Kansas LLC Annual Report: Now Biennial – Complete 2025 Guide

By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist

Kansas just made life easier for LLC owners, and I’m here for it. Starting in 2024, Kansas switched from requiring annual reports every year to biennial reports every two years. That’s right—you now only need to file this paperwork every other year instead of annually.

After helping over 1,200 entrepreneurs navigate state compliance requirements, I can tell you this is one of the smartest moves I’ve seen a state make. It reduces administrative burden while still keeping the state informed about active businesses. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Kansas’s new biennial reporting system.

The Big Change: Annual to Biennial Reports

What Changed

  • Before 2024: Kansas LLCs filed annual reports every year
  • Starting 2024: Kansas LLCs file biennial reports every 2 years
  • Same information: The reports collect identical information—just less frequently
  • Same deadline structure: Still due April 15th (for most LLCs)

Why Kansas Made This Change

The Kansas Secretary of State recognized that annual reporting was creating unnecessary paperwork for businesses without providing much additional value to the state. Since most LLCs don’t change their basic information every year, filing every two years makes more sense.

My take: This is exactly the kind of business-friendly reform that makes Kansas attractive for entrepreneurs. Less paperwork = more time to focus on growing your business.

Understanding the New Biennial System

How the Cycle Works

Your filing schedule depends on when your LLC was formed:

LLCs formed in even years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.):

  • File biennial reports in even years
  • Example: Formed in 2024 → First report due in 2026, then 2028, 2030, etc.

LLCs formed in odd years (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.):

  • File biennial reports in odd years
  • Example: Formed in 2025 → First report due in 2027, then 2029, 2031, etc.

Your First Filing Timeline

If you formed your LLC in 2025: Your first biennial report is due April 15, 2027

If you formed your LLC in 2024: Your first biennial report was due April 15, 2026

Important: You always skip the first year after formation, regardless of when you formed your LLC.

Biennial Report Requirements and Costs

Filing Fees

  • Online filing: $50 (processing within 24 hours)
  • Mail filing: $55 (processing in 3-5 business days)

My recommendation: Always file online. It’s cheaper, faster, and you get immediate confirmation. There’s really no reason to use mail unless you’re uncomfortable with online systems.

What Information You’ll Need

The biennial report asks for the same basic information as the old annual reports:

  • LLC name and business entity ID
  • Current mailing address
  • Tax closing date (usually December for most businesses)
  • Names and addresses of members owning 5% or more
  • Registered agent information
  • Contact information for notifications

Pro tip: Gather this information before starting the online filing. You can’t use the back button during Kansas’s online process without getting kicked out, so having everything ready saves frustration.

Filing Deadlines and Important Dates

Standard Deadline

Most Kansas LLCs have a December tax year end, which means biennial reports are due April 15th of your filing year.

Calculating Your Deadline

The official rule: Reports are due on the 15th day of the fourth month following your tax closing month.

Common scenarios:

  • Tax year ends December 31 → Report due April 15
  • Tax year ends September 30 → Report due January 15
  • Tax year ends June 30 → Report due October 15

How early can you file? You can file as early as the first day of your LLC’s first fiscal month. For December year-end LLCs, that means you can file starting January 1st.

Grace Period and Penalties

Kansas gives you a 90-day grace period after the due date. However, if you don’t file within those 90 days, the state can administratively dissolve your LLC.

What administrative dissolution means:

  • Your LLC loses legal protection
  • You lose the right to use your business name
  • You may become personally liable for business debts
  • Your LLC cannot sue or be sued in Kansas courts

My advice: Don’t push the grace period. File on time or early to avoid any risk of dissolution.

Step-by-Step Online Filing Guide

Kansas’s online system is straightforward once you know the process. Here’s my step-by-step walkthrough:

Getting Started

  1. Go to Kansas.gov and access KanAccess
  2. Sign in to your existing account or register for a new one
  3. Navigate to the KanAccess Dashboard
  4. Select “Kansas Business Center” from the dropdown
  5. Click “Biennial Report” from the blue links

Filing Process

Step 1: Find Your LLC

  • Enter your LLC name or business entity ID
  • Click “File Biennial Report”

Step 2: Confirm Authority

  • Click “Yes” to confirm you have legal authority to file
  • This is important—only authorized persons should file

Step 3: Update Address

  • If your mailing address changed: Select “Yes” and enter new address
  • If no change: Select “No” and continue

Step 4: Member Information

  • Verify existing member information
  • Add, edit, or delete members as needed
  • Must include all members owning 5% or more
  • Important: If you change members, update your operating agreement too

Step 5: Review Everything

  • Double-check all information before proceeding
  • Use the edit links if you need to make changes
  • This is your last chance to catch errors

Step 6: Notification Emails

  • Enter email addresses for filing notifications
  • This is a security feature—you’ll be notified of any filings made for your LLC
  • I recommend including all LLC members

Step 7: Signature and Contact

  • Enter your full name in the signature box
  • Verify your phone and email are correct
  • Click “I Agree” to proceed

Step 8: Payment

  • Click “Pay by Credit Card”
  • Enter your credit card information
  • Confirm payment details and submit

After Filing

You’ll receive email confirmation when your filing is processed (usually within 24 hours). Keep this confirmation for your records.

Important: Biennial Report Reminder
Filing your Biennial Report on time is critical. In fact, the #1 reason LLCs are shut down in Kansas is failure to file their Biennial Report.

To avoid this, we strongly recommend setting up repeating reminders on your phone and computer. It’s also a good idea to keep a written reminder in a visible spot at your home or office.

Filing by Mail (If You Must)

While I recommend online filing, here’s how to file by mail if needed:

Required Form

Download Form LC50 (Kansas Business Entity Report) from the Kansas Secretary of State website.

Key Information to Include

  1. Business Entity ID: Found on your Articles of Organization or through the state’s business search
  2. LLC Name: Your complete legal name
  3. Tax Closing Date: Usually “December” and the prior year
  4. State of Organization: “Kansas” for domestic LLCs
  5. Members: Names and addresses of members owning 5% or more
  6. Signature: Your signature, printed name, and phone number

Mailing Instructions

  • Include a check or money order for $55 payable to “Secretary of State”

Mail to:
Secretary of StateMemorial Hall, 1st Floor120 SW 10th AvenueTopeka, KS 66612-1594

Processing time: 3-5 business days (no receipt mailed back)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

After working with hundreds of Kansas LLCs, here are the mistakes I see most often:

Mistake 1: Confusing the Filing Schedule

The problem: Not understanding whether you file in even or odd years

The solution: Remember—if you formed in an even year, you file in even years. If you formed in odd years, you file in odd years.

Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Tax Closing Date

The problem: Entering the current year instead of the prior year for December tax year-end

The solution: For December year-end, always use December of the PRIOR year

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Update Member Information

The problem: Not reflecting actual ownership changes in the filing

The solution: Keep your biennial report current with actual LLC ownership

Mistake 4: Missing the Filing Entirely

The problem: Forgetting about the biennial requirement since it’s not yearly anymore

The solution: Set calendar reminders for your specific filing year

Setting Up Your Compliance System

Since biennial reports happen less frequently, it’s even more important to have a good reminder system:

Calendar Reminders

  • Set a reminder for January 1st of your filing year
  • Set a backup reminder for March 1st (six weeks before deadline)
  • Include the filing instructions in your calendar notes

Document Organization

  • Keep your business entity ID easily accessible
  • Maintain current member information
  • Store previous filing confirmations

Member Communication

  • Make sure all members know about filing requirements
  • Designate one person responsible for filing
  • Keep contact information current with the state

Foreign LLCs in Kansas

If your LLC was formed in another state but does business in Kansas, you’re considered a “foreign LLC” and must also file biennial reports.

Key differences:

  • Use your original formation state in the “State of Organization” field
  • You’ll still need to maintain compliance in your home state too
  • Consider whether Kansas registration is actually necessary for your business activities

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

Missing your biennial report filing is serious business in Kansas:

Immediate Consequences

  • Loss of good standing with the state
  • Inability to obtain certificates of good standing
  • Potential personal liability for business obligations

Long-Term Consequences (After 90-Day Grace Period)

  • Administrative dissolution by the state
  • Loss of your LLC name protection
  • Inability to conduct business legally in Kansas
  • Complex and expensive reinstatement process

Reinstatement Process

If your LLC gets dissolved, you can potentially reinstate it, but it involves:

  • Filing Articles of Reinstatement
  • Paying reinstatement fees
  • Filing all missed biennial reports
  • Paying penalties and interest

Bottom line: It’s much easier and cheaper to file on time than to fix dissolution issues later.

Kansas Secretary of State Contact Information

When you need official guidance about biennial reporting:

Phone: (785) 296-4564

Website: sos.kansas.gov

Business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Central Time)

Pro tip: Call mid-morning or mid-afternoon for the shortest wait times. Avoid Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I still need to file if my LLC isn’t making money?

Yes, the biennial report requirement applies to all Kansas LLCs regardless of business activity or profitability.

What if I change my registered agent between filings?

You should update your registered agent information with the state when it changes, not wait for the biennial report. However, make sure the biennial report reflects current information.

Can I file early?

Yes, you can file as early as the first day of your fiscal year. Many business owners file in January for December year-end LLCs.

What if I forget whether I’m on an even or odd year cycle?

Check the Kansas business entity search database. It will show your formation date and filing history.

Do I need to include members who own less than 5%?

No, only members owning 5% or more must be listed on the biennial report.

Can someone else file the report for my LLC?

Yes, but they must have legal authority to act on behalf of the LLC. Make sure authorized signers are properly documented.

The Bottom Line on Kansas Biennial Reports

Kansas’s switch to biennial reporting is a win for business owners. Less paperwork, same compliance value, and more time to focus on growing your business instead of filing reports.

Key takeaways:

  • File every 2 years instead of annually
  • Due date remains April 15th for most LLCs
  • Filing schedule depends on your formation year (even vs. odd)
  • Online filing is cheaper and faster than mail
  • Missing deadlines can result in LLC dissolution

My final advice: Set up your reminder system now and stick to it. Biennial filing is easier than annual filing, but the longer gap between filings makes it easier to forget. The $50 filing fee is a small price to pay to keep your LLC in good standing and protect your business interests.

Need help with other aspects of running your Kansas LLC? I’ve reviewed all the major formation services and compliance tools to help you avoid the companies that overpromise and underdeliver. Check out my detailed service comparisons to find the best resources for your business.

This guide is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal advice. Kansas LLC requirements can change, so always verify current requirements with the Kansas Secretary of State. Consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

About Jake Lawson: With over 15 years of experience in LLC formation and state compliance, Jake has helped more than 1,200 entrepreneurs navigate changing state requirements and avoid costly compliance mistakes. He believes in making complex regulations understandable and actionable for business owners.