Starting a Business
The first steps you must take when you are starting a business are to choose the type of entity to form and to file the appropriate documentation with the Secretary of State's office. There are helpful tools, including the "Choose a Structure Wizard," on the Secretary of State's
One Stop Business Portal. You can complete and file the necessary forms through the Portal or this website.
You can check the availability of a name through an online search, in writing, or by phone at (502) 564-3490. To ensure the availability of a name, you can file an
application for reservation or renewal of reserved name.
Ongoing Obligations
Existing entities have ongoing filing obligations. All entities doing business in Kentucky, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and business trusts, must file an
annual report by June 30 of each year. Failure to file the annual report by June 30 will result in the entity being listed in bad standing with this office and could lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of authority to do business in Kentucky.
Business Changes
Entities operating in the Commonwealth must also file documentation of certain changes. Every entity formed or doing business in Kentucky is required by law to maintain a principal office, which can be located in or outside the state. All correspondence from this office will be mailed to an entity's principal office. Each entity must also designate a registered agent and registered office in Kentucky upon whom a process (such as summons and subpoenas) may be served. Service on the registered agent is deemed to be service on the entity, regardless of whether the registered agent actually forwards the notice to the entity. Any time an entity changes its principal office, registered agent or registered office, it must file a statement of change with this office.
Statement of Change of Principal Office (POC)
Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Office (RAC)
Other changes that require filings with the Secretary of State include amendments to articles of incorporation, mergers and
dissolutions. In addition, any individual or entity that conducts business under an assumed name must file a
certificate of assumed name.
Other Information
Forms,
online tools,
fees and
research resources are available on this website. For additional information, please consult the
frequently asked questions or contact the filings division:
• Phone:
(502) 564-3490
• Fax:
(502) 564-5687
• Email
• Mail: Office of the Secretary of State
Business Filings
700 Capital Ave.
P.O. Box 718
Frankfort, KY 40602