Forming an Kansas LLC

(2025 Guide)

2025 LLC Guide

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How to Start an LLC in Kansas (Step-by-Step Guide)

Discover how to start an LLC in Kansas, our step-by-step guide. Learn the essential requirements and process to form your business today.

To establish an LLC in Kansas, you need to submit the Articles of Organization to the Kansas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $160, and approval is typically granted within one day.

There are five essential steps to complete:
Choose an LLC Name
Select a Registered Agent
File Articles of Organization
Create an Operating Agreement
Obtain an EIN

For those interested in setting up an LLC independently, we offer a complimentary guide below. Alternatively, if you prefer professional assistance, we suggest engaging Northwest Registered Agent.

Need to save time?

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

How much does it cost to establish an LLC in Kansas?

The initial cost is $160, followed by a $50 annual fee.

What do these fees cover? The $160 fee is for filing the Articles of Organization, which officially forms the LLC. The $50 yearly fee is for the Annual Report, a required submission to maintain your LLC’s active status. For more details on LLC costs, refer to LLC Costs in Kansas.

How long is the process to obtain an LLC in Kansas?

Filing by mail results in approval within 2-3 business days, plus mailing time. However, online filings are approved instantly. Check How long does it take to get an LLC in Kansas for any potential delays.

Here are the steps to forming an LLC in Iowa

1. Search Your LLC Name

Begin by checking the availability of your desired LLC name in the state.

This is crucial, as no two businesses in the state can share the same name. First, conduct a search of your business name and compare it with existing businesses in the state. You can confirm the uniqueness of your desired LLC name using the Kansas Business Center: Name Availability Status.

Next, get acquainted with the state’s naming rules to ensure your LLC name gets approved. We’ll provide more details on these steps here: Kansas LLC Name.

Note: 

Most people choose “LLC”.

2. Select a Kansas Registered Agent

The following step involves selecting a Registered Agent. A Kansas Registered Agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal mail and state notices on behalf of your Kansas Limited Liability Company.

Who is eligible to be an LLC Registered Agent? You have three options for appointing a Registered Agent:

You
A friend or family member
A Registered Agent Service

Kansas mandates that LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical street address within the state. PO Boxes are not permissible. The name and address of the Registered Agent will be included in public records.

If you lack an address in Kansas or desire increased privacy, you can opt for a Registered Agent Service for your LLC.

We suggest Northwest Registered Agent

One of the aspects we appreciate most about Northwest is their willingness to allow you to use their office address for your LLC filing. This ensures your personal address is not listed in public records.

Additionally, they provide a service to scan any mail addressed to your LLC and upload it to your online account. Northwest offers exceptional customer service, and we trust them as our own Registered Agent.

Special offer: 

Form your LLC with Northwest for $39 + state fee and get a free year of Registered Agent service.

(Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.)

3. Submit Articles of Organization

To establish an LLC, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Kansas Secretary of State.

Filing online incurs a $160 fee. This is a one-time charge to set up your LLC. If you prefer to handle this yourself, refer to our step-by-step guide: Kansas Articles of Organization. Alternatively, you have the option to hire a company to complete the process for you.

Need to save time? 

Form your LLC with Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee).

(See why Northwest is #1: Northwest vs LegalZoom.)

4. Draft an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC Operating Agreement acts as a complementary document to the Certificate of Formation. While the Certificate of Formation establishes your LLC, the Operating Agreement identifies the owners of the LLC.

Moreover, many banks require an Operating Agreement when setting up an LLC bank account. It is also invaluable if legal issues arise, as it demonstrates the proper management of your LLC. For these reasons, we advise all LLCs, including Single-Member LLCs, to have an Operating Agreement.

Additionally, an Operating Agreement is considered an “internal document.” This means you don’t need to file it with the state or the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Simply keep a copy with your business records. You can download a free template below. Then, watch our Kansas Operating Agreement video for a step-by-step guide on how to complete it.

Download a free LLC Operating Agreement:

Member-managed: Google Doc | Word | PDF
Manager-managed: Google Doc | Word

(What’s better? See Member-managed vs Manager-managed LLC)

5. Obtain an EIN for Your LLC

The following step is to secure a KansasEIN from the IRS for your LLC. Note: An EIN, also known as a Federal Tax ID Number or Federal Employer Identification Number, is essential.

An EIN is needed to:
– Identify your LLC for tax purposes
– Open a business bank account
– Apply for business licenses and permits

How much does an EIN cost? The IRS provides an EIN at no charge.

How long does it take to receive an EIN? Online applications are processed in 15 minutes, while mail or fax applications may take 1-3 months.

How can I obtain an EIN?
– US Citizens/Residents: With an SSN or ITIN, apply online. Follow these instructions: Apply for an EIN online.
– Non-US Residents: You can’t apply online, but you can obtain an EIN via fax or mail. See these instructions: How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN.

What should I do after my LLC is approved?

Once your LLC is approved, there are a few more actions to take.

Open an LLC business bank account


It’s essential to set up a business bank account for your LLC. This simplifies accounting and record-keeping for your business finances. Additionally, a separate business account helps maintain your personal liability protection by keeping business finances distinct from personal ones.

Get business licenses and permits


Fortunately, Kansas does not require a state general business license. However, depending on your LLC’s location, you might need a local business license or permit. For instance, opening a daycare may require a city or county business license. More information is available on our Kansas Business License page.

File your LLC Annual Report


Every Kansas LLC must submit an Annual Report each year. This report ensures your LLC remains in good standing with the state. What is the cost of a Kansas Annual Report? The filing fee is $50 annually. When is the Annual Report due? Reports are due on the 15th day of the 4th month after your tax closing month. For example, if your tax closing month is December (common for many), your report is due by April 15th of the following year. When is the first report due? The first Annual Report is due the year after your LLC’s approval. For example, if approved on February 2, 2025, your first report is due by April 15, 2026. How do you file the Annual Report? You may file online or by mail, though online filing is recommended for ease. Follow our detailed guide here: Kansas LLC Annual Report.

File and pay taxes


LLCs themselves don’t pay federal taxes; instead, the members pay taxes for the LLC as part of their personal tax returns. How is an LLC taxed? The IRS taxes your LLC based on the number of owners: A Single-Member LLC is treated like a Sole Proprietorship, while a Multi-Member LLC is taxed as a Partnership. Alternatively, you can request the IRS to tax your LLC as a C-Corporation or S-Corporation. Besides federal taxes, remember there are also state and local income taxes, as well as sales tax. Find out more in Kansas LLC Taxes.

Helpful Resources

How to Start an LLC in Iowa FAQs

Can I establish an LLC online in Kansas?

Absolutely, you can file your LLC online. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $160. When you set up your LLC online, it receives immediate approval.

A primary advantage of an LLC is safeguarding your personal assets. This means that if your business faces a lawsuit, your personal assets—such as your home, vehicles, and bank accounts—remain protected. This protection covers every LLC owner, known as an LLC Member. Whether you have a Single-Member LLC or a Multi-Member LLC, all owners are shielded from business debts and liabilities. This protection isn’t available if you run a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership, where owners lack protection in lawsuits. Consequently, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) are a more favored business structure.

Another advantage is LLC pass-through taxation. This implies the LLC itself does not pay federal income taxes. Instead, the profits “pass through” to the LLC Members, who then pay taxes on their personal tax returns. State income taxes follow a similar pattern since the Kansas Department of Revenue acknowledges the federal tax treatment of your LLC. For more details, please refer to How are LLCs taxed.

Whether Kansas is suitable depends on your residence and business location. If you reside or conduct business in Kansas, you should establish your LLC there. Although many online sources discuss tax rates and state advantages, these are irrelevant if they don’t pertain to your state of residence and business.

For instance, if you create an LLC in Wyoming but live and operate in Kansas, you will need to register your Wyoming LLC in Kansas (and incur additional fees). You will still be subject to Kansas taxes, leading to increased costs and complications without benefits. In conclusion, if you live and conduct business in Kansas, it is a good state for starting a business. If not, it isn’t advisable.

Real estate exception: If you buy real estate outside Kansas, form your LLC in the state where the property is located. For more information, please see Best State to Form an LLC.

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