Jake Lawson here. I’ve watched too many good LLCs get administratively dissolved because owners forgot about annual reports. Kentucky only charges $15, but missing the deadline can cost you thousands in reinstatement fees and lost business opportunities.
The Annual Report Reality: It’s Required, Period
Every Kentucky LLC must file an annual report to stay in good standing. No exceptions, no excuses.
What happens if you skip it? The state administratively dissolves your LLC after June 30th. Your business legally ceases to exist.
Can you fix it later? Yes, but reinstatement costs more money, takes time, and creates gaps in your business continuity that can bite you later.
My rule: File early, file every year, and set calendar reminders so you never forget.
Kentucky Annual Report Basics
Cost: $15 (unless you qualify for veteran exemption)
Due Date: Between January 1st and June 30th annually
Filing Options: Online (instant) or mail (1-7 days)
First Report Due: The year after your LLC was approved
Example timeline: If your LLC was approved anytime during 2025, your first annual report is due between January 1-June 30, 2026.
Jake’s tip: “Anytime during 2025” means January 1st or December 31st—doesn’t matter. Your first report is still due the following year.
The Smart Filing Strategy: Go Online
Kentucky offers both mail and online filing. Here’s why online wins:
Online Filing Advantages:
- Instant processing (you’re done in 10 minutes)
- Immediate confirmation via email
- No mail delays or lost paperwork
- Same $15 fee as mailing
Mail Filing Reality:
- 1-7 day processing (sometimes longer)
- No confirmation unless you check online later
- Risk of getting lost in government mail rooms
- Still costs $15
My recommendation: Unless you’re filing for a veteran exemption that wasn’t set up during formation, always file online.
Step-by-Step: Filing Your Kentucky LLC Annual Report Online
Step 1: Access the Filing Portal
Go to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s annual report filing system. Look for “Annual Report Filing Entity Selection.”
Step 2: Find Your LLC
- Enter your LLC name without the “LLC” designator
- Select your business from the search results
- Verify it’s the correct entity before proceeding
Common mistake: Including “LLC” in your search can cause the system to not find your business.
Step 3: Review Current Information
The system will display:
- Principal office address
- Registered agent information
- Current members/managers on file
Important note: You cannot change your principal office address or registered agent through the annual report. Those require separate “Statement of Change” filings.
Step 4: Update Member/Manager Information
This is where you update who owns and runs your LLC:
- Add new members or managers
- Remove people who left the business
- Update addresses or titles
- Correct any outdated information
Real-world tip: Even if nothing changed, review everything carefully. I’ve caught plenty of errors in state records during this step.
Step 5: Electronic Signature
- Enter your full name
- Select your title (Member, Manager, or Authorized Agent)
- Provide an email address for confirmation
Jake’s note: If you’re unsure about your title, “Member” works for most single-owner LLCs.
Step 6: Review and Pay
- Double-check all information
- Pay the $15 fee via credit card or electronic transfer
- Submit the filing
Processing: You’ll receive email confirmation immediately, and the filing is processed instantly.
Mail Filing: When and How
Most people should file online, but mail filing makes sense if:
- You’re claiming a veteran exemption not set up during formation
- You have technical issues with the online system
- You prefer paper documentation
Mail Filing Process:
Option 1: Use the State’s Postcard
Kentucky mails reminder postcards between January-February. If you receive one:
- Update member/manager information on the postcard
- Sign and date the bottom
- Include a $15 check payable to “Kentucky State Treasurer”
- Mail to: Secretary of State, PO Box 1150, Frankfort, KY 40602
Option 2: Print Your Own Form
- Go to the business entity search on Kentucky’s website
- Find your LLC and click on the name
- Download the annual report form under “Printable Forms”
- Complete and mail with $15 payment
Mail filing warning: You won’t receive confirmation unless you check online later. Always verify your filing was processed.
The Veteran Exemption: Free Filing for 4 Years
Kentucky’s “Boots to Business” program waives the $15 annual report fee for qualifying veteran-owned LLCs.
Qualification Requirements:
- 51% or more ownership by honorably discharged veterans or active duty personnel
- Applies to first 4 years of the LLC’s existence
- Must be designated as veteran-owned during formation OR file by mail
How to Claim the Exemption:
If designated during formation: File online normally—the system will show $0 fee automatically.
If not designated during formation: File by mail and check the “veteran-owned” box on the form.
Jake’s advice: If you qualify but didn’t designate during formation, it’s worth the mail filing hassle to save $60 over four years.
Common Kentucky Annual Report Mistakes
Mistake #1: Missing the Deadline
Consequence: Administrative dissolution after June 30th
Fix: File immediately and pay reinstatement fees
Prevention: Set calendar reminders for January filing
Mistake #2: Using Outdated Member Information
Consequence: Inaccurate state records, potential legal issues
Fix: File amended annual report or statement of change
Prevention: Review member/manager list annually, even if “nothing changed”
Mistake #3: Trying to Change Address Via Annual Report
Consequence: Wasted time—the system won’t allow it
Fix: File separate Statement of Change forms
Prevention: Understand what can and cannot be updated via annual report
Mistake #4: Not Keeping Confirmation Records
Consequence: No proof of filing if issues arise later
Fix: Always download filed reports from state website
Prevention: Save confirmation emails and download copies
What Information You’ll Need
Before starting your annual report, gather:
LLC Details:
- Exact legal name (as filed with Kentucky)
- Formation date
- State ID number (if you have it)
Current Members/Managers:
- Full legal names
- Current addresses
- Titles/roles in the LLC
Contact Information:
- Email address for confirmations
- Payment method (credit card for online filing)
Timeline and Deadlines
Filing Window: January 1 – June 30
Best Practice: File in January or February
Last Chance: June 30 (don’t wait until this date)
Penalty: Administrative dissolution after June 30
Jake’s strategic timing: I tell clients to file annual reports the same week they file personal taxes. Both are annual requirements, both are easy to forget, and grouping them creates a routine.
After Filing: What to Expect
Immediate Confirmation:
- Email receipt for online filings
- Processing confirmation within minutes
Documentation:
- Download filed report from state website
- Save confirmation email
- Update your business records
Next Year’s Reminder:
- State postcard arrives January-February
- Due date remains January 1 – June 30
Administrative Dissolution: What It Means
If you miss the deadline, Kentucky administratively dissolves your LLC. This means:
Legal Status: Your LLC ceases to exist legally
Business Operations: You lose liability protection
Banking: Accounts may be frozen or closed
Contracts: Legal standing becomes questionable
Reinstatement: Possible but costly and time-consuming
Reality check: I’ve seen clients lose major contracts because their LLC was dissolved and they couldn’t legally sign agreements. The $15 annual report seems pretty cheap compared to that.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Can I file my annual report early?”
Yes. The filing window opens January 1st. I recommend filing as early as possible.
“What if I formed my LLC in December?”
Your first report is still due the following year. Formation month doesn’t matter—it’s always due the year after formation.
“Can I update my registered agent through the annual report?”
No. Registered agent changes require a separate Statement of Change filing.
“What happens if I file late but before June 30?”
Nothing. There’s no penalty as long as you file by the deadline.
“Do I need to file if my LLC isn’t doing business?”
Yes. Even inactive LLCs must file annual reports to maintain good standing.
The Bottom Line: $15 Annual Insurance
Think of Kentucky’s annual report as $15 annual insurance to keep your LLC alive. Compared to formation costs, ongoing compliance expenses, and potential reinstatement fees, it’s the cheapest protection you’ll buy.
File early, file online, and never skip a year. Your future self will thank you when your business is still legally operational and in good standing.
Need help with other Kentucky LLC requirements? Check out my complete Kentucky formation guide and compliance checklist. I’ve guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation—including dozens in the Bluegrass State.
Jake Lawson
LLC Formation Strategist
Independent. Unbiased. No upsells. Ever.
P.S. If you’re reading this in November or December, set a calendar reminder right now for January to file your annual report. Seriously—do it now while you’re thinking about it.