How to Start an LLC in Connecticut

Step 1: Name Your Connecticut LLC

The first step in forming an LLC in Connecticut is choosing the right business name. 

Your LLC’s name should be memorable, easily searchable, and comply with the state’s business naming rules.

1. Important Naming Guidelines for Connecticut LLCs:

• Your name must include the phrase “limited liability company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or L.L.C.).
• Your name cannot include words that could confuse your LLC with a government agency (FBI, Treasury, State Department, etc.).
• Restricted words (e.g. Bank, Attorney, University) may require additional paperwork and a licensed individual, such as a doctor or lawyer, to be part of your LLC.
• Your LLC’s name must be sufficiently distinguishable from any name currently being used by an existing entity or legally reserved under Connecticut statutes by an entity in the state.

We recommend checking out the regulations contained within the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act for a complete list of Connecticut LLC naming guidelines. 

2. Conduct a Business Name Search in Connecticut

You can check if the name you want to use for your LLC has already been taken by another business entity in Connecticut by performing a business entity search on the Connecticut Secretary of State’s website.

If you’re not going to start your LLC right away, it might be a good idea to consider reserving your name for up to 120 days, with a $60 processing fee.

For more information, you can have a look at our Connecticut LLC Name Search guide.

3. Conduct a Domain Name Search

You should check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don’t plan to make a business website right away, this is an extremely important step as it will prevent others from acquiring it, potentially saving you both time and money in the long term. 

Once you have verified your name is available, you may now select a professional service to complete the LLC formation process for you.

FAQ: Naming a Connecticut LLC

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent in Connecticut

After you find the right name for your LLC, you will need to nominate a Connecticut registered agent. All Connecticut LLCs are required to appoint a registered agent.

What is a registered agent? A registered agent is an individual or business entity responsible for receiving important tax forms, legal documents, notice of lawsuits, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. You can think of your registered agent as your business’s primary point of contact with the state.

Who can be a registered agent? A registered agent must be a resident of Connecticut or a corporation, such as a registered agent service, authorized to transact business in the state of Connecticut. You can choose to elect an individual within the company (e.g., yourself, etc.) or use a business attorney.

FAQ: Nominating a Registered Agent

Step 3: File the Connecticut LLC Certificate of Organization

To register your Connecticut LLC, you will need to file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.

Before filing, make sure you have completed your Certificate of Organization correctly. You will need to have filled in the following sections:

• The name and address of the filing party 
• The legal name of your LLC
• The address of your LLC’s principal office
• The mailing address of your LLC
• Your LLC’s NAICS code
• The name and signature of your registered agent
• Your registered agent’s business, residence, and mailing address
• The names, addresses, and email addresses of your LLC’s managers/members
• The name and signature of the LLC’s organizer

File the Certificate of Organization

OPTION 1: File Online With the Connecticut Secretary of State

File Online

– OR –

OPTION 2: File by Mail or in Person

Download Form

State Filing Cost: $120, payable to the Secretary of State. (Nonrefundable)

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
30 Trinity St.
Hartford, CT 06106

For help with completing the form, visit our Connecticut Certificate of Organization guide.

Note: If you’re expanding your existing business to the state of Connecticut, you’ll need to register as a foreign limited liability company (LLC).

Connecticut NAICS Requirement

When filing Connecticut LLC formation documents, you are required to include your NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) consists of six-digit codes given to a business depending on the type of trade it engages in. You can look up the NAICS code for your type of business by using our NAICS Code Lookup Tool.

FAQ: Filing Connecticut LLC Documents

Step 4: Create a Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement

An operating agreement is not required for a Connecticut LLC, but it’s a good practice to have one.

An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.

A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.

You can use the free tool in our Business Center to create a custom operating agreement in minutes — or download our free templates:

• Connecticut Single-Member LLC Operating Agreement
• Connecticut Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement

FAQ: Creating a Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement

Step 5: Get an EIN for Your Connecticut LLC

You can get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS for free. It is used to identify a business entity and keep track of a business’s tax reporting. It is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for the company.

Why do I need an EIN? An EIN is required for the following:

• To open a business bank account for the company
• For federal and state tax purposes
• To hire employees for the company

Where do I get an EIN? An EIN is obtained from the IRS (free of charge) by the business owner after forming the company. This can be done online or by mail.

FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: You do not need an SSN to get an EIN. Learn more here.

Get an EIN

Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS

Apply Online

– OR –

Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax

Download Form

Mail to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

Fee: Free

FAQ: Getting an EIN

Best LLC Services in Connecticut Compared

For a comprehensive comparison, read our Best LLC Service review. We reviewed and ranked the top LLC formation services to help you determine the best fit for your new business. 

Important Next Steps to Protect Your Connecticut LLC

After you’ve formed your LLC, you’ll need to complete key steps in order to:

• Separate your personal and business assets
• Stay compliant with state and federal laws

Get a Business Bank Account & Credit Card

Using a dedicated business banking account and business credit card is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your LLC is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

You can protect your business with these two steps:

1. Opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

2. Getting a business credit card:

• Helps you separate personal and business expenses.
• Builds your company’s credit history, which can be useful to raise capital later on.

Get Insurance

Even though an LLC offers limited liability, you’ll still likely need to purchase some form of business insurance to protect your LLC’s assets. The most common types are:

• General Liability Insurance: A broad insurance policy that protects your business from lawsuits. Most small businesses get general liability insurance.
• Professional Liability Insurance: A business insurance for professional service providers (consultants, accountants, etc.) that covers against claims of malpractice and other business errors.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: A type of insurance that provides coverage for employees’ job-related illnesses, injuries, or deaths. In Connecticut, businesses with one or more employees, including LLC members and corporate officers, are required by law to have workers compensation insurance.

Want to learn exactly what coverage your Connecticut business may need? Read our full Connecticut Business Insurance Guide.

Obtain Business Licenses If Needed

While Connecticut doesn’t require a general state business license, your LLC may need specific licenses or permits based on its industry, location, and activities.

• State-Level Licenses: Check with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection to determine if your business requires any state-issued licenses or permits.
• Local Licenses: Check with your city or county clerk’s office to identify any local licensing requirements, such as zoning permits or health department approvals.
• Federal Licenses: If your business activities are regulated by a federal agency (e.g., selling alcohol, firearms, or operating in transportation), consult the U.S. Small Business Administration’s guide to determine necessary federal licenses or permits.

For a comprehensive overview and step-by-step instructions, refer to our Connecticut Business License Guide.

Pay Connecticut LLC Taxes 

Your Connecticut LLC will have several tax obligations: 

Federal LLC Tax Requirements

As a pass-through entity, profits typically flow to your personal tax return. LLC members pay self-employment tax (15.3%) on their earnings.