Ready to start a business in Kansas? Let’s get started with your first four steps:
But before we get started, make sure you’ve visited these pages to:
1. Register with the Kansas
Secretary of State
Online and paper filings are available at Kansas Secretary of State.
Starting a business is risky enough. Don’t be that person that skips the legal and regulatory requirements. Sure, business registration can be confusing, particularly for new business owners, but that’s why you’re here and why we’re ready to help.
So what’s required and who has to do it?
In the state of Kansas, sole proprietors and partnerships DO NOT need to register their businesses.
Sole Proprietorship
Definition: A business that legally has no separate existence from its owner. Income and losses are taxed on the owner’s individual income tax return.Sole proprietors may need to make estimated tax payments because income taxes are not withheld from their business income.
Partnership
Definition: A legal form of business operation between two or more individuals who share management and profits. Each partner must include his or her share of income (or loss) from the partnership on his or her personal income tax return.
So who does need to register their businesses?
Corporations, limited liability company (LLC), and limited partnerships. Corporations must file Articles of Incorporation, LLCs must file Articles of Organization, and Limited Partnerships must file Certificates of Limited Partnership.
Corporations
Definition: A form of business operation that declares the business as a separate, legal entity guided by a group of officers known as the board of directors.
Definition: A form of business organization whereby the members of the company cannot be held personally liable for the company's debts or liabilities.
Limited Partnerships
Definition: A form of business organization where two or more partners unite to jointly conduct a business in which one or more of the partners is liable only to the extent of the amount of money that partner has invested.
Online and paper filings are available at Kansas Secretary of State.
Still confused? We can walk you through it.
Give us a call at 816-235-6500 or ask your question here.
2. Register for Kansas business taxes.
Kansas has 12 types of taxes. Check out the Business Taxes (PDF) to make sure you register for all the taxes and licenses required, and then use the Business Tax Application (PDF) to file the appropriate form.
3. Ready to hire employees?
That’s great news. Let’s make sure all your paperwork is in order. First, obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online.
And then head to the Department of Labor for information about workers compensation, unemployment, etc.
4. Check for city/county licenses and permits
Contact your local city/county to see if licenses and permits are needed. Search for county clerks and for Professional Licensure in Kansas.
Licenses & Permits
Definition: An authorization to conduct business issued by the local government. Business licenses and permits vary between countries, states, and local municipalities.
Have more questions? Ready for your next step?
When you’re ready to take the leap into Kansas entrepreneurship, give us a call at 816-235-6500 or submit your question about starting a business in Kansas here.
Or Jump Ahead!
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