How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Colorado?

Colorado Online LLC Filing Fee: $1

It's currently $1 to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the Colorado Secretary of State. Note that Colorado has reduced formation filing fees from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The standard filing fee is $50.

For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.

Colorado Periodic Report Fee: $10

Colorado requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.

The Colorado periodic report is due within a five-month period starting two months before and two months after the date on which the LLC was formed. Colorado charges a $50 penalty for failure to file on time.

Registered Agent Fee

In Colorado you can be your own registered agent, but using a registered agent service helps keep your company in compliance and reminds you of important filing deadlines and avoid late fees.

• If you need to form a new business and get a registered agent, the best package is by Northwest Registered Agent $29 + state fees

OR:

• If only a registered agent is required, Northwest Registered Agent provides an excellent service: $125

Read our guide to learn more about Colorado Registered Agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.

Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Colorado

If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Colorado, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Colorado.

The cost for registering a Colorado foreign LLC is $100. You can register a foreign LLC in Colorado by filing a Statement of Foreign Entity Authority.

Business Permits and Licenses

Depending on your industry and geographical location, your business might need federal, state, and local permits/licenses to legally operate in Colorado. This is true whether your form an LLC or any other type of business structure.

Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Colorado business license.

Other LLC Filing Costs

There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:

LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 120 days prior to LLC formation by filing the LLC Name Reservation Form and paying the $25 filing fee.

Foreign LLC Name Reservation:
Reserve your name for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing the LLC Foreign Name Reservation Form and paying the $40 filing fee.

Doing Business As (DBA) Name:
File a statement of trade name and pay the $20 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. Note that Colorado has reduced trade name filing fees to $1 from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Colorado

Step 1: Name Your Colorado LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN

Step 1: Name Your Colorado LLC

When you name your Colorado LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:

1. Is available for use in the state of Colorado
2. Meets Colorado naming requirements
3. Is available as a web domain

Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Colorado guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Colorado.

Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.

We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

All LLCs in Colorado must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.

Your Colorado registered agent must:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in Colorado
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process

Step 3: File the Articles of Organization

The Colorado Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the Colorado Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is currently $1 until June 30, 2023.

For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the Colorado Articles of Organization guide.

Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement

An operating agreement isn't required for Colorado LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.

What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

For more information on operating agreements, read our Colorado LLC operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get an EIN

What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:

• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees