If you have your business plan ready, you may begin the steps to register a new business in Kentucky. Choose your business name and the type of business entity or legal structure. Once your name is available, you can register your business based on the requirements for the chosen legal structure.
The Kentucky One-Stop Business Portal is where you will find more information on how to register your business.
If you would like to trademark your business name, you can do that through the Secretary of State office. There are also local zoning licenses and certificate that you must comply with depending on the nature and type of your business. If you want to know about the needed documents and other requirements, you can check with your local zoning department. In general, you will need permits for remodeling or construction and for putting up a signage for your business.
The next step is to obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the Kentucky Department of Revenue. You must also accomplish city and county licenses and business permits.
The final step is to open a business checking account and to secure necessary insurances, depending on the type of industry your business is in.
Kentucky State has a total of 119 counties and 424 municipalities. The form of government for each county is English of origin, where the fiscal court is the chief governing body. The court is made up of the county judge and commissioners or district magistrates. Other elected officials include the attorney, clerk, sheriff, and jailer are other elected officials. They serve in a four-year term.
Cities in Kentucky State are assigned in six classes by the general assembly, which is based on population. Louisville and Lexington are the two biggest cities, which are also categorized as first class. The top three executive officers (such as the mayor and the other two) must be elected. For the bottom classes, the executive department may be either appointed by the commission or city council or elected by the people. Mayors serve four-year terms, while members of the legislative board are elected on two-year terms.
Kentucky State also has 720 special districts and 176 public school districts.
See the main Kentucky Page for county links.© State & Local 2023