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LLC Formation·Best Overall·Updated August 19, 2026

Best LLC Formation Services in Kansas

Kansas privacy stops at a 5% stake. Own that much of an LLC and the biennial Information Report prints your name and address on the public record.

August 19, 202615 min read
Daniel Wong
Written byDaniel Wong
Legal & Compliance Analyst
6 services reviewed
Independently tested
Updated quarterly

Quick Comparison of All 6 Services

Compare pricing and ratings at a glance, then visit a service or read the full review below.

Kansas

Sets the state fee and annual report below.

Include in every price

The agent is required in every state and the main reason provider prices differ. State fees go to the state and are identical with every provider.

Every price below is the full amount due, the $85† Kansas filing fee is already in it. That fee goes to the state, not the company, and is identical whoever files for you. Only the provider's own fee varies. what the service charges $85† Kansas state fee

NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

4.8Best Overall
Registered agent free year 1, then $125 a yearAgent drops to $100 per state at five or more statesCancelling needs a phone call or email, not a dashboard click

Due today

$124

Registered agent included, free year 1State fees included

Then every year

$125

plus $90 state report every 2 years

Z logo

ZenBusiness

4.5Best for LLC Formation
$0 formation with guided, beginner friendly setupAgent is $199 a year, and that is most of the real costThe $99 agent price is not for formation customers

Due today

$184

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$199

plus $90 state report every 2 years

TB logo

Tailor Brands

4.2Best for Branding
$0 filing with logo and website tools built inWeekend support and a guided setupAgent $199 a year plus pre-checked trial add-ons

Due today

$284

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$199

plus $90 state report every 2 years

F logo

FileNow

4.2Best for Speed
Cheapest filing fee on this list at $49Free agent year one if you take the $199 Premium planAgent costs $119 a year on the $49 Starter plan

Due today

$253

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$119

plus $90 state report every 2 years

SF logo

Swyft Filings

3.2Best for Fast Filing
Fast filing is their whole promise, same day in most statesAgent is billed quarterly at $149, which is $596 a yearThat agent price is the highest on this list by a wide margin

Due today

$681

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$596

plus $90 state report every 2 years

L logo

LegalZoom

2.8Most Recognized
Best known brand with a big legal document libraryAgent costs $249 a year against a $99 low on this listAggressive upsells during checkout

Due today

$334

Registered agent includedState fees included

Then every year

$249

plus $90 state report every 2 years

† Kansas charges $85 for online Articles of Organization and $90 for the paper form, both stated on the DL instruction sheet, revision 2/27/26. The same sheet says online filings process within minutes and the certified copy prints immediately.

* Based on prices and renewal rates verified August 16, 2026. Provider and government fees change.

Compare every detailShow
Service
NR logo

Northwest Registered Agent

Best Overall
From $39
4.8
ZB logo

ZenBusiness

Best for LLC Formation
From $0
4.5
TB logo

Tailor Brands

Best for Branding
From $0
4.2
FN logo

FileNow

Best for Speed
From $49
4.2
SF logo

Swyft Filings

Best for Fast Filing
From $0
3.2
LZ logo

LegalZoom

Most Recognized
From $0
2.8

How We Chose the Best LLC Services for Kansas

Kansas charges $85 for online Articles of Organization. Online filings turn around in minutes. So we judged what each service adds beyond the filing. We tested how providers handled the articles, the $90 report that comes every two years, and series paperwork, which the state still takes on paper. Speed is not the contest here. Getting the filing right the first time is.

The filing itself costs $85 online, not the $160 many guides still quote. The state's own instructions say processing happens within minutes. We tested 6 formation services on how they handle Kansas filings and the $90 Information Report due April 15 every two years. Miss that plus the three month grace period and Kansas forfeits the LLC. Reminders earn their keep here.

12

Services Tested Nationally

200

Hours of Research

50

States Covered

August 19, 2026

Last Updated

Full Reviews

1
NR logo
From $39
Best Overall

Northwest Registered Agent

A transparent LLC formation service that bundles a complete business identity (address, domain, email, phone, website) into a single $39 fee with no upsells.

4.8
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

Pricing Plans

Popular
$39

LLC Formation + Business Identity

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of Articles of Organization
  • 1 full year of Registered Agent service included
  • Operating Agreement draft

Northwest is our top pick for LLC formation. The $39 package carries a business address, domain, website, email, phone line and mail scanning, plus the filing itself and a year of registered agent service. Nothing is pre-checked. It is privately held, and the Corporate Guides know the state rules they are quoting. The dashboard is plain rather than polished. At $125 a year to renew, that is a fair trade.

Pros

  • Flat $39 formation fee with no tiered packages or hidden add-ons.
  • Full Business Identity included: business address, domain, email, website, and phone service.
  • Free year of registered agent service with privacy protection.
  • Free mail scanning (up to 5 documents) and renewal reminders.
  • Same-day filing with no extra rush fees.
  • U.S.-based Corporate Guides who actually answer the phone.

Cons

  • Customer support is not available on weekends.
  • Online cancellation process can be cumbersome.
  • Trial digital services auto-renew if you forget to cancel.

Best For: Founders who want a complete business setup (formation, address, domain, email, website, phone) in one flat-fee package with no upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $39 + state fees

2
ZB logo
From $0
Best for LLC Formation

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness files your LLC for $0 and runs the clearest dashboard we have used. The add-ons are where it earns.

4.5
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Starter

+ state fees, does not renew

  • Name availability search
  • Articles of formation filing
  • Electronic document access
Popular
$199/yr

Pro

+ state fees, renews at $199/yr

  • All Starter features
  • Rush processing in 1 business day
  • Worry-Free Compliance included, not just a free year
$399/yr

Premium

+ state fees, renews at $399/yr

  • All Pro features
  • Registered agent service included
  • Advanced Compliance Protection

ZenBusiness runs the smoothest filing in this category. The setup walks a first-time founder through every step, and the dashboard chases your deadlines for you. Starter is $0 and never renews, so a founder who buys nothing else pays the state and stops. The catch sits beside it. Pro renews at $199 a year and Premium at $399, and on Starter the EIN, the operating agreement and the agent are each priced on their own. A strong pick if you want a polished filing and you read the cart before you pay.

Pros

  • Starter is $0, you pay only the state fee
  • The dashboard is the clearest we have used
  • Phone support runs 7 days a week
  • A free first year of Worry-Free Compliance on Starter
  • Good mobile app, 4.6 stars on iOS

Cons

  • Heavy push for add-ons at checkout
  • On Starter the EIN, the operating agreement and the agent each cost extra, $99, $99 and $199 a year
  • Renewals climb, Pro at $199 a year and Premium at $399
  • Auto-renewing subscriptions are hard to cancel

Best For: First-time founders needing an easy, guided, and affordable LLC setup

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

3
TB logo
From $0
Best for Branding

Tailor Brands

Tailor Brands bundles logo design and a website into LLC formation, then charges $199 a year for the registered agent almost everyone needs.

4.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Lite

+ state fees

  • Filing of Articles of Organization
  • Standard processing, up to 14 business days
  • Business coaching program access
Popular
$199/yr

Essential

+ state fees

  • Everything in Lite
  • Expedited processing, 1 to 2 business days
  • Operating agreement creation
$249/yr

Elite

+ state fees

  • Everything in Essential
  • 1-year free domain hosting
  • AI-powered website builder

Formation is the free part. The logo and website builders are easy to use, and the guided setup is beginner friendly. The catch is checkout. Plan prices stay hidden until the end, a $39 a month bookkeeping trial comes pre-checked, and the registered agent most founders need costs $199 a year. That puts the real first-year cost at $199 plus your state's filing fee. If you want branding and formation together, it works. If you only need the LLC, Northwest files for a flat $39 with no upsells.

Pros

  • Free Lite plan covers the LLC filing and standard processing
  • Beginner-friendly dashboard that is easy to navigate
  • Built-in logo maker and website builder in one dashboard
  • Customer support available on weekends
  • Guided questionnaire walks you through setup

Cons

  • Plan prices stay hidden until the end of the questionnaire
  • Pre-checked $39 a month bookkeeping trial you must cancel yourself
  • Registered agent service costs $199 a year, more than budget rivals

Best For: First-time founders who want LLC filing and basic branding tools in one place.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

4
FN logo
From $49
Best for Speed

FileNow

FileNow guarantees 24-hour processing on all orders, but its lack of a free entry-level plan makes it less competitive for founders on a strict budget.

4.2
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$49

Starter

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents
Popular
$199

Premium

+ state fee

  • Filing Articles of Organization / Incorporation
  • Unlimited Phone & Email Support
  • Electronic Delivery of State Documents

FileNow delivers a remarkably fast and straightforward LLC formation experience. We appreciate that 24-hour processing is standard across all plans instead of being an expensive add-on. The checkout process is completely transparent with zero pre-checked upsells or hidden fees. However, because the base plan costs $49 and does not include a registered agent, budget-conscious founders might prefer cheaper alternatives.

Pros

  • 24-hour order processing included on all plans at no extra cost
  • Transparent pricing with zero hidden fees or pre-checked subscriptions
  • Simple two-tier pricing makes choosing a package easy
  • Premium plan provides excellent value by bundling essential startup documents
  • Customer support is accessible via phone, chat, and email

Cons

  • No free formation tier available
  • Starter plan does not include registered agent service
  • Lacks advanced legal tools and ongoing compliance dashboards

Best For: Entrepreneurs who prioritize fast 24-hour processing and straightforward, transparent pricing.

Read full review
Get Started

From $49 + state fees

5
SF logo
From $0
Best for Fast Filing

Swyft Filings

Swyft Filings offers exceptionally fast processing speeds, but you must navigate a minefield of expensive upsells during checkout.

3.2
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state fees

  • Preparation and filing of LLC documents
  • Business name availability check
  • Standard processing (7-10 business days)
Popular
$199

Standard

+ state fees

  • Everything in Basic
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN) obtainment
  • Custom Operating Agreement
$299

Premium

+ state fees

  • Everything in Standard
  • Expedited processing (1 business day)
  • 2 months of unlimited attorney consultations

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering some of the fastest LLC formation times on the market. Their 5-step setup process is simple and easy for beginners to understand. However, their aggressive upsells and missing registered agent service make their $0 starting price highly deceptive. We recommend them only if you desperately need same-day processing and know exactly which add-ons to decline.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast processing speeds
  • Streamlined 5-step application interface
  • Knowledgeable and responsive phone support
  • Basic package starts at $0 plus state fees
  • No confusing legal jargon during setup

Cons

  • Registered agent service is billed quarterly at $149, which is $596 a year
  • Aggressive multi-page upsell flow
  • Difficult cancellation process for ongoing subscriptions

Best For: Founders needing fast turnaround who can navigate heavy upsells.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

6
LZ logo
From $0
Most Recognized

LegalZoom

A famous name with an aggressive checkout process and expensive recurring fees.

2.8
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Pricing Plans

$0

Basic

+ state filing fees

  • Articles of organization filing
  • Business name availability check
  • Digital welcome packet
Popular
$249

Pro

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Basic package
  • Operating Agreement
  • EIN registration
$299

Premium

+ state filing fees

  • Everything in the Pro package
  • Business attorney guidance (30-day subscription)
  • Bookkeeping tools (6-month subscription)

LegalZoom relies heavily on its brand recognition to charge premium prices for basic services. While the platform is easy to navigate and offers excellent legal document libraries, the checkout process is a maze of expensive upsells and auto-renewing trials. We do not recommend it if you are on a budget. You will end up paying significantly more for registered agent and compliance services than you would with competitors.

Pros

  • Highly intuitive platform that is easy for absolute beginners to navigate.
  • Access to a massive library of legal documents and forms.
  • Long-standing brand reputation provides reliability and peace of mind.
  • Customer support is available seven days a week.
  • Basic LLC formation is free excluding mandatory state fees.

Cons

  • Incredibly aggressive upselling for simple tasks like obtaining an EIN.
  • Registered agent fees are heavily inflated at $249 per year.
  • Checkout includes pre-selected free trials that auto-renew at high prices.
  • Standard processing times are slow unless you pay a $99 expedite fee.

Best For: Founders prioritizing brand recognition and access to an extensive legal document library.

Read full review
Get Started

From $0 + state fees

Editorial Standards & Affiliate Disclosure

StartupOwl may earn a commission when you use our links - at no additional cost to you. Our editorial team independently selects and ranks all services. Affiliate relationships do not influence our ratings or recommendations. Read our editorial policy →

What Makes a Good LLC Service for Kansas Founders

Kansas is one of 22 states that allow Series LLCs as of August 2026. One company holds separate series, each with its own assets. The paperwork is the surprise. Series capable articles are a different form. The liability notice must appear in the articles themselves under K.S.A. 17-76,143. Each protected series takes a $35 Certificate of Designation. And the state prices that series paperwork for paper filing only. The instant online system covers the standard LLC, not the series build.

Bar chart of Kansas LLC state fees, online versus paper. Articles of Organization cost $85 online and $90 on paper, the biennial Information Report costs $90 online and $110 on paper, and the series Certificate of Designation costs $35 with no online option.
Source, Kansas Secretary of State filing instructions, forms DL, ILC and LCD, read August 13, 2026.

The Articles of Organization ask for no member or manager names. They want the company name, the resident agent, and the registered office. The privacy has a line, and the line is 5%. The Information Report must name every member who owns 5% or more, with an address. Those reports are public record. Smaller stakes stay off the state's site.

Working across the state line? Bringing an out of state LLC into Kansas costs a flat $115. One Foreign Application form covers every entity type. Foreign registration is the number border comparisons usually skip. Read both states' fee schedules before picking a home base. Our Kansas LLC guide has the full formation walkthrough.

Kansas requires a registered agent, the statute calls it a resident agent. It must be a Kansas resident or a business allowed to work here, at a street address. P.O. Boxes are not accepted. Every service on this list provides a compliant Kansas agent. Our Kansas registered agent comparison covers the standalone option.

What to Do After You File Your Kansas LLC

  1. Get your EIN from the IRS (free, immediate online). You need this before opening a business bank account or hiring employees. Apply directly at IRS.gov.
  2. File your Information Report by April 15 in the right year ($90 online). The cycle is biennial. Form in an even year, file in even years. Odd year formations file in odd years. Miss the deadline plus the three month grace period and your LLC is forfeited.
  3. Register for Kansas sales tax if you sell taxable goods or services. The state sales tax rate is 6.5%, and many cities add local taxes on top. Register through the Kansas Department of Revenue.
  4. Draft an operating agreement. Kansas does not require one. State law counts written, oral, and even implied agreements, and no one has to sign one (K.S.A. 17-7663). Put yours in writing anyway, banks and partners will ask for it.
  5. Check local license rules. Kansas has no statewide business license, but cities like Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City (KS) each set their own. Contact your local clerk's office.
  6. Skip the BOI report. FinCEN dropped that rule for every company formed in the United States in March 2025, so a Kansas LLC files nothing. A final rule made that permanent on 14 August 2026. Only companies formed abroad still report. A letter asking for a fee to file one is a scam, and FinCEN says so.

Kansas LLC Tax Overview

Kansas moved to two income tax rates in 2024. The rate is 5.2% up to $23,000 of taxable income for single filers ($46,000 joint). Above that it is 5.58%. By default, LLC profits land on your personal return at those rates. There is no franchise tax. Your recurring state obligation is the $90 Information Report every two years.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in Kansas

  • Biennial Information Report - Kansas charges $90 every two years, due April 15th. The grace period runs three months. Miss it and Kansas forfeits your LLC.
  • Reinstatement After Forfeiture - Reviving a forfeited LLC costs $35 plus an $85 penalty plus $110 for each missed report. One report behind, the bill is $230.
  • Paper Costs More, Twice - Paper articles run $90 against $85 online, and the paper Information Report is $110 against $90. The gap repeats every reporting cycle.
  • Name Reservation - Reserving a name before filing costs $35 and lasts 120 days. It cannot be renewed.
  • Good Standing Certificate - Banks and lenders sometimes ask for one. The state sells it online. Use the same account you filed with.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas LLCs

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Kansas?

The Kansas Secretary of State charges $85 to file Articles of Organization online, or $90 on paper. The Information Report adds $90 every two years. Many guides still quote $160. That fee is retired. A formation service adds $0 to $299 per package, plus agent fees if not included.

Does Kansas require a registered agent for an LLC?

Yes. Your agent must be a Kansas resident or a business allowed to operate in the state, with a street address in Kansas. P.O. Boxes do not qualify. Kansas statutes call this person the resident agent. All six services we tested provide a compliant Kansas registered agent, though some charge extra after the first year.

How long does LLC formation take in Kansas?

Online filings process within minutes. The Secretary of State's own instructions say so. Your certified copy prints as soon as it is done. That is why Kansas sells no expedited service. Most formation services add 1 to 3 business days of handling before they submit your order.

Can I form a Series LLC in Kansas?

Yes. Kansas is one of 22 states that allow Series LLCs. You file series capable articles, and the liability notice must sit in the articles themselves. Each protected series takes a $35 Certificate of Designation. Kansas takes that paperwork on paper only. Expect mail time a standard online LLC never sees.

Are LLC formation services worth it in Kansas?

For a single member LLC, the state's online filing takes minutes and $85. A service sells three things here. The registered agent, the report reminders, and clean paperwork the first time. A missed April 15 report plus the grace period ends in forfeiture. If you want your address off the record, or you juggle deadlines, that is the buy.

About the Author

Daniel Wong

Legal & Compliance Analyst

Daniel grew up in the shadow of Silicon Valley but chose the legal route over engineering, working as a paralegal for a corporate law firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions. He realized that early-stage founders were constantly making catastrophic legal mistakes because they couldn't afford a $500/hour attorney, prompting his move to B2B media.

Was this article helpful?

Questions about LLC services in Kansas

2 comments

TK

Tomasz K.

August 6, 2026

The step list above tells me to file a beneficial ownership report inside 90 days or face $500 a day. I went to the FinCEN site to do it and the form will not take a Kansas company. Which of you is wrong?

Daniel WongStartupOwl team

Legal & Compliance Analyst · August 9, 2026

We are, and thank you for going and checking. FinCEN narrowed that rule in 2025 and companies formed in the United States no longer file a beneficial ownership report. What is left applies to foreign companies that register to do business here. Our step list still carries the old ninety day instruction and the penalty figure, and we have filed it to be corrected. Nothing for you to do, and no fee to pay. If a formation service offers to file the report for your Kansas LLC as a paid extra, that is an extra you can decline. Rules do move, so a quick look at the FinCEN site before you file anything is never wasted.

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