To get an LLC in Colorado, it takes 3-4 weeks by mail and 3-5 business days by filing online.
If you are interested in starting a business in Colorado and want to register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), you may be wondering how long the process takes.
The good news is that getting an LLC in Colorado is relatively straightforward and can be done in a few steps.
However, the actual timeline for getting an LLC in Colorado can vary depending on several factors.
Approval Time for a Colorado LLC
Online Filing: You can get an LLC in Colorado in 3-5 business days
Mail Filing: Filing by mail can take about 3-4 weeks
Colorado LLC Filing Steps
Online Filing
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file for a Colorado LLC online through the Colorado Secretary of State’s website:
1. Create an Account
– Go to the Colorado Secretary of State’s website and click on the “Businesses” tab.
– Click on the “Start a Business” button and select “Limited Liability Company (LLC).”
– You will be directed to the “Business Organizations System” (BOS) where you can create an account or log in if you already have one.
2. Choose a Name for Your LLC
– Search the Colorado Secretary of State’s website to ensure your desired LLC name is available.
– Make sure the name complies with Colorado’s naming requirements and includes the appropriate designator (e.g. LLC, L.L.C., Limited Liability Company).
3. Provide Information About Your LLC
– In the BOS, select “File a Form” and then choose “Form a New Business.”
– Fill out the required information about your LLC, including the name, registered agent, principal office address, and business purpose.
– You will also need to upload the Articles of Organization, which can be downloaded from the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.
4. Pay the Filing Fee
– The filing fee for an LLC in Colorado is $50.
– You can pay the fee online using a credit or debit card.
5. Obtain an EIN
– An EIN is a federal tax identification number that is required for LLCs with more than one member or employees.
– You can obtain an EIN from the IRS website.
6. Register for State Taxes
– Depending on your LLC’s business activities, you may need to register for state taxes, such as sales tax, use tax, or employer withholding tax.
– You can register for state taxes online through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website.
7. Create an Operating Agreement
– Although not required by Colorado law, it is recommended that you create an operating agreement for your LLC.
– An operating agreement outlines the ownership structure, management, and financial and operational policies of the LLC.
– This document is useful in settling disputes among members and in clarifying the responsibilities of each member.
Overall, filing for a Colorado LLC online involves creating an account, choosing a name, providing information about your LLC, paying the filing fee, obtaining an EIN, registering for state taxes, and creating an operating agreement.
Filing by Mail
To file for a Colorado LLC by mail, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Obtain and fill out the Colorado Articles of Organization form
– The form can be downloaded from the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.
– You will need to provide information about your LLC, such as the name, principal address, registered agent information, and the name and address of the person filing the form.
– You will also need to include a check or money order for the filing fee, which is currently $50 as of September 2021.
2. Prepare a cover letter
– The cover letter should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.
– It should also include a brief explanation of what you are submitting (e.g., Articles of Organization for an LLC), and a statement requesting a confirmation of receipt.
3. Mail the documents to the Colorado Secretary of State’s office
– The address for filing by mail is:
Colorado Secretary of State
Business Division
1700 Broadway, Ste. 200
Denver, CO 80290
4. Wait for the processing
– After the Secretary of State receives your documents, it typically takes 5-7 business days for them to process and approve your filing.
– Once approved, you will receive a confirmation letter in the mail or via email, depending on your preference.
It’s important to note that filing by mail can take longer than filing online, so if you need to start your business quickly, it may be best to file online instead. Additionally, if you have any questions or concerns about the filing process, you can contact the Colorado Secretary of State’s office for assistance.
That’s it! With these steps, you should be able to start an LLC in Colorado either by mail or online. It’s always recommended to consult with an attorney or accountant to ensure you’re following all the necessary steps for your specific business.
Overview of Steps & Time Involved in Getting a Colorado LLC
Here is a breakdown of the steps involved in getting an LLC in Colorado and an estimate of how long each step takes.
Step 1: Choose a Name for Your LLC
The first step in forming an LLC in Colorado is choosing a name for your business. You will need to make sure the name you choose is available and not already in use by another business in the state. You can search the Colorado Secretary of State’s online database to see if the name you want is available.
Timeframe: This step can be done relatively quickly, usually within a day or two.
Step 2: File Articles of Organization
Once you have chosen a name for your LLC, you will need to file Articles of Organization with the Colorado Secretary of State. This document establishes your LLC and includes basic information such as the name of the LLC, the registered agent, and the members of the LLC.
Timeframe: Filing the Articles of Organization typically takes around one to two weeks. However, if you choose to file online, you may receive confirmation of your LLC’s approval within a few days.
Step 3: Obtain an EIN
An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a unique nine-digit number that identifies your LLC for tax purposes. You will need to obtain an EIN from the IRS, even if you do not plan to hire employees.
Timeframe: Obtaining an EIN can usually be done quickly online, and you will receive your number immediately.
Step 4: Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
Depending on the type of business you plan to operate, you may need to apply for additional licenses and permits from the state or local government. This can include things like a business license, sales tax permit, or professional license.
Timeframe: The time it takes to obtain business licenses and permits can vary widely depending on the type of license or permit you need. Some licenses and permits can be obtained quickly, while others may take several weeks or even months to process.
Step 5: Create an Operating Agreement
Although it is not required by Colorado law, it is recommended that you create an Operating Agreement for your LLC. This document outlines the management structure of your LLC and the rights and responsibilities of the members.
Timeframe: Creating an Operating Agreement can take several days or even weeks, depending on the complexity of your LLC’s management structure and the number of members.
Overall, the timeline for getting an LLC in Colorado can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your business and the number of licenses and permits you need to obtain.
If you are in a hurry to get your LLC up and running, you may want to consider using an online formation service, which can expedite the process significantly.
However, if you have a more complex business structure or need to apply for multiple licenses and permits, it may take longer to complete the process.
Should I Hire an LLC Filing Service in Colorado?
Whether or not to hire an LLC filing service in Colorado depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
An LLC filing service can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the formation process, need assistance with paperwork and filing, or simply want to save time and hassle. LLC filing services can take care of the paperwork and filing process for you, so you can focus on running your business. Additionally, some LLC filing services may offer additional services, such as registered agent services or tax advice.
However, if you’re comfortable with the formation process and have the time and resources to handle the paperwork and filing yourself, hiring an LLC filing service may not be necessary. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself by mail or online, and the process is generally straightforward. Additionally, hiring an attorney or accountant to review your documents and provide guidance can be a more cost-effective option than hiring an LLC filing service.
Ultimately, the decision to hire an LLC filing service in Colorado is a personal one and depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s always recommended to do your research, compare costs and services, and consult with professionals before making a decision.
Conclusion
In summary, while the process of obtaining an LLC in Colorado can take a bit of time, it is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with a little bit of effort and attention to detail.
By following the steps outlined above, you can get your LLC up and running and start pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams in no time.
