Kentucky Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Kentucky incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Kentucky

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Kentucky corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Kentucky with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate Name

The name must include the word "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. Use of the words "Engineer" or "Survey" requires approval by the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The name shall not contain language stating or implying the corporation is organized for a purpose other than that permitted by the act or the Articles of Incorporation. The corporate name must be distinguishable upon records of Secretary of State from the name of existing business entities filed with the Secretary of State. The corporation may use one of these names if another corporation consents in writing or in certain other enumerated cases.

Director information

The following are Kentucky’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Kentucky does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Kentucky does not have age requirements.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Kentucky is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Kentucky's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value can affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Kentucky. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Other filings required at time of incorporation

Some states require additional filings or steps at the time of incorporation, such as a county level filing, publishing notice of the incorporation in a local newspaper or an initial report filing. Kentucky requires the following:

• County filing. After the incorporation, one copy of the Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the county in which the corporation’s registered office is located.

Professional services businesses

Kentucky allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Kentucky corporations.

Corporate records

Kentucky corporations must keep the following with their corporate records at their principal office:

• The Articles of Incorporation and any amendments
• Bylaws or restated bylaws and any amendments
• Resolutions adopted by the board of directors creating one or more classes or series of shares, and fixing their relative rights, preferences, and limitations
• Minutes of shareholder meetings for the past three years
• Records of actions taken by the shareholders without a meeting for the past three years
• Written communications to shareholders for the past three years, including financial statements
• A list of names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• Most recent annual report

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Kentucky corporations:

• Annual report. Kentucky requires corporations to file an annual report between January 1 and June 30. The fee is $15.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Kentucky corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Kentucky
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Kentucky requires a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package  can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Kentucky recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Kentucky information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Kentucky:

• Kentucky LLC Formation