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Kentucky Business License Basics

By: Startup 101
Last Updated: November 15, 2024

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Registering your business in Kentucky is the first concrete step towards making your business idea a reality. While this process can be lengthy, it can be made more manageable when you understand the requirements and have a clear action plan.

From deciding on your business structure to obtaining the necessary licenses, each step of the registration process plays a role in establishing a business that is legal to operate in Kentucky. By following our guide, you’ll be prepared to navigate the paperwork, meet regulatory requirements, and set up your business quickly.

Related: Starting A Business In Kentucky Checklist

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

The first step in registering a business in Kentucky is selecting a business structure (also called a business entity). A business structure is the way a business is legally organized to conduct business. This decision defines how your business operates, pays taxes, and the owners’ personal liability, so choosing the right one for you is important.

To get a better understanding of the options, let’s look into the four main types of business entities, which include the sole proprietorship, general partnership, corporation, and Limited Liability Company (LLC), and discuss their differences, pros, and cons.

Related: Comparison of Business Structures

Sole proprietorship

This is the simplest business structure in which you, as the owner, solely own and operate the business. Under this structure, the owner and business are legally considered the same.

Pros

  • It is easy to set up and has the lowest cost. As a sole proprietor, there is no entity to register; however, if you want to operate under a specific business name, a DBA (Doing Business As), will need to be registered.
  • Complete control over the business
  • Simplicity of pass-through taxation (profits are taxed on your personal income tax return)

Cons

  • Unlimited personal liability (you’re personally responsible for all the business’s debts and liabilities)
  • Limited access to funding
  • Potential difficulty in transferring ownership

Related: How to Start a Sole Proprietorship in Kentucky

General Partnership

A partnership involves two or more people sharing ownership and management of a business. Each partner contributes resources and shares profits, losses, and liabilities.

Pros

  • Easy to establish and low cost
  • Shared decision-making and responsibilities
  • Pass-through taxation

Cons

  • Unlimited personal liability for each partner
  • Potential for conflicts between partners
  • Potentially difficulty in transferring ownership

Corporation

A corporation is a separate legal entity from its owners (shareholders) and offers limited liability protection. It’s more complex and costly to set up and maintain than other structures. Licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants can choose the Professional Corporation (PC), a special type of corporation.

Pros

  • Limited liability protection for shareholders
  • More options for funding
  • Transfer of ownership is more straightforward

Cons

  • Double taxation (profits may be taxed at the corporate level, and dividends are taxed on shareholders’ personal income tax returns)
  • Higher setup and maintenance costs
  • More complex regulations and reporting requirements

Related: How to Form a Kentucky Corporation

Limited Liability Company (LLC): 

An LLC combines the limited liability protection of a corporation with the pass-through taxation and simplicity of a sole proprietorship or partnership. Similar to the corporation, licensed professionals can form a Professional Limited Liability Company or Professional Limited Company.

Pros

  • Limited liability for the owners (members) personal assets
  • Pass-through taxation
  • Flexibility in management structure

Cons

  • More complex and costly to establish than a sole proprietorship or partnership
  • Limited access to funding compared to corporations
  • State-specific regulations and requirements

Related: How to Form a Kentucky LLC

Step 2: Select a Business Name

Selecting a name for your Kentucky business is the next step for many businesses in the registration process. The requirements vary based on your business structure:

Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships:

If you plan to operate under a name different from your full legal name (for sole proprietorships) or the full names of all partners (for general partnerships), you’ll need to obtain a Kentucky Certificate of Assumed Name. This is also known as a Doing Business As (DBA) or Fictitious Business Name.

For example, if John Smith, a sole proprietor, wants to operate his handyman business as “Smith’s Home Repairs” instead of “John Smith,” he would need to file for a Certificate of Assumed Name.

Corporations and LLCs:

When forming a corporation or LLC in Kentucky, you’ll select your business name during the formation process, and the name must be unique. Conducting a Kentucky business name search before submitting the formation documents is advisable to avoid potential delays.

Step 3: Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

A Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses for tax purposes.

Do You Need an EIN?

You’re required to obtain an EIN if:

  • Your business has employees
  • Your business is structured as a corporation, partnership, or multi-member LLC

Note: A sole proprietorship or single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner’s Social Security Number for tax purposes but may still choose to obtain an EIN.

How to Apply for a FEIN

Step 4: Professional Licensing

Kentucky regulates various professions, so if your business will offer professional services, you may need to obtain specific licenses or certifications before you can legally operate.

Professions Requiring Licensing

A wide range of professions in Kentucky require professional licensing, including but not limited to:

  • Detectives
  • Cosmetologists
  • Barbers
  • Architects
  • Massage Therapists
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Accountants
  • Nurses
  • Electricians

Additional information, fees, and licensing requirements for professions are available from the Kentucky Office of Occupations & Professions.

Step 5: Kentucky Tax Registration

Many businesses in Kentucky require filing for the Kentucky Tax Registration Application. This registration allows businesses to obtain tax account numbers, sales tax permit, forms, and instructions for collecting and remitting various taxes, such as sales, income, and employer withholding.

Businesses that typically need to register for Kentucky taxes include:

  • Retail businesses
  • Restaurants
  • Service businesses
  • Manufacturing businesses
  • Professional services
  • Non-profit organizations

Whether a business needs to register depends on factors like gross revenue, number of employees, and industry. The Kentucky Department of Revenue website provides information about the registration process, required documents, and filing options.

Step 6: Resale Certificate

A Kentucky Resale Certificate is a common registration for businesses that purchase goods for resale. This certificate, also known as a sales tax exemption certificate, can be obtained after completing the Tax Registration and allows retailers to buy inventory without paying sales tax, provided these items are intended for resale to customers.

Step 7: Local Business Licenses

While Kentucky doesn’t require a general state-wide business license, many cities and counties have their own licensing requirements. These local licenses, often called City Occupational Licenses, are typically necessary for businesses operating within city or county limits.

Below are a few examples of cities in Kentucky that have licensing requirements.

  • Lexington-Fayette County: Requires an Occupational License from the Division of Revenue.
  • Bowling Green: The City of Bowling Green’s Finance Department handles licensing for businesses within city limits or annexes.
  • Owensboro: Requires an Occupational License, with additional registrations for specific business types.
  • Covington: Businesses must obtain an Occupational License, which can be obtained by the City of Covington’s Finance Department.

Before starting your business, always check with your local city or county government for specific requirements in your area.

Step 8: Local Building & Zoning Permits

Understanding and complying with local building and zoning requirements is an important step when setting up a business in Kentucky. These regulations vary by city and county, so before committing to a property purchase or lease, check with your local government offices.

Key Considerations:

  1. Zoning Laws: These determine where certain types of businesses can operate. For example, a manufacturing business may typically not be allowed in a residential area.
  2. Certificate of Occupancy: This document certifies that your building is in compliance with local codes and is safe for occupancy. It’s typically required before you can open for business.
  3. Building Permits: If you’re planning to construct a new building or make significant renovations, you’ll likely need building permits.
  4. Signage Regulations: Many areas have rules about the size, placement, and type of business signs allowed.
  5. Parking Requirements: Some localities have minimum parking space requirements based on the type and size of your business.
  6. Home-Based Businesses: Check local regulations if you plan to operate from home. For instance, in Louisville, home occupations are allowed in residential areas but must meet certain criteria, such as not changing the property’s residential character.
  7. Accessibility: Ensure your location complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

Requirements vary significantly between localities, so be sure to consult with your local planning and zoning department early in your business planning process to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.z-ics snippet=”1How-To-Register-A-Business—License-Service”]

Take the guesswork out of figuring out what licenses and permits are required to start your business with license research packages from Bizee and LegalZoom.

For only $99, you can save a lot of time and know your business complies with local, state, and federal requirements.


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