of the screen to be brought to the payment portal. 

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 Kentucky is $40.

Kentucky Secretary of State Contact Info

Kentucky Secretary of State Website

Online portal website: Kentucky Online Gateway

Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State
700 Capital Avenue
Suite 152
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 564-3490
Fax: (502) 564-5687

In Person Services available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Bottom Line

In Kentucky, 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 Bluegrass State.