How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC 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.

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.

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

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.

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:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees

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.