Form an LLC in Connecticut
Everything you need to know about starting your LLC in Connecticut
$120
Filing Fee
$80
Annual Fee
$200
First Year Total
5-7 business days
Processing Time
Cost Breakdown
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Registered Agent Service: $100-$300/year
- • EIN from IRS: Free (or $50-$100 if using a service)
- • Operating Agreement: $0-$500
- • Business License: Varies by location
How to Form an LLC in Connecticut
- 1
Choose Your LLC Name
Your name must be unique and include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company". Search the Connecticut business name database to verify availability.
- 2
Appoint a Registered Agent
Select a registered agent with a Connecticut address who can receive legal documents on behalf of your LLC during business hours.
- 3
File Articles of Organization
Submit your Articles of Organization to the Connecticut Secretary of State along with the $120 filing fee.
- 4
Create an Operating Agreement
Draft an operating agreement outlining ownership, management structure, and operating procedures. Highly recommended but not required.
- 5
Obtain an EIN
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This is free and can be done online in minutes.
- 6
Open a Business Bank Account
Separate your personal and business finances by opening a dedicated business bank account for your LLC.
Connecticut LLC Requirements
Naming Requirements
- • Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company"
- • Cannot use restricted words without approval (bank, insurance, etc.)
- • Must be distinguishable from existing business names
Registered Agent Requirements
- • Must have a Connecticut street address (no P.O. boxes)
- • Must be available during normal business hours
- • Can be an individual or registered agent service
Annual Compliance
- • Annual report filing: $80/year
- • Maintain registered agent service
- • Keep business records and operating agreement current
Formation Timeline
Day 1: Submit Formation Documents
File Articles of Organization with the state
5-7 business days: State Processing
State reviews and approves your LLC formation
After Approval: Complete Setup
Get EIN, open bank account, obtain licenses
Expedited Processing Available: Most states offer expedited processing for an additional fee, reducing wait times to 1-2 business days.
Ready to Start?
Need help forming your LLC?
Professional formation services can handle the entire process for you, ensuring everything is done correctly.
Connecticut
LLC Formation Costs & Requirements
Filing Fee
$120
↓2% below avg
Annual Fee
$80
↑10% above avg
Franchise Tax
None
1st Year Total
$200
↓11% below avg
Processing Time
5-7 business days
5-Year Cost Projection
Total over 5 years
$520
Average per year
$104
Recommended Formation Services
These services can form your Connecticut LLC for you, handling all paperwork and ensuring compliance.
ZenBusiness
Entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and compliance tools at an affordable price
ZenBusiness stands out as our top pick for LLC formation services thanks to its unbeatable combination of value, features, and support. With formation starting at $0 plus state fees, you can rest easy with their worry-free compliance service, award-winning customer support, and 100% accuracy guarantee. The Pro and Premium packages add even more value with 1-day processing, an employer ID number, operating agreement, and services to get your business online like domain name registration, AI business website builder, and more.
Pros:
- ✓ Starter package is $0 plus state fees
- ✓ Registered agent and compliance services
- ✓ Free worry-free compliance for 1 year
- ✓ Fast 1-day processing time available
- ✓ 100% accuracy guarantee
- ✓ Award-winning customer support
Cons:
- ✗ Some features require upgraded plans
- ✗ More expensive Registered Agent service
Bizee
Budget-conscious startups needing fast formation
Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers lightning-fast LLC formation with their $0 package. They're perfect for entrepreneurs who need to form their LLC quickly and affordably. With same-day processing in many states and a year of free registered agent service, Bizee provides exceptional value for basic LLC formation needs.
Pros:
- ✓ $0 basic formation package
- ✓ Same-day processing available
- ✓ Free registered agent for first year
- ✓ Compliance alerts included
- ✓ Dashboard for document management
- ✓ Free business tools and templates
Cons:
- ✗ Operating agreement not included in basic package
- ✗ Limited customer support hours
Tailor Brands
Creative businesses wanting formation plus branding
Tailor Brands combines LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools. Their unique approach includes AI-powered logo design, website creation, and marketing materials. Perfect for creative entrepreneurs who want to establish their brand identity alongside their legal structure.
Pros:
- ✓ Includes logo design and branding
- ✓ Website builder included
- ✓ Business card designs
- ✓ Mobile app available
- ✓ Operating agreement included
- ✓ EIN service included
Cons:
- ✗ No rush processing available
- ✗ Monthly subscription required
- ✗ Customer service via chat/email only
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to form an LLC in Connecticut?
Standard processing time in Connecticut is 5-7 business days. However, expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee, which can reduce the time to 1-2 business days.
Do I need to live in Connecticut to form an LLC there?
No, you don't need to be a Connecticut resident to form an LLC in the state. However, you will need a registered agent with a Connecticut address, and if you conduct business in other states, you may need to register as a foreign LLC there.
What are the ongoing costs for a Connecticut LLC?
Annual costs include: annual report fee ($80), registered agent service ($100-$300/year), and any applicable business licenses or permits.
Can I form an LLC myself or should I use a service?
You can form an LLC yourself by filing directly with the Connecticut Secretary of State. However, many business owners use formation services to ensure everything is done correctly, save time, and get additional services like registered agent service and compliance reminders.