Lookup Business Entity | Form Corporation | FAQ
When forming a Kentucky business, the first thing you should do is conduct a Kentucky business search. The Secretary of State of Kentucky keeps track of all Kentucky business entities that are active or have dissolved. The website is free to use and makes it simple to locate current firms and determine whether a company name is available. The Kentucky Secretary of State’s website can be used to look for businesses in Kentucky.
| Official Website: | https://www.sos.ky.gov/bus/business-filings/Pages/default.aspx |
| Address: | P.O. Box 718, 700 Capital Ave., Suite. 156, Frankfort, KY 40601 |
| Telephone: | 1(502) 564-3490 |
| Fax: | 1(502) 564-5687 |
| Working Hours: | 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday |
Kentucky Business Search Shortcut
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How To Lookup An Entity In Kentucky
Kentucky Secretary of State Business Search By organization name or number
- Visit the Kentucky Secretary of State Business Search web page.
- Fill in the form with the organization’s name and number.
- A list of businesses will be shown. Those shown in green are active, while those marked in red are, of course, inactive. To learn more about a company’s filing history and specific business information, click on its name.
- You will be able to file yearly reports or update information here if the business is active. Otherwise, you’ll be able to look up the organization’s filing history as well as general information like the number, activity history, and founding organizers/incorporators.
Kentucky Secretary Of State Business Search By Founding/Current Officers and Directors
Although typing their names into any of the windows will provide you access to the business information of the firms for which they work, this is primarily a process of obtaining information on officers and directors.
- If you want to search by founding officer, go to the business search web page. Fill in the blank fields with the individual’s name.
- You’ll see a list of the firms they work for and the titles they hold. The organization’s number and status will also be shown. You may get information about any firm by clicking on its name.
Kentucky Secretary Of State Business Search By Registered Agent
- You can use the search box on the page to look for the registered agent of a firm if you know who they are.
- You will see a list of companies that the registered agent in question represents. By selecting the business name, you will be taken to the entity’s filing history, as well as the ability to file a yearly report or edit any information.
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Steps To Forming A New Corporation In Kentucky
1. Your company’s name
The name of your corporation must be distinct from that of other corporate names that are currently on record with the Kentucky Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
By checking the Kentucky business name database, names may be examined for availability. By submitting an Application for Reservation of Name to the Kentucky Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Commercial Services, you can reserve a name for six months.
2. Select a Registered Agent in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky requires every business to have an agent for legal process serving. If a company is sued, this person or business consents to take court documents on the company’s behalf. An entity with a certificate of power to conduct business in Kentucky such as Northwest Registered Agent and GoDaddy, a Kentucky resident, a Kentucky company, or a foreign entity may serve as a registered agent.
3. The Articles of incorporation should be filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State
The articles must contain the following information: the corporation’s name; its intention; the number of shares it is permitted to issue; the name and address of the agent receiving service of process; the name and address of the resident agent receiving service of process; and the names and addresses of all incorporators.
4. Obtain an EIN and complete the corporate bylaws
Obtaining an employer identification number (EIN) is required for your business. For taxation reasons, this identification number serves as the corporation’s Social Security number. Among other things, it enables you to recruit staff and create a company bank account. The IRS website has an online application that you may use to get an EIN. You will require this number for future documents and to file your company’s tax filings, so keep a record of it.
The fundamental guidelines for running your organization are outlined in the bylaws, which are internal corporate documents. They are not reported to the government. Corporate bylaws are not legally needed for your company, but you should nonetheless adopt them since they define how your company will operate and demonstrate to lenders, creditors, the IRS, and other parties that your company is genuine.
5. Organize an Organizational Meeting
The first corporate directors are chosen by the incorporator and serve on the board up until the inaugural annual shareholder meeting. At the first board meeting, the directors pick corporate officials, choose a corporate bank, establish the corporation’s fiscal year, approve the issuing of shares of stock, and adopt a formal stock certificate form and official seal.
6. Create a business bank account
You must keep your personal and business money separate to preserve the liability protections earned by registering your firm. The best method to achieve this is to open a business bank account.
7. Apply for business licenses or permits that are required
Take time to investigate any necessary permissions or licenses to maintain your new firm on the legal straight and narrow. Depending on the type of company services you offer, the county or city where your firm is situated, and if you employ people, different permissions and licenses may be required.
8. Organize a shareholder meeting every year
The number of shares issued should be stated in the company’s annual report. Most firms offer certificates to shareholders stating their shares, even though it is not usually necessary. Stock can be privately or publicly issued. Typically, founders, management, workers, or a small group of investors receive privately issued shares. A public corporation offers some of its equity shares for sale to the general public.
9. Annual Report
Return the Annual Report Postcard to file an annual report, filing in person, mailing a printed report, or filing online.
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Frequently Asked Questions On Kentucky Secretary Of State Business Search
Is it necessary to submit an annual report in Kentucky?
Nonprofits in Kentucky are required to file annual reports every year, whereas, profit businesses are required to file every two years. The Kentucky.gov website has annual report forms.
In Kentucky, how can you reserve a business name?
The Secretary of State allows businesses to reserve a name for up to 120 days. A $15 filing fee is required to be submitted with the Kentucky name reservation form.
Who serves on the board of directors?
At least one director must be chosen to serve on the board of directors of a corporation. The board, on the other hand, is usually made up of multiple members. The precise figure will be specified in the corporation’s bylaws. Shareholders elect board members at the annual meeting. The bylaws also specify how long the director’s tenure will last. The board of directors is in charge of establishing broad goals for the firm, analyzing financial information, managing and molding the company’s public image, and measuring and evaluating the company’s performance.
What is the best way to get in touch with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Business Filings Division?
You can get in touch with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Business Filings Division via phone or online submission.