How to Start an LLC in Connecticut

A Connecticut LLC is one of the most simple, cost-effective, and quick business structures to form. Even so, navigating the formation process can seem daunting without clear guidance and an actionable plan.

In this How to Start an LLC in Connecticut guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to form your LLC, from the steps you’ll need to take to get started to maintaining your structure.

Connecticut LLC

In order to form an LLC in Connecticut, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

1. Name Your Connecticut LLC
2. Pick a Connecticut Registered Agent
3. Submit the Certificate of Organization
4. Create a Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement
5. Get an EIN
6. File Your BOI Report

In the sections below, we’ve broken down each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Name Your Connecticut LLC

The first thing you’ll need to do before getting started is picking the right name for your LLC. This is important because your business’s name will need to represent your brand accurately, as well as be as memorable as possible.

In Connecticut, all LLC names need to abide by the following statutory guidelines in order to be accepted by the Secretary of State:

• Your LLC name must be different from any existing names in the Secretary of State’s records, including:
• Business entities that are currently active
• Registered business names
• Reserved names
• In determining whether or not a name is distinguishable for the purposes of this regulation, the following rules are applied:
• If a currently active business agrees in writing and promises to change their name, you can use a name similar to theirs
• When checking if a name is unique, the state ignores business entity identifiers like “corporation,” “Inc.,” “LLC,” etc.
• If a business entity consents, you can use a name similar to theirs if it only differs by adding a word like “Inc.” or “LLC.” without either of you needing to change names
• If you obtain a court judgment allowing you to use a certain name, you’re permitted to use that name even if it’s not distinguishable from a currently active business in Connecticut
• Business entity names cannot contain any words or language that suggest the LLC is formed for any other purpose that the one stipulated in its Certificate of Organization

If you’re interested in reading these requirements in greater detail, be sure to check out Connecticut General Statutes § 34-243k for a complete list.

Keep in mind that even though picking an LLC name in itself has no cost, there are certain fees that can be associated with the overall process.

Reserve an LLC Name

If you’re not yet ready to launch your business and still need a little more time, you can choose to reserve your desired LLC name for later either online or by submitting a paper filing with an Application for Reservation of Name form to the Secretary of State ($60 fee).

Regardless of how you submit this request, once approved, it will keep anyone from being able to take the name you plan to use for 120 days.

Note: It’s a good idea to consider doing a Business Registry Search in order to check that the name you want to reserve isn’t already in use by another currently active business entity.

Register a Trade Name

Another potential cost associated with naming your LLC is applying for a trade name — which is also commonly known as a “doing business as” (or DBA) name.

This is essentially a nickname that you can choose to register for your business to operate under, particularly if you’re not content with your LLC’s legal name.

In order to register a trade name for your Connecticut LLC, you’ll need to get in contact with the city clerk in the jurisdiction in which your business is based. This is because — unlike the majority of states — trade name registrations are managed at a local level in Connecticut rather than by the Secretary of State.

Since trade names in Connecticut are valid indefinitely, you won’t ever need to renew yours after obtaining it.

Note: If you’re not sure who to contact to register a trade name, you can check the Connecticut Town Clerk Directory to find the name and contact details of your local town clerk.

Buy a Domain Name

Finally, you’ll want to focus on securing a good domain name (which is your website’s URL address) for your business. For this, try to focus on choosing one that’s easy for customers to remember, relevant to your business, and accurately reflects your brand.

After confirming the domain name you want to use is actually available, you can purchase it through a trusted registrar.

Step 2: Pick a Registered Agent

The next step you’ll need to take toward forming your LLC is to pick a registered agent.

This is an individual or business entity that accepts legal correspondence on behalf of your business, such as service of process, notice of lawsuits, and official government communications; you’re required to continuously maintain one as long as your LLC is active.

Your registered agent can be an individual or business entity, but will need to satisfy the following requirements according to Connecticut General Statutes § 33-660:

• If a natural person, must be a resident of the state of Connecticut
• If a business entity, must be permitted to transact business in Connecticut
• Must have a place of business within the state of Connecticut

You can even act as your own registered agent if you’re looking to save money — though we don’t typically recommend this as you’re much more likely to suffer fines and penalties due to non-compliance than if you just hire a professional service.

On top of this, you’ll lose any anonymity your LLC would have given you since your name, address, and contact information will be publicly available.

It’s worth noting that the individual or entity that you appoint to act as your LLC’s registered agent is required by law to sign your Certificate of Organization to demonstrate their consent (see next step). For online filings, the agent must instead accept the responsibilities of this position by responding to an email.

Note: To have a look at some of our other top recommendations, you can also check out our Best Registered Agent Service of 2024 guide.

Step 3: Submit Your Certificate of Organization

In Connecticut, the Certificate of Organization is the filing document that you’ll need to submit with the Secretary of State in order to officially register your LLC (this is also referred to as the Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation in other states).

Irrespective of whether you’re organizing a domestic LLC or a foreign one, you’ll be required to pay the same filing fee of $120.

To be able to quickly fill and and submit your Certificate of Organization, you’ll want to have the following information on-hand:

• The name and address of the person filing
• Your LLC’s official name
• The main address where your LLC operates
• The address where your LLC receives mail
• Your LLC’s NAICS code (an industry classification code)
• The name, business address, and signature of your registered agent
• The names, addresses, and email addresses of your LLC’s managers or members

We’ve discussed the primary ways of submitting this document to the Connecticut Secretary of State in the sections below.

Online Filings

More often than not, it will be both far quicker and more convenient to submit your LLC formation documents online using the Connecticut Secretary of State’s proprietary CT.gov system.

Mail Filings

However, you’re also able to submit a paper application by downloading and printing out either the Certificate of Organization form (if you’re forming a domestic entity) or a Foreign Registration Statement (if you’re forming a foreign LLC).

After this, you can send your completed form by mailing it to the following address:

Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470

In-Person Filings

You can also choose to drop your formation documents off in person at the following address:

Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106

Note: Regardless of whether you decide to file online, by mail, or deliver it in-person, you’ll be required to include a check or money order in the amount of $120 in order to pay the relevant Connecticut state fees.

Step 4: Create a Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement

Once this is completed, the next step you’ll need to take is to create an operating agreement.

This is an internal document that clearly outlines the ownership and management structure of your company in order to reduce potential future conflict.

While this document isn’t legally mandated in Connecticut, all LLCs are recommended to have one as it can help maintain both: smooth operations and your LLC’s corporate veil (which is what protects you from being personally liable for business debts).

A number of companies provide drafting services for operating agreements online, typically for a fee of around a few hundred dollars. However, it’s quite easy to sort this out by yourself if you want to save money, and you can even find a number of free templates online to help with this.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Even though it’s not a legal requirement (unless your LLC has employees or multiple members), all Connecticut LLCs should apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

This is a free, nine-digit number used by the IRS to identify your business and keep track of its tax reporting — much like a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals.

You’ll need an EIN to be able to:

• Hire employees
• Open a business bank account
• Apply for some business licenses/permits
• Establish a line of credit

On top of this, using an EIN instead of a Social Security Number (SSN) helps to protect your personal information and safeguard your anonymity as the business owner of your LLC.

You can quickly apply for an EIN for your LLC online through the IRS website. You’re also able to submit a paper application using Form SS-4 either via fax to (855) 641-6935, or by mailing it to the following address:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Note: Don’t worry if you don’t already have an SSN, it’s not necessary to have one in order to apply for an EIN — instead, you can just leave Section 7b of the application blank and call the IRS on (267) 941-1099.

Step 6: File a BOI Report

Starting January 2024, the vast majority of LLC owners will be required to file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

This is part of an initiative by the U.S. government to stop individuals and entities engaging in illegal or unethical activities from being able to conceal this using “opaque ownership structures”, like shell companies, to hide their true identities.

Existing LLCs will be able to file this report anytime between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, while new LLCs will have up to 90 days after the date they were initially formed to do so (30 days for LLCs formed after the start of 2025).

Keep in mind that failure to file your LLC’s BOI report on time can result in exorbitantly high fines (i.e., $591 per day) or even jail time (up to two years).

Note: Not every LLC owner is required to file a BOI report. For example, companies with more than 20 full-time employees, accounting firms, and banks are exempt. For a full list of filing exemptions, you can have a look at FinCEN’s website.

How to Maintain Your Connecticut LLC

In order to keep operating legally in the state of Connecticut, you’ll need to file an annual report with the Secretary of State every year.

Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to complete this step, as we’ve detailed all the information you’ll need to know in the sections below.

File an Annual Report

Maintaining your LLC in Connecticut requires you to file annual reports with the Secretary of State ($80 fee) during a filing period that stretches from January 1 to March 31 each year.

This report ensures the state has the most current information about your business, including details like your LLC’s name and address, business activities, registered agent information, and principal managers/members.

To file your annual report, log into your account on the Secretary of State’s CT.gov system and follow the step-by-step instructions provided.

It’s worth noting that the state will reminder about a month before your report is due. This will either be sent via email (if you’ve provided one), or by post.

Note: If you fail to submit your annual report on time, your LLC will eventually be dissolved, meaning it would no longer be authorized to legally operate in Connecticut.

Connecticut vs Other States

Connecticut represents an ideal place to start and grow a business due to its prime location, high quality of life, and robust support for businesses.

The state’s strategic location in the northeastern U.S. provides easy access to major markets like Boston and New York City, which greatly reduces the cost of reaching a significant portion of the U.S. economy and the Canadian market.

On top of this, the state also supports businesses with various tax incentives, particularly in designated “Enterprise Zones” such as Bridgeport, Hartford, and Norwalk. These zones offer substantial tax credits (100% corporate business tax credit for the first three years of operation) as well as access to low-interest loans.

Overall, the state’s diverse and highly educated workforce, along with its growing sectors in bioscience, green energy, and digital media, position it as a strong contender for starting a business.

Regardless, keep in mind that the best state to form your LLC is almost always the state that you will be operating in; this is because otherwise you’ll likely be required to register as a foreign LLC in your home state, meaning that you’ll need to pay registration and maintenance fees twice.

Connecticut Secretary of State Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115

Physical Address:
Business Services Division
165 Capitol Ave.
Hartford, CT 06106
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Contact Information:

Email: crd@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 509-6002