How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Kansas?

The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Kansas is $160. This fee is paid to the Kansas Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.

We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.

How Much Does an LLC Cost in Kansas?

Kansas LLC Online Filing Fee: $160

The main cost to start an LLC in Kansas is the $160 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Kansas Secretary of State.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Kansas

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Kansas, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Kansas.

The cost for registering a Kansas foreign LLC is $165. You can register a foreign LLC in Kansas by filing an Application for Registration of Foreign Covered Entity (Form FA).

Optional LLC Formation Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation

Reserve your name for up to 120 days months prior to LLC formation by filing an LLC Name Reservation Form (Form NR) and paying the $30 online or $35 mail filing fee.

Ready to Start Your Kansas LLC?

Read our LLC formation services review to choose the best service for you.

Kansas LLC Annual Fees

When forming your limited liability company (LLC) in Kansas, it is important to understand the ongoing costs associated with maintaining an LLC. 

By taking these costs into account, you can estimate the total expenses of running an LLC in Kansas.

Here are the primary ongoing costs for a Kansas LLC:

  • Resident Agent Fee: Kansas requires every LLC to have a registered agent, also known in the state as a resident agent. The resident agent is responsible for accepting legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC. If you hire a professional service, fees could be up to $200 per year.
  • Annual Report: LLCs in Kansas are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. The filing can be done online or by mail, with a fee of $50 (online) or $55 (mail-in).

How to Register a Kansas LLC Yourself

Forming your own LLC in Kansas is an achievable endeavor that you can handle independently. Just follow the seven steps outlined below.

Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.

Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Kansas

Step 1: Name Your Kansas LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: File the Annual Report
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Step 1: Name Your Kansas LLC

When you name your Kansas LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

  1. Is available for use in the state of Kansas
  2. Meets Kansas naming requirements
  3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Kansas guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Kansas.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

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 create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Find a Domain Now

Step 2: Choose a Resident Agent

All LLCs in Kansas must appoint a resident agent. A resident agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Kansas resident agent must:

  • Be at least 18 years or older
  • Have a physical address in Kansas
  • Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Recommended: Get a free year of registered agent services when you hire Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC. $29 (plus state fees).

Get Started

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Kansas Form DL - Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Kansas Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $160 online and $165 by mail.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Kansas Articles of Organization guide.

File the Kansas Articles of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With KanAccess

File Online

- OR -

OPTION 2: File Form DL by Mail

Form DL


State Filing Cost: $160 online, $165 by mail, payable to the Secretary of State

Mailing Address:
Kansas Office of the Secretary of State
Memorial Hall, 1st Floor
120 S.W. 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Kansas LLCs, 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 business 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.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

Free EIN: You can get an EIN from the IRS website (free of charge) after forming your business.

Step 6: File the Annual Report

Kansas requires LLCs 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.

Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant

Here are some points to bare in mind when operating an LLC in Kansas. Ensuring you comply with these requirements should be one of your most important priorities:

  • Kansas LLC Licenses & Permits: All LLCs must comply with federal, state, and local government regulations. The types and costs of licenses and permits will vary based on your business activities. Refer to our Kansas Business License guide to understand the specifics for your LLC. For comprehensive understanding and management of your licensing needs, it's recommended to use a professional service.
  • Kansas LLC Tax Obligations: Keeping abreast with your Kansas LLC taxes is vital for maintaining your business in good standing. Depending on your business, you may need to register for various state taxes. 
    • Sales Tax: Kansas has a state sales tax of 6.5% and allows additional local taxes to be levied. Businesses selling physical goods usually need to register for a seller's permit.
    • Employer Taxes: If you have employees in Kansas, it's necessary to register for Unemployment Insurance Tax with the Kansas Department of Labor. Registration for Employee Withholding Tax via the Kansas Department of Revenue is also required.
    • Income Tax: State taxes in Kansas are graduated and range from 3.1% to 5.7% based on your LLC's income. To estimate your tax or find your tax bracket, visit the Kansas Department of Revenue website. In addition to state taxes, federal income tax must also be reported using either Form 1065 or Form 1040 Schedule C.
  • Hiring Employees in Kansas: When planning to hire employees, ensure that you verify their eligibility to work in the US, report new hires to the state, provide worker's compensation insurance, handle employee tax withholdings, and display workplace compliance posters prominently.

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.

Kansas LLC Cost FAQ

What is the cost to form an LLC in Kansas?

The cost of forming an LLC in Kansas involves a few steps. The main expense is the filing fee for the Articles of Organization, which is $160 if you file online and $165 if you file by mail. 

Additionally, if you wish to reserve a name for your LLC before filing the Articles of Organization, there is a cost of $30 for online filing or $35 for mail filing. There are also ongoing costs, such as the annual report fee of $50 for online filing or $55 for mail filing.

What paperwork is required to form an LLC in Kansas?

To form an LLC in Kansas, the primary document you'll need to file is the Articles of Organization. This form outlines the key details of your business, such as its name, purpose, and the details of the registered agent. This paperwork is to be filed with the Secretary of State.

How can I file the paperwork for forming an LLC in Kansas?

You have the option of filing the Articles of Organization either online or by mail with the Secretary of State. Note that filing online typically takes less time and has a shorter turnaround time.

Do I need a registered agent to form an LLC in Kansas?

Yes, a registered agent, also known as a resident agent in Kansas, is required when forming an LLC in Kansas. The registered agent is the person or entity who agrees to receive legal papers on behalf of your LLC in case of a lawsuit.

Does the registered agent need to officially consent to serve in this role?

No, in Kansas, neither the initial registered agent nor any new registered agent is required to officially consent to serve in this role.

What is a DBA and do I need one for my LLC in Kansas?

DBA stands for "doing business as." In some states, companies need to register a DBA if they will be operating under a different name than the one registered as the LLC. In Kansas, there is no option for an LLC to register a DBA.

What is the annual report fee for an LLC in Kansas?

The annual report fee for an LLC in Kansas is $50 online and $55 by mail. This is a recurring cost that LLCs must pay every year.

What is the process for maintaining state compliance for my Kansas LLC?

Maintaining state compliance for your LLC in Kansas primarily involves filing an annual report. There are no state compliance fees in Kansas outside of the annual report fee.

How can I check if the name I want for my LLC is available?

In Kansas, you can use the Business Entity Search on the Secretary of State's website to check if the name you want for your LLC is available. There are no additional fees associated with this name availability search.

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