Kentucky One Stop Business Portal

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Start My Business

This page will guide you through the first steps in creating your new business. Before you begin, you should have already done some planning to help you prepare for getting your business up and running. Planning is critical in starting your new business venture, so make sure you take enough time to review all of the information and options available to you. If you are ready to start your new business now, please follow the steps below:

Resources

Choose a Name and Structure >>

Step 1: Choose a name and structure

Before you can register your business you’ll need to choose a legal structure and a name.

Step 2: Register your business

Registration with the Secretary of State and Department of Revenue In order to legally conduct business in Kentucky most businesses are required to register with the Kentucky Secretary of State and the Department of Revenue.

Local Many cities and counties also require registration for individuals and firms conducting business within their jurisdiction. To learn about your requirements in this area, consult your local county and city clerks.

Step 3: Get your tax numbers

Federal Begin this section by understanding federal tax requirements. If you did not obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) during the registration process in step 2 above, you may need to do that now before proceeding.

State Depending on your industry and business type there may be additional state tax requirements for your business.

Local Many cities and counties require a local business license and/or impose an occupational tax or other type of tax on individuals and firms conducting business within their jurisdiction. To learn about your requirements in this area, consult your local county and city government officials.

Step 4: Insurance requirements

Unemployment Insurance If you hire employees your business is required to register for unemployment insurance to operate in Kentucky.

Workers' Compensation Kentucky also requires workers’ compensation insurance for many employers. Kentucky does not sponsor a state-run insurance program. Therefore, it is the employers' responsibility to secure the insurance from a private insurance carrier or self-insure.

Other Forms of Business Insurance Make sure you adequately protect your business before you open.

Step 5: Licenses and permits

Federal licenses If your business is involved in activities supervised and regulated by a federal agency, you may need to obtain a federal license.

Operational licenses Kentucky doesn't have a statewide business license that applies to all businesses, but certain types of businesses are required to have a special license or permit to legally operate. In some cases, more than one license may be required.

Environmental permits Environmental permits are required by federal, state and sometimes local governments to ensure that business and construction minimize potential impacts on human health and the environment. Many environmental programs require that facilities and operators obtain permits or authorizations prior to engaging in certain activities.

Local Many cities and counties require a local business license. To learn about your requirements in this area, consult your local county and city government officials.

Local Occupational License Tax Form Database - Pursuant to KRS 67.766, occupational license tax forms for each Kentucky taxing district that imposes such a tax are now available online.

For those licenses and registries administered by the Office of Occupations and Professions, a link to each board or registry at the Office of Occupations and Professions provides access to applications and forms needed to apply for an occupational license, an online license renewal system and verification system, and laws and other information regarding requirements for licensing. These resources will assist persons planning to become licensed in various professions in Kentucky or wish to determine whether someone is already licensed.

Building and Zoning New business locations and business locations undergoing renovation may be subject to state building codes, local zoning requirements, and Americans with Disabilities Act public access requirements.

Step 6: Employer responsibilities

Make sure your business is safe for customers and employees. As an employer in the Commonwealth you have certain requirements in managing employees.

Step 7: Identify regulations for your business

Learn about regulations and ordinances that affect your industry and can impact your business.