How to Start an LLC in Kansas (2025 Guide)
To start a limited liability company (LLC) in Kansas, you’ll need to pick a suitable business name, choose a registered agent, and file your Articles of Organization with the Kansas Secretary of State. The cost to form an LLC in Kansas is $160.
You can do this independently, consult with a business attorney for specialized legal guidance, or join the other 65% of our readers and hire a specialized Kansas LLC formation service (recommended).
How to Form an LLC in Kansas in 5 Steps
In order to form your LLC in Kansas, there are certain steps you’ll need to complete:
- Name Your Kansas LLC
- Choose a Resident Agent
- File the Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
Step 1: Name Your Kansas LLC
To get started, you need to choose a name for your Kansas LLC.
Your business’s name should be memorable and easy to search for while also complying with the state’s naming requirements.
1. Important Naming Guidelines for Kansas LLCs:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company,” “limited company,” or one of its abbreviations (e.g., “LLC,” “LC,” “L.C.,” or “L.L.C.”).
- Your name cannot include words or terms that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (e.g., “FBI,” “Treasury,” “State Department,” etc.).
- Your name is required to be “distinguishable upon the record” from all other entity names already on file with the Secretary of State. A small difference in spelling, or even the addition of an extra letter or word, is enough to allow the name.
- In order to use certain restricted words in your name — such as “Bank,” “Attorney,” or “University” — your LLC will often need to obtain additional paperwork as well as hire an appropriately licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer.
- Names containing symbols, such as tildes (~), vertical bars (|), carets (^), and underscores (_), are not considered to be valid by the Secretary of State.
We recommend checking out the Kansas Name Availability Guidelines (click the “?” symbol) for a complete list of naming rules in this state.
2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Kansas
To check whether your desired name has already been taken by another business entity in Kansas, you can perform a business entity search on the State of Kansas website.
For more information, you can have a look at our Kansas LLC Name Search guide.
3. Conduct a Domain Name Search
It’s important at this stage to check that your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it.
Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.
FAQ: Naming a Kansas LLC
LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while still providing personal liability protection from business debts. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?
No. In general, DBAs are not required to operate a business. In Kansas specifically, the Secretary of State does not require or allow businesses to register or file for a DBA.
Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent in Kansas
After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Kansas registered agent, known in the state as a resident agent. This is an important requirement for all LLCs in Kansas.
What is a resident agent? A resident agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of your business. Think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.
Who can be a resident agent? A resident agent must be a resident of Kansas or a corporation that is authorized to operate in the state. This can include an LLC member (such as yourself), a business attorney, or a registered agent service (recommended).
Get Free Registered Agent Services
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge.
FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent
Yes. When it comes to choosing your agent, you have a lot of flexibility: you can choose to serve as your own agent, designate someone within your LLC, consult a business attorney, or engage a professional registered agent service, which is generally recommended.
Read more about being your own resident agent.
Opting for a professional registered agent service is a great way to handle your LLC’s governmental paperwork on a budget. In fact, the majority of our readers find that the benefits provided by these services greatly outweigh the annual costs associated with them.
Step 3: File the Kansas LLC Articles of Organization
To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, or by fax.
Before filing, make sure you have completed your Articles of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:
- The name of your LLC
- The name of your resident agent and their Kansas address
- The signature of an authorized person to form this LLC
File the Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With the Secretary of State
File Online– OR –
OPTION 2: File Form DL by Mail
Download FormState Filing Cost: $160 Online, $165 by Mail (Nonrefundable)
Mailing Address:
Kansas Office of the Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 SW 10th Ave.
Topeka, KS 66612
For help with completing the form, visit our Kansas Articles of Organization guide.
If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Kansas, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).
FAQ: Filing Kansas LLC Documents
The state processes your Articles of Organization immediately after receiving payment online and in approximately two days by mail.
An LLC is referred to as a “domestic LLC” when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. Non-domestic LLCs are foreign entities that are registered in one state (e.g., Texas) and operate in a different state (e.g., California).
The cost to form an LLC in Kansas is $160-$165.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a Kansas LLC.
Step 4: Create a Kansas LLC Operating Agreement
In Kansas, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it’s a good practice to have one.
An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:
FAQ: Creating a Kansas LLC Operating Agreement
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many other states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Kansas LLC
You can get an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. This is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your business.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:
- To open a business bank account for the company
- For federal and state tax purposes
- To hire employees for the company
Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.
FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.
Get an EIN
Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS
– OR –
Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax
Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
Fee: Free
FAQ: Getting an EIN
An SSN is not required to get an EIN. You can simply fill out IRS Form SS-4 and leave section 7b blank. Then call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 to complete your application.
All LLCs with employees, or any LLC with more than one member, must have an EIN. This is required by the IRS.
Learn why we recommend always getting an EIN and how to get one for free in our Do I Need an EIN for an LLC guide.
When you get an EIN, you will be informed of the different tax classification options that are available. Most LLCs elect the default tax status.
However, some LLCs can reduce their federal tax obligation by choosing the S corporation (S corp) status. To learn more, read our LLC vs. S Corp guide.
Best LLC Services in Kansas Compared
| Service | Total Cost* | Filing | Registered Agent | EIN | Operating Agreement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Northwest
TOP PICK
25% TRUiC Discount
|
$239 | $29 | Free 1st Year $125/yr after | $50 | Free |
|
Tailor Brands
35% TRUiC Discount
|
$487 | $0 | $199/yr | $99 | $29 |
|
ZenBusiness
|
$457 | $0 | $99 1st Year $199/yr after | $99 | $99 |
|
LegalZoom
|
$587 | $0 | $249/yr | $79 | $99 |
For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Services review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business.
Important Next Steps to Protect Your Kansas LLC
After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:
- Separate your personal and business assets
- Stay compliant with state and federal laws
Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.
When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.
You can protect your business with these two steps:
1. Opening a business bank account:
- Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
- Makes accounting and tax filing easier.
2. Getting a business credit card:
- Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
- Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.
Get Insurance
Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:
- General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
- Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Kansas, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance.
What This Means:
Without insurance: If someone sues your bakery for $40,000, they could take your commercial mixer and empty your business account ($25,000 total), but won’t be able to touch your house or personal savings.
With insurance: Your business liability policy could cover the $40,000 claim, meaning that both your personal and business assets would remain untouched.
That’s why many small business owners turn to providers like Next Insurance for affordable, tailored coverage. Get a free quote today.
Want to learn exactly what coverage your Kansas business may need? Read our full Kansas Business Insurance Guide.
Obtain Business Licenses If Needed
While Kansas doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.
- State-Level Licenses: Use the state’s list of licenses and permits to determine if your business is required to obtain any by the state.
- Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
- Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol or firearms or operating in the transportation industry), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s website to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.
For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Kansas Business License Guide.
If you’d rather have a service handle this step for you, we recommend checking out LegalZoom’s Business License service.
Pay Kansas LLC Taxes
Your Kansas LLC will have several key tax obligations at the state and federal levels.
Federal LLC Tax Requirements
As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.
Income Taxes
The state of Kansas imposes two types of income taxes relevant to LLC owners, depending on how they elect to be taxed. You can submit these tax returns online or by mail using the forms linked below.
- Individual Income Tax: Income tax rates for LLC owners with pass-through taxation status is 3.1% to 5.7%, depending on the size of their distribution. Each member will need to submit an individual tax return using Form K-40.
- Corporate Income Tax: Corporate income tax for LLCs taxed as C corps is imposed on total taxable income at a rate of 4% on everything below $50,000 and 7% on everything above it. You can submit a return for this tax using Form K-120.
Sales and Use Taxes
If you sell physical products, you will need to obtain a seller’s permit through the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) Customer Service Center.
This permit allows you to collect sales tax on taxable sales. You’ll pay this tax through the KDOR Tax Payment Portal at your LLC’s assigned due date.
Sales tax, also called “Sales and Use Tax,” is a tax levied by states, counties, and municipalities on business transactions that involve the exchange of certain taxable goods or services.
Read our sales tax guide to find out more.
Employer Taxes
If you have employees in Kansas, you’ll need to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax through the Kansas Department of Labor. You’ll also need to sign up for Withholding Tax through the KDOR.
Local Taxes
Some Kansas localities have their own income tax requirements that may affect your LLC, such as:
- Property taxes
- Sales and use taxes
- Transient guest taxes
Often imposed by city or county, you can determine relevant tax requirements by contacting your county assessor.
Most Kansas LLCs must file their state tax returns by April 15. For help understanding your full tax obligations — and making sure nothing gets missed — check out our full Kansas LLC Tax Guide.
Need personalized help? Schedule a free consultation with 1-800Accountant to get expert guidance from CPAs who specialize in small business taxes.
Submit a Biennial Information Report
Kansas requires all LLCs to file a biennial information report with the Secretary of State. This keeps their records updated with current information about your business entity, such as its current officers and directors, registered agent information, and tax closing date.
You’ll need to file this report every two years, which can be done either online ($100) or by mail ($110), by one of the following deadlines:
- LLCs with a calendar year tax period: Can file this report at any time after the end of their tax period by the April 15th deadline.
- LLCs with a tax period other than a calendar year: Must file an information report no later than the 15th day of the fourth month after your LLC’s tax period ends.
Note: Failure to file this report may result in your LLC losing its legal status.
To stay on top of this deadline and other important compliance tasks, we recommend hiring a professional registered agent service — they can help ensure you never miss a filing.