How to Form an LLC in Connecticut

This guide to starting a Connecticut LLC provides step-by–step instructions for filing formation documents and obtaining tax IDs.

Overview

LLCs are the most popular business structure. This is because they are easy to start, inexpensive to set up and maintain, and allow owners flexibility. The legal form of your LLC creates your business, limits personal liability, gives you tax flexibility, and establishes your business. As you move through this process, you will be guided step-by-step.

Step-by, step Connecticut LLC instructions

1. Check Name Availability

   Your LLC’s legal title may not conflict or be used in conjunction with another registered name. A name search can help you find out if your name is available.

   Name Search	Connecticut Secretary of state – Commercial Recordings Section Name search
   Name Reservation	Optional
   Suffix:	“(a). Limited liability companies must have the name “limited liability company” or an abbreviation such as “L.L.C.” “Limited”, may be abbreviated by “Ltd.”; “company” may also be abbreviated by “Co .”.” GSC (SS34-102

2. Place an appointment for a registered agent

   Before you are able to file for your Connecticut LLC formation, you will need a Connecticut registered agent. Register agents are the business’ legal appointees who receive government notices and lawsuits.

   The state law requires that every LLC has a registered representative. The Connecticut Secretary of state – Commercial Recording Division designates the registered agent.

   Our registered agent service is reliable and meets this requirement. You get:

   • Documents available the same day from our local office at Glastonbury
   • Access to state forms online immediately. Please include our address and, if necessary, our signature
   • Annual fees start at $89 and go up to $99 in each state. There are no additional charges

3. Connecticut Certificates of Formation

   Fill out the articles of incorporation to establish your limited liability company.

   Agency:	Connecticut Secretary of state – Commercial Recording Department
   Form:	Certificate of Organization
   Filing Method	Mail, fax, .
   Agency Fee	$120 + optional $50 expedite charge
   Turnaround:	~3-5 business days. $50 expedite cost – 24 hours
   Law:	2011, Connecticut Code, Chapter 603: Connecticut Limited Liability Company Act

4. Establish Company Records

   Your LLC must keep accurate records and books. Your LLC’s original articles of organization will be the first document you keep. Your LLC will create many other official documents such as:

   • Minutes of the meeting
   • Operating agreement
   • EIN verification letter
   • Amendments to and other filings made during the LLC’s lifetime

    

5. You must create the Operating Agreement

   It is possible to use a template to draft an Operating Agreement. This document will serve as the governing document. It specifies the legalities of the LLC’s operation, such the annual meeting and the procedure for submitting it to creditors. The agreement will then be approved by you at your organizational meeting.

6. Organize the Organizational Meeting

   The first meeting between members of an LLC is called the organizational meeting. In order to hold this meeting, you’ll need your operating agreements and the filed articles. Keep the minutes of this meeting.

7. Get a federal employer identification number (EIN).

   EIN is required if the LLC will have more than one owner or hire employees. EIN is often required to open a bank or other financial account.

   Agency:	Internal Revenue Service
   Form:	IRS SS-4
   Filing Method	Mail, phone and fax. online.
   IRS fee	$0
   Turnaround:	Online immediately, or by phone. By fax, it takes 4 business working days. 4-6 weeks by mail
   Notes:	The IRS website cannot be accessed outside of certain hours. Print your EIN before you close the session. Additional guidance is available at IRS Publi 1635: Understanding the EIN.

8. Connecticut State Tax Identification Nos/Accounts

   Connecticut offers a centralized state tax registration form. The Connecticut Tax Registration number will be provided to you. State business taxes include corporation, business entity, sales and use taxes, withholding income tax and motor vehicle fuels tax.

   Send it to:

   State of Connecticut – Department of Revenue Services

   http://www.ct.gov/drs

   Form:

   
   Reg-1: Application for business tax registration

   Instructions:

   
   Instructions on Form REG-1

   Guidance:

   
   IP2006(11),: Getting started in business – Understanding Connecticut taxes

   Filing Method

   Mail, in person or Online

   Fee:

   Check out the licensing and permit fee schedule . A sales tax permit costs $100

   Turnaround:

   Online, it takes 15-20 days. 2-3 Weeks by post Directly in-person

9. Consider Electing S-Corp and C-Corp taxation

   Your LLC will be subject to passthrough taxation by default. However, most LLCs continue to keep this tax type. Some LLCs are eligible to elect S-Corp or C-Corp Tax Treatment.

   • S-Corp can help owner-employees making more than $75,000 a year save on self-employment income taxes.
   • C-Corps face double taxation. First, the corporation pays income taxes and then the members pay distribution taxes. C-Corps offer low tax rates on retained earnings, which can be beneficial if you have more than $250,000 in profits per owner.

10. Get business licenses and permits

    It is necessary to obtain the required licenses and permits in order for your business to be legally operated. It’s easy to search for the type of your business and whereabouts using the Small Business Administration Business License & Permit lookup tool.

    Connecticut Business License

    NOT REQUIRED

    Connecticut does NOT require licensure as a general business license.

    Connecticut does have a local business license but not a state-level license.

11. To Maintain Your LLC, You Need to File Ongoing Filings

    You must file your federal and state taxes returns.

    A lot of states also require businesses to file an annual return to maintain good standing before the secretary. You can see the table below to find out if Connecticut LLCs must file an annual return.

    Domestic Connecticut Corporation Annual Report:

    Agency:	Connecticut Secretary of state – Commercial Recording division
    Filing Method	Online
    Agency Fee	$150
    Due:	Annually at the registration anniversary.
    Law:	Connecticut General States SS33-953.
    Penalties:	No fee. Not in good standing.
    Notes:	Anybody who is authorized may file.

Connecticut Business Resources

How to Start a Business in Connecticut

Connecticut Business Name Search

Best Registered Agents Connecticut