Decide on the legal structure of your business. See our business tax structure page. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• C-Corporation (C-Corp)
• S-Corporation (S-Corp)
• Nonprofit

For more information, see our Tax Structure Guide!

Kansas does not require you to reserve a business name before registration, but it’s recommended to ensure your desired name is available:

• Check Name Availability: Kansas Business Entity Search
• Reserve a Business Name: Fee: $30 (online), $35 (paper).
  • File Online

Submit the necessary formation documents based on your business structure to the Kansas Secretary of State:

• LLC: File Articles of Organization.

  • Fee: $165 (online), $185 (paper).
  • File Online
  • Download Forms 

• Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation.

  • Fee: $90 (online), $100 (paper).
  • File Online
  • Download Forms

If operating under a name different from your legal business name, register a Fictitious Name (DBA) with the Kansas Secretary of State:

• Fee: $30 (online), $35 (paper).
• File Online

If your business will hire employees or sell goods, register with the Kansas Department of Revenue:

• Sales Tax Registration: Required for businesses selling taxable goods or services.
  • Register Online
• Employer Taxes: Register for withholding and unemployment taxes if you have employees.
  • Employer Registration

Certain businesses may require additional permits or licenses depending on their industry or location:

• Use Kansas's Business Filing Center to identify required licenses:
  • https://www.kansas.gov/businesscenter/

Separate your personal and business finances by opening a business bank account using:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• Formation documents or operating agreement.

• Annual Reports: LLCs and Corporations must file an Annual Report with the Kansas Secretary of State:
  • Fee: $50 (online), $55 (paper).
  • File Online

• Kansas Secretary of State – Business Filing Center: Visit here
• Kansas Department of Revenue: Visit here
• Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC): Visit here