Kentucky LLC Taxes

State entity taxes

Franchise / privilege tax: Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET): $175 minimum if Kentucky receipts > $3M.

State income tax on members: Kentucky taxes its residents on personal income. Members pay Kentucky state income tax on their share of LLC pass-through income at ordinary rates.

Federal taxation

By default, single-member LLCs are disregarded entities and report on Schedule C of the owner’s personal return. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (partnership). Either may elect S-Corp or C-Corp tax treatment via Form 2553 or Form 8832.

Sales tax

If your Kentucky LLC sells tangible goods or certain taxable services, you generally need a state sales tax permit. Check the Kentucky Department of Revenue / Taxation for the applicable rate and registration process.

Kentucky-specific note

Kentucky has the cheapest LLC filing fee in the country at $40, with a low $15 annual report. The Limited Liability Entity Tax may apply at higher revenue.

Self-employment tax (federal)

Members of pass-through LLCs generally pay self-employment tax (15.3% on the first ~$168,600 of net earnings, plus 2.9%+ Medicare beyond that) on their distributive share. Electing S-Corp status can sometimes reduce SE tax but adds payroll-administration complexity.