How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in Connecticut?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in Connecticut is $120. This fee is paid to the Connecticut Secretary of the State when filing the LLC’s Certificate of Organization.
Use our free Form an LLC in Connecticut guide to do it yourself.
Or simply use a professional service:
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
How Much Does an LLC Cost in Connecticut?
Connecticut LLC Online Filing Fee: $120
The main cost to start an LLC is the $120 fee to file your LLC's Certificate of Organization online with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Connecticut Annual Report Fee: $80
Connecticut requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State.
You can submit this form through the Connecticut Secretary of State website. It is due by the end of the month in which the LLC was formed each year.
Registered Agent Fee
In Connecticut 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 Connecticut registered agents. You can also read our full guide on the best registered agent services.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in Connecticut
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into Connecticut, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Connecticut.
The cost for registering a Connecticut foreign LLC is $120. You can register a foreign LLC in Connecticut by filing a Foreign Registration Statement.
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 Connecticut. This is true whether you form an LLC or any other type of business structure.
Learn more about state and local licensing with our guide to getting a Connecticut 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 an Application for Reservation of Name and paying the $60 filing fee. This application can be filed online or by mail.
Foreign LLC Name Registration:
If a Foreign LLC’s name is not available in Connecticut, they can register a different one by filing an Application for Registration of Name and paying the $60 filing fee. This application can be filed online or by mail.
“Doing Business As” (DBA) Name:
File an Assumed Name Certificate and pay the filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name. This process varies by county. Contact your county clerk for more information.
Plain Document Copies:
Obtain plain copies of your Connecticut business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $40.
Certified Document Copies:
Obtain certified copies of your Connecticut business documents by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying $55.
Certificate of Legal Existence:
Also known as a Connecticut certificate of good standing, you can obtain this document by ordering through the Secretary of State and paying the $50 fee. A certificate of legal existence is often required by banks and lending institutions.
How to Register a Connecticut LLC Yourself
Forming an LLC yourself is easy; just follow the five steps below.
Recommended: If you already have a business that is running as a sole proprietorship, visit our How to Change from a Sole Proprietorship to LLC page.
Five Basic Steps to Start an LLC in Connecticut
Step 1: Name Your Connecticut LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File a Certificate of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 1: Name Your Connecticut LLC
When you name your Connecticut LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:
- Is available for use in the state of Connecticut
- Meets Connecticut naming requirements
- Is available as a web domain
Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in Connecticut guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in Connecticut.
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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut registered agent must:
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in Connecticut
- Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process
In Connecticut, your registered agent must sign the Certificate of Organization to accept the appointment.
Recommended: Get a free year of registered agent services when you hire Northwest Registered Agent to form your LLC. $29 (plus state fees).
Step 3: File the Certificate of Organization
The Connecticut Certificate of Organization is a document that is filed with the Connecticut Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing a Certificate of Organization is $120 online.
For detailed instructions for completing the Certificate of Organization, visit our How to File the Connecticut Certificate of Organization guide.
OPTION 1: File Online With the Connecticut Secretary of State
- OR -
OPTION 2: File the Certificate of Organization by Mail or in Person
State Filing Cost: $120, payable to the Secretary of State
Mailing Address:
Business Service Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115
Office Address:
Business Service Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Ave., Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement isn't required for Connecticut 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 Connecticut 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
Free EIN: You can get an EIN from the IRS website (free of charge) after forming your business.
Connecticut LLC Cost FAQ
Do you have to pay for a Connecticut LLC every year?
Connecticut LLCs must pay an $80 annual report fee every year. Visit our Connecticut LLC annual report guide for more information.
Is an LLC really necessary?
An LLC provides limited liability protection. This means an LLC protects your personal assets in the event of a business loss, such as a lawsuit or unpaid debt.
We recommend any small business that carries even the smallest amount of risk or liability to form an LLC. Learn more in our Should I Start an LLC guide.
What is the cheapest way to get an LLC?
You can save money on getting an LLC by completing the formation process yourself, making your own operating agreement, being your own Agent for Service of Process, and getting your own EIN.
Check out our How to Save Money Forming Your LLC guide to learn more.
Can I pay myself a salary from my LLC?
You can pay yourself a salary from your LLC, but it would be called a draw or distribution if your LLC is taxed in the default way by the IRS.
Visit our How to Pay Myself from an LLC guide to learn more.
Is an S corp better than an LLC?
An S corporation (S corp) is an IRS tax status, not a type of business entity. An LLC can be taxed in the default way or as an S corp. For some businesses, being taxed as an S corp can make lots of sense.
Check out our LLC vs. S corp guide to find out if S corp status is right for your business.
What’s better: sole proprietorship or LLC?
A sole proprietorship is only good for businesses that carry very low risk of liability because sole proprietorships don’t offer any liability protection.
Learn more in our sole proprietorship vs. LLC guide.
Article Sources
CT.gov - CT Business One Stop Portal:
https://business.ct.gov/?language=en_US
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
SBA - Apply for Licenses and Permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Connecticut Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/connecticut.html