How to Start an LLC in Connecticut

Learn how to form an LLC in Connecticut

It’s easy to form an LLC in Connecticut online yourself. Just follow these steps:

  1. Name Your LLC
  2. Choose a Registered Agent
  3. File the CT Articles of Organization
  4. Create an LLC Operating Agreement
  5. Get an EIN
  6. File a BOI Report

Or, use a trusted formation service:

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Starting an LLC in Connecticut Is Easy

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You can form a Connecticut LLC online by filing the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. The cost to create an LLC in Connecticut is $120.

Follow our How to Start an LLC in Connecticut guide below to get started.

For more information on how to form an LLC in any state, visit our How to Start an LLC guide.

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Step 1: Create a Name for Your Connecticut LLC

Before you register your Connecticut LLC, you’ll need to come up with a name. Your business name needs to be catchy for branding purposes and legitimate for legal purposes.

Naming Your LLC

First, brainstorm some possibilities. Use our LLC name generator to get the ideas flowing.

Next, make sure your name meets Connecticut guidelines:

  • it contains the words limited liability company, limited company, LLC, or L.L.C.
  • it doesn’t contain restricted words or phrases (these often include words like bank, attorney, and university) without proper approval
  • it doesn’t contain the words corporation, incorporated, or the abbreviations corp. or inc.
  • it’s distinguishable from any other entity or trade name registered in Connecticut
  • full list of Connecticut naming guidelines

Next, do a Connecticut LLC name search with the Secretary of State to find out if your name is available in Connecticut.

If your business name is available and meets guidelines, you’ll be able to register it when you file your Connecticut Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State.

Is the URL available? Before you commit 100% to a name, check to see if there’s a good web domain available.

We recommend buying your domain right away because even if launching a business website isn’t on your radar right now, it will be soon.

Domain Name Search

Using a Connecticut Trade Name (DBA)

A Connecticut DBA (doing business as), also known as a trade name, is any registered name that a business operates under that isn’t its legal business name. A trade name can be used by any type of business, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC).

Learn how to get a DBA in our Connecticut DBA guide.

Step 2: Appoint a Connecticut LLC Registered Agent

When you file your Articles of Organization, you’ll need to list a registered agent. A registered agent’s job is to accept legal documents like service of process and tax notices for your LLC. 

Your registered agent can be a person or a registered agent service. You can act as your own registered agent, but many business owners choose to use a registered agent service.

Here are a few things to think about before you decide to act as your own registered agent:

  • You’ll need to be available during normal (9 am – 5 pm) business hours at the address you provide
  • If you run your business from home, you’ll have to make your personal address public
  • You could be served with a lawsuit in front of your family or coworkers

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Step 3: File a Certificate of Organization

It’s time to officially form your LLC by filing your Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of State.

You can file online with CT Business One Stop or fill out a hard copy of the CT Certificate of Organization and mail it in or deliver it in person. The filing fee is $120. 

You’ll need to know the following information to complete each Article:

  1. Entity Name and Address
  2. Registered Agent Name and Registered Office Address
  3. Governing Authority Type (LLC Management Structure)

For more detailed help with completing the form, visit our Connecticut Certificate of Organization guide.

Mail Your Certificate of Organization:

Send the form and payment (payable to the Secretary of State) to:

Business Service Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115

Submit In Person: 

Business Service Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Ave., Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106

How long does it take to get a Connecticut LLC approved? LLC processing time is 3 to 5 business days, but can be expedited for an additional fee.

Step 4: Create A Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement

Creating a Connecticut LLC operating agreement is the only way to legally lock down your LLC’s management and ownership structure. Having an operating agreement in place will give you something to return to if a dispute or lawsuit arises. 

Even single-member LLCs benefit from having an operating agreement.

Your operating agreement should outline the following:

  • Each member’s responsibilities
  • How new members will be admitted
  • How existing members may transfer or terminate their membership
  • How profits and dividends will be distributed

You can add as many provisions as you want, as long as they don’t conflict with Connecticut law. Take a look at our What is an Operating Agreement guide to learn more.

Download a template or create a custom Free Operating Agreement using our tool.

Step 5: Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your company. The IRS and the state of Connecticut will use this number to track your business activity.

Your EIN will come in handy when it’s time to:

  • Open a business bank account
  • File Federal and State taxes
  • Hire employees

The best way to get an EIN for your LLC in Connecticut is by using the free online application on the IRS website.

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Step 6: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report

When forming a Connecticut LLC, one of the important steps is to complete the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

This report — also known as the FinCEN BOI report — is designed to combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities by requiring LLCs to disclose information about their beneficial owners.

This is free to file through the FinCEN website

New LLCs must complete this filing within 90 days of formation. Existing LLCs must file before January 1, 2025. 

Failure to complete this filing requirement will result in a $500 per day fine.

Steps After Forming an LLC in Connecticut

After forming your Connecticut LLC, it’s important to:

Open A Business Bank Account

A business bank account helps separate personal expenses and company expenses, which is required to maintain your Connecticut LLC’s corporate veil. A corporate veil protects your personal assets from creditors in potential lawsuits against your LLC or Business.

Learn more by reading this guide to Banking for Entrepreneurs. For a multi-member LLC, you’ll also want to set up capital accounts for LLC members. We also recommend checking out our review of the best business bank accounts.

Get A Business Credit Card

A business credit card will help separate personal and business expenses while building your company’s credit history. A strong credit history will be useful for raising capital in the form of venture capital, angel investment, or small business loans.

Set Up Business Accounting

Hiring a business accountant is one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking advantage of LLC tax benefits; possibly saving you and your business thousands of dollars per year.

When forming an LLC in Connecticut, it’s a good idea to start a relationship with a business accountant as soon as you start your business to help set your company up for success.

Get Business Insurance

Business insurance helps manage risk. The most common forms of business insurance are general liability, professional liability, and workers’ compensation.

Find out the real cost of getting insurance for your business. Get a free quote or call 855-965-3168.

Keep Your Company Compliant

Research Connecticut Business Licenses and Permits

To operate an LLC in Connecticut, you will need to comply with federal, state, and local government regulations such as health permits, building permits, and signage permits. 

Business licensing and permit requirements vary from state to state. To get started, visit our How to Get a Business License in Connecticut guide. To help facilitate this process, you can also utilize a business license service.

File Your Connecticut LLC Annual Report

All Connecticut LLCs must file an annual business report with the Secretary of State each year by March 31. This can be done online through the state’s Business One Stop portal, and the filing fee is $80.

Understand Connecticut State Tax Requirements

Connecticut businesses selling a physical product are generally required to register for a seller’s permit with the state’s Department of Revenue Services. Visit our Connecticut Sales Tax guide to learn more about seller’s permits and Connecticut sales tax.

Connecticut LLCs with employees will also need to register for unemployment insurance tax with the Connecticut Department of Labor and employee withholding tax with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

Understand Your Connecticut LLC’s Federal Tax Requirements

Most Connecticut LLCs will need to report their income to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year using Form 1065 Partnership Return (multi-member LLCs) or Form 1040 Schedule C (single-member LLCs).

How you pay yourself will affect your federal taxes. Visit our guide to learn more about how to pay yourself from your LLC.

Know Your Connecticut LLC’s Federal Tax Election Options

Pass-through taxation entails a business’s profits passing through to the LLC member’s individual tax returns. Like a sole proprietorship, an LLC is taxed as a pass-through entity, also known as a disregarded entity. 

Once this process is completed and after any tax-deductible expenses are taken out, the LLC members pay self-employment taxes and income tax on their portion of the business income. 

Alternatively, Connecticut LLCs can choose to elect to be taxed as an S corporation (S corp) or C corporation (C corp). If S corporation tax status is elected, LLC members can be taxed as employees of the business, potentially reducing tax burden.

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