How to Form an LLC in Kansas in 7 Steps

How much it costs to have an LLC in Kansas can vary depending on the type of business, who is forming the LLC, and the business taxes and licenses that may apply to your business. Check the fees on the Secretary of State business website.

To register your LLC in Kansas and file your articles of organization, the fee is $160 for online filing and $165 for paper file by mail or in person.

To maintain your LLC, you must file annual reports and pay $50 to file them online and $55 to file by paper.

There are a few different kinds of LLCs you're permitted to form in Kansas.

• Single-member LLC: A single-member LLC is made up of one owner or member. For tax purposes, a single-member LLC is treated like a sole proprietorship and the owner includes the business income and expenses on their personal income tax return.

• Multi-member LLC: A multi-member LLC has two or more members or managers. There is no limit on the number of members a multi-member LLC can have. It's a common business structure for individuals looking to start a shared business, like married couples or families. The members can manage the business themselves or hire outside managers to oversee the business.

• Professional LLC: A professional limited liability company can be formed in Kansas by individuals licensed to perform a particular service. The LLC must be limited to the practice of one professional service. The formation of professional LLCs in Kansas is limited to certain professions. Some examples of professional services include certified public accountant, dentist, veterinarian, and geologist.

Instead of a certificate of formation, you can request a certified copy of your articles of organization to verify your LLC registration is valid. Any LLC formed to provide a technical professional service (architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, geology, and surveying) is required to apply for and obtain a certificate of authorization.

A certificate of good standing is a certificate issued by the Kansas Secretary of State's Office and certifies your LLC has complied with the laws of Kansas, is in good standing, and is authorized to do business in the state. You may need a certificate of good standing if you want to open a bank account for your LLC or register it in another state as a foreign LLC. You can request a certificate of good standing using the Secretary of State''s online portal.

Here's a recap of the requirements to form an LLC in Kansas:

• Choose an original name that complies with Kansas law
• Get a registered agent
• File articles of organization
• Register with the Kansas Department of Revenue and determine business taxes
• Obtain required licenses and permits (state and local)
• Apply for an EIN with the IRS

You can also use an LLC formation service to get your business up and running without the stress and hassle of doing it yourself.

The benefits of having an LLC in Kansas include:

• Limited personal liability for members for business debts and lawsuits
• Fewer reporting and recordkeeping requirements than other kinds of entities, including corporations
• Avoiding the double taxation—business and personal—of corporations if taxed as a pass-through entity
• Unlike corporations, Kansas LLCs do not have to file annual or biennial reports with the state

To maintain your Kansas LLC, you need to comply with state and local requirements and pay any applicable fees and taxes. You are required to file annual reports with the Secretary of State and pay a $50 fee to file online and $55 fee to file by paper. You also need to be sure to renew any required business licenses and permits with the appropriate agency.

Any foreign (out-of-state) LLC that wants to do business in Kansas must register with the Secretary of State. There is a $165 filing fee.

No. Articles of organization are what you are required to file with the Kansas Secretary of State to form your LLC in Kansas. An operating agreement is a contract between members of the LLC about how the business is owned and operated but is not required under Kansas law.

A “DBA" means “doing business as" and is a fictitious name your business is doing business under that is different from its registered name. You cannot apply for or register a DBA at the Kansas state level. You should check with your LLC's local city or county government office to find out if you can apply for a DBA there.

Your LLC is required to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue to determine its business tax requirements. You might also need to obtain permits or licenses through local governments, including occupational or professional licenses.

Yes. You can apply for an LLC online by filing articles of organization with the Kansas Secretary of State's online business services portal. You can also use a business formation service company to handle the application.

The mailing address for the Kansas Secretary of State is:

Kansas Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612-1594

Yes. You can use a professional service as your LLC's resident agent or registered office to protect your privacy, keep your LLC compliant, and ensure receipt of any important legal mail or notices.

A domestic LLC conducts business in the state where it is formed. A Kansas domestic LLC is formed and operates in the state of Kansas.

To register your Kansas LLC in another state or jurisdiction, visit the website for the government agency responsible for business services in that state or contact them to find out the requirements. You will likely need to obtain a certificate of good standing from the Kansas Secretary of State to submit with your foreign LLC registration.

To register a foreign LLC in Kansas, submit an Application for Registration of Foreign Covered Entity to the Kansas Secretary of State and pay the $165 fee. You must include a Certificate of Existence or Good Standing from the LLC's home state.

Before you can dissolve an LLC in Kansas, the business must be active, in good standing, and all annual reports must be filed. You file a Certificate of Cancellation with the Secretary of State. There is a $35 filing fee.

An anonymous LLC does not disclose its members' names in the articles of organization. The only states that permit the formation of anonymous LLC formation are Delaware, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming. If you want to start your business and protect your privacy, use a professional registered agent service to receive your service of process.