Kentucky Business Lincenses

Important Points:

• Kentucky does not have a statewide, comprehensive business license that applies to all businesses.
  • Some business types are required to have a special license or permit to operate in Kentucky and may need more than one license.
  • To determine if your business needs a special license or permit from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, click here.

How to Get a Business License in Kentucky:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact the Internal Revenue Service to get a Federal Employer’s Identification Number, and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• Register your business entity with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
• Go to the Kentucky Secretary of State’s One-Stop Business Licensing Program to apply for a business license and learn more about license/permit policies. You can also call the Kentucky Business License Clearing House at 1-800-626-2250 for your license.
• Contact your local government for cities and counties regulations that may affect your business and check to see if your business needs local licenses.

Kentucky State Sales Tax:

• Kansas state sales tax is 6%
  • A use tax of 6% may apply for out-of-state purchases for storage or use in Kentucky.

Useful Links:

• The Kentucky Business Guide: A Handbook for Starting and Licensing a Business in Kentucky (PDF)
• Kentucky's Permits and Licenses
• Kentucky's Tax Structure
• SBA Kentucky
• Kentucky SBDC
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business