Form a Partnership in Kansas
Everything you need to know about forming a Partnership in Kansas. Filing fees, requirements, timeline, and step-by-step guidance.
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How to File
Choose a Partnership Type
Decide whether to form a General Partnership (GP), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) based on liability preferences and management structure. General partnerships require no state filing to exist, while LPs and LLPs must register with the Kansas Secretary of State.
1-2 hours
Select and Verify a Business Name
Search the Kansas Secretary of State's business name database to confirm your desired partnership name is available and not already in use. Limited Partnerships must include 'Limited Partnership' or 'LP' in their name, and LLPs must include 'LLP' or 'Registered Limited Liability Partnership'.
30 minutes
Draft a Partnership Agreement
Create a written partnership agreement that outlines each partner's rights, responsibilities, profit and loss sharing, decision-making authority, and dissolution procedures. While not legally required by Kansas law, a written agreement is strongly recommended to prevent disputes.
2-5 hours
Designate a Registered Agent
Appoint a registered agent with a physical Kansas street address to receive legal notices, service of process, and official state correspondence on behalf of the partnership. The registered agent can be an individual Kansas resident or a qualified business entity.
30 minutes
What's Next After Filing
Once your Partnership is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •File Formation Documents with the Kansas SOS — For LPs, file a Certificate of Limited Partnership (Form LP) with the Kansas Secretary of State online or by mail with the $165 filing fee. For LLPs, file a Statement of Qualification with the appropriate fee. General partnerships may optionally file a Statement of Partnership Authority.
- •Obtain an EIN and Register for State Taxes — Apply for a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS at no cost, which is required for tax filings, opening bank accounts, and hiring employees. Register with the Kansas Department of Revenue for any applicable state taxes such as sales tax or employer withholding.
- •Obtain Required Licenses and Open a Bank Account — Obtain any necessary local, county, or state business licenses or permits required for your specific industry or location in Kansas. Open a dedicated business bank account using your EIN and partnership documents to keep business finances separate from personal finances.
Advantages
- ✓Simple and inexpensive to form, especially general partnerships which require no mandatory state filing in Kansas
- ✓Pass-through taxation means partnership income is only taxed once at the individual partner level, avoiding double taxation
- ✓Flexible management structure with no statutory requirements for meetings, officers, or rigid governance formalities
- ✓Partners can pool resources, skills, and capital, making it easier to start and grow a business collaboratively
Considerations
- •General partners face unlimited personal liability for all partnership debts and obligations, putting personal assets at risk
- •Partnerships lack the continuity of an LLC or corporation — the partnership may dissolve upon a partner's death, withdrawal, or bankruptcy unless the agreement provides otherwise
- •Raising outside capital is more difficult compared to corporations, as partnerships cannot issue stock or attract equity investors as easily
Annual Obligations
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