How to Start an LLC in Kansas
Last Updated: by TRUiC Team
To form a Kansas LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Kansas Secretary of State, which costs $160-$165. You can apply online or by mail.
Follow our step-by-step How to Start an LLC in Kansas guide to get started today.
- Name Your Kansas LLC
- Choose a Registered Agent
- File the Articles of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Get an EIN
- File the Annual Report
- Keep Your Company Compliant
Learn more about LLCs and their benefits in our What is an LLC guide. To form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Set Up an LLC guide.
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Step 1: Name Your Kansas LLC
Choosing a company name is the first and most important step in starting your Kansas LLC. Be sure to choose a name that complies with Kansas naming requirements and is easily searchable by potential clients.
1. Follow the naming guidelines:
- Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
- Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
For a complete list of naming rules in Kansas, read the Kansas Name Availability Guidelines.
2. Is the name available in Kansas? Make sure the name you want isn't already taken by doing a name search on the State of Kansas website.
To learn more about searching for a Kansas LLC name, read our full guide.
3. Is the URL available? We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to make a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to 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.
We reviewed and ranked the best LLC services. Find out which is best for you.
Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent in Kansas
You are required to nominate a Kansas resident agent for your Kansas LLC. A resident agent is more commonly known as a registered agent in other states.
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 resident agent as your business's point of contact with the state.
Who can be a resident agent? A resident agent must be a resident of Kansas or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in Kansas. You may elect an individual within the company, including yourself.
Recommended: Check out these best registered agent services.
Step 3: File Your Kansas LLC Articles of Organization
To register your LLC, you will need to file the Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. This can be done online or by mail.
Now is a good time to determine whether your LLC will be member-managed vs. manager-managed.
File the Articles of Organization
OPTION 1: File Online With the Secretary of State
- OR -
OPTION 2: File Form DL by Mail
State 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 LLC to the state of Kansas, you will need to form a foreign LLC.
Step 4: Create Your Kansas LLC Operating Agreement
In Kansas, LLCs are not required to have an operating agreement, but it's a good practice to have one.
What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all LLC owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information on operating agreements, read our Kansas LLC operating agreement guide.
Recommended: Download a template or create a free operating agreement using our tool.
Step 5: Get an EIN
You can get an 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. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number 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
Step 6: File the Annual Report
Kansas requires limited liability companies to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This can be done online for $50 or by mail for $55.
Your annual report is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after your LLC's tax closing month. For example, if your tax closing month is December, your annual report will be due by April 15. Kansas dissolves LLCs after 90 days for failure to file an annual report.
Steps After LLC Formation
Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.
Visit our After Forming an LLC guide to learn more.
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant
Kansas LLC Licenses & Permits
To operate your LLC, you must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. Fees and requirements for licenses and permits will vary depending on what sort of business license you need.
Find out how to get the necessary business licenses and permits for your LLC with our Kansas Business License guide.
Recommended: Consider having a professional service research your business’s licensing requirements. Read our best business license services review.
Kansas LLC Tax Filing Requirements
In order to keep your business in good standing, it's important to stay up to date on your Kansas LLC taxes.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be required to register for one or more forms of tax.
Kansas Sales Tax
If you are selling a physical product, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Kansas' state sales tax rate is 6.5%. Cities can add an additional 2% tax for general purposes and/or 1% for "special purposes." Counties can add a 1% tax, plus an additional 1% for healthcare services.
Kansas Business Taxes
If you have employees in Kansas, you will have to register for the Unemployment Insurance Tax with the Kansas Department of Labor. You will also need to sign up for the Employee Withholding Tax through the Kansas Department of Revenue Customer Service Center.
Income Tax
State:
Iowa's graduated income tax rates range from 3.1% to 5.7%. Your rate will ultimately depend on your LLC's revenue for that tax year.
State tax returns are due each year at the same time as your federal income tax return. To calculate your tax or determine your tax bracket, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website.
Federal:
You’ll also need to report your federal income tax using either Form 1065 (multi-member LLC) or Form 1040 Schedule C (single-member LLC).
Hiring Employees in Kansas
If you plan to hire employees, stay compliant with the law by following these steps:
- Verify that new employees are able to work in the US
- Report employees as "new hires" to the state
- Provide workers' compensation insurance for employees
- Withhold employee taxes
- Print workplace compliance posters and place them in visible areas of your work space
Find more information at the Department of Labor website.
Recommended: Check out our Hiring for Your Small Business Guide for resources like sample job descriptions, payroll service reviews, and more.
Common Questions About Kansas LLCs
What is an LLC?
LLC is short for “limited liability company.” It is a simple business structure that offers more flexibility than a traditional corporation while providing many of the same benefits. Read our What is a Limited Liability Company guide for more information.
Or, watch our two-minute video: What is an LLC?
How do I name my Kansas LLC?
You must follow the Kansas LLC naming guidelines when choosing a name for your LLC:
- Include the phrase "limited liability company" or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
- Do not use words that could confuse your business with a government agency (FBI, State Department, CIA, etc.).
- Receive the proper licensing when using the words such as lawyer or doctor.
If you are having trouble coming up with a name for your LLC use our LLC Name Generator. That will not only find a unique name for your business but an available URL to match.
After you get your business name, your next step is getting a unique logo. Get your unique logo using our Free Logo Generator.
Do you need to register a DBA in Kansas?
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.
Can I be my own resident agent?
Yes. You or anyone else in your company can serve as the resident agent for your LLC.
Read more about being your own resident agent.
Is a registered agent service worth it?
Using a professional registered agent service is an affordable way to manage government filings for your LLC. For most businesses, the advantages of using a professional service significantly outweigh the annual costs.
For more information, read our article on Kansas resident agents.
What is the processing time to form my Kansas LLC?
The state processes your Articles of Organization immediately after receiving payment online, and in approximately two days by mail.
What is the difference between a domestic Kansas LLC and foreign LLC?
An LLC is referred to as a "domestic LLC" when it conducts business in the state where it was formed. A foreign LLC must be formed when an existing LLC wishes to expand its business to another state.
Read our What Is a Foreign LLC article to learn more.
How much does it cost to start a Kansas LLC?
The cost to start a Kansas LLC is $160 online or $165 by mail.
To learn more, read our guide on the cost to form a Kansas LLC.
Do I need to file my operating agreement with the state?
No. The operating agreement is an internal document that you should keep on file for future reference. However, many states do legally require LLCs to have an operating agreement in place.
How do I get an EIN if I don’t have a Social Security number?
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. Learn more here about applying as an international applicant.
What tax structure should I choose for my Kansas LLC?
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.
Do I need an EIN for my LLC?
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.
Do LLCs pay local taxes in Kansas?
Kansas has no local income taxes, meaning your LLC is only subject to state and federal income taxes.
That being said, some cities and counties impose a local sales tax that is added to the base 6.5% sales tax. Cities can add a 2% tax for general purposes and/or 1% for "special purposes." Counties can additionally add a 1% tax plus an additional 1% for healthcare services.
What is the minimum wage in Kansas?
The minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 per hour.
How often do I need to pay employees?
Kansas requires wages to be paid at least once a month, on a reliable schedule determined by the employer.
Kansas Business Resources
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