How to File an Annual Report in Kentucky

Starting a new business can be exciting, but it also involves a lot of paperwork. When you start an LLC in Kentucky, you’ll have to keep it in good standing by filing an annual report with the Secretary of State. Otherwise, you could risk losing your business or incur other penalties.

Although this process is relatively straightforward, it’s crucial to understand each step, including the information you must provide, how to amend your report if necessary, when it’s due, and how much you have to pay each year. 

So, with that in mind, let’s break down the specifics of Kentucky’s annual report filings and how they affect your business. 

What to know about an annual report in Kentucky

An annual report is simply a document outlining the names and addresses of the most important people involved in your business, including founders, officers, and registered agents. The purpose of this report is to ensure the Secretary of State has the most up-to-date information about your company. These details are also crucial so the state can send various business-related documents and correspondence to the correct addresses. 

As with most states, Kentucky requires all LLCs, corporations and other registered entities to file this report every year (sole proprietorships and general partnerships don’t file). The Secretary of State may send an annual report postcard, and you can file by mail or online any time from January 1 to June 30. 

The cost to file this report is $15, which must be submitted with the document for it to be valid. 

How to file an annual report in Kentucky

When forming your Kentucky LLC, you don’t have to worry about the annual report until the following year. Your first report is filed between January 1 and June 30 of the year after formation. For example, if you started in December, you must file your first report by June 30th of the next year. You can file online, by mail, or through a correspondence service. 

Fill out the form with the required information

If it’s your first time filing this report, you must include the following details:

• LLC name and state of organization
• Principal office address (this is what should be listed on your LLC formation form)
• Names and addresses of managers (if the LLC is manager-managed)
• Registered office address and registered agent
• Signature and Date

Each of these details will be listed on the form, whether you fill it out in person or online. When filing subsequent annual reports, all you have to do is re-confirm these details on the form. You can make changes to the names and addresses of officers, members, managers, and/or trustees on the same form. However, if you need to change the principal office address or your registered agent, you’ll have to file a separate form. 

For principal address changes, you’ll submit the Statement of Change of Principal Office Address (POC) form. 

For registered agent changes, you’ll submit the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address (RAC) form. Both statements can also be filed online.

Choose one of the filing options 

There are three ways to file your annual report: 

• Mail – Send the report and your $15 filing fee to the Office of the Secretary of State, Filings Branch, P.O. Box 718, Frankfort, KY 40602-0718. To file in person instead, visit 1025 Capital Center Drive, Suite 201, Frankfort, KY 40601. 
• Online – You can look up your business on the Secretary of State’s website and access a digital version of the form. You must also pay the fee using the site’s payment portal.
• Correspondence Service – To ensure you never forget to file your annual report, you can use a third-party correspondence service like Tailor Brands. This option is particularly helpful if you’re using the same entity as your registered agent to receive official mail on your behalf. The benefit of using a third-party service is peace of mind and added convenience. 

Paying fee

The standard Kentucky LLC annual report fee is $15. If you must file a Statement of Change form for either your principal address or registered agent, you must also pay a $10 fee for each form. Veteran-owned LLCs are exempt from the annual report fee for their first four years (KRS 14A.2-060). 

Make sure to file on time

All businesses have from January 1st to June 30th to file their annual report. Although this may seem like a long time, the deadline can approach faster than you might think. It’s never a good idea to file the report at the last minute. 

Also, keep in mind that you can make changes and adjustments to your annual report filings after the fact. While you have to pay a separate filing fee each time (an amended annual report costs $15), it’s better than missing the deadline. 

What Happens if you fail to file on time?

While the annual report may seem like a minor formality, it’s necessary to keep your business in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State. If you file late, you could put your business at risk. Here’s what you can expect: 

• Late Fines and Fees – Kentucky does not charge a late fee for filing the annual report beyond the June 30th deadline. Instead, if you miss June 30, the Secretary of State mails a notice, and you have 60 days from that notice to file and bring your LLC back to good standing. 
• Dissolution of Your Business – If you don’t file within 60 days of the notice, the Secretary of State will administratively dissolve your Kentucky LLC (KRS 14A.7-020). For a foreign LLC registered in Kentucky, the state revokes its authority to do business instead. If this happens, you must file paperwork to reinstate your business. Reinstatement costs a $100 penalty plus all past-due annual report fees, and the state also obtains a good-standing letter from the Department of Revenue. 

Final thoughts

Overall, filing an annual report for your LLC doesn’t have to be a headache or chore. You can use a compliance service, thus making sure your business is in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State. Don’t let the paperwork jeopardize your LLC and get the peace of mind you deserve. 

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