Kentucky Business Filing Deadlines & Ongoing Requirements

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Kentucky ongoing requirements

Recurring filings

  • (LLCs, corporations and nonprofits): every year by June 30; fee $15.
  • State tax returns and payments (sales, withholding, unemployment) follow the schedule your agency assigns when you register.

Tax registration

  • Register for state taxes with Kentucky Department of Revenue. Official page
  • Business-level tax: Corporation income tax and Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET).
  • Sales tax: get a Kentucky sales and use tax permit from Kentucky Department of Revenue before you sell taxable goods. Official page
  • Remote sellers must register once sales into the state pass $100,000 a year.
  • There are no local sales taxes.
  • If you have employees, withhold Kentucky income tax from wages and register for withholding. Official page

Hiring

  • Register for unemployment insurance with Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance. The 2026 taxable wage base is $12,000 per employee; experience-rated rates run from 0.3% to 9%. Official page
  • New employers start at 2.7%.
  • Workers' compensation through Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims and private insurers. Required when: 1 employee
  • Post the required labor notices at your workplace. Official page

Formation

  • Form your LLC or corporation with Kentucky Secretary of State. Official page
  • A trade name (DBA) is registered with the County clerk.

Agencies

  • Business filings and annual reports: Kentucky Secretary of State. Official page
  • Taxes: Kentucky Department of Revenue. Official page
  • Unemployment insurance and labor rules: Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance. Official page
  • Workers' compensation: Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims.
  • Real estate licensing: Kentucky Real Estate Commission.
  • Alcohol licensing: Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
  • Child care licensing: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
  • Health facility licensing: Kentucky Office of Inspector General.

Exceptions to watch

  • City/county occupational license (City or county occupational tax office): Local governments levy occupational license taxes on net profits and payroll.
  • Cannabis: medical licensing only, regulated by Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis (Cabinet for Health and Family Services).

Checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Rules change; confirm each item with its agency.

Cities and counties in Kentucky

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