Ready to start a business of your own? Forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Connecticut can be simple. We’ve broken down the steps to register an LLC in Connecticut from naming your business to file formation documents to help you launch your business today.
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Connecticut LLC Quick Facts
- Registering an LLC in Connecticut offers personal asset protection and brand credibility for your business.
- To form an LLC in Connecticut, you need to file a Certificate of Organization.
- The filing fee to start an LLC in Connecticut is $120.
- Connecticut LLCs are required to file an Annual Report.
6 Steps to Registering an LLC in Connecticut
Registering an LLC in Connecticut is as easy as six steps.
Forming an LLC in Connecticut is a straightforward process. Follow these six steps to register your LLC in the state:
- Name Your Connecticut LLC
- Appoint a Registered Agent
- File a Certificate of Organization
- Create an Operating Agreement
- Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
- File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Step 1: Name Your Connecticut LLC
The first step toward forming your LLC in Connecticut is to choose a business name.
Naming an LLC in Connecticut requires a few rules:
- Your name must be unique and distinguishable from any other business entity in the state
- It must include “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations
- Your name must not include words that imply government affiliation
For the full list of naming requirements for Connecticut LLCs, review the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.
To ensure your business name is unique, you will need to complete a business records search on the Official Connecticut State website.
No LLC name is complete with a matching domain name. Check out GoDaddy today to secure the perfect domain name for your new business.
Step 2: Appoint a Registered Agent
When registering an LLC in Connecticut, you are required to appoint a registered agent. A registered agent in Connecticut is an individual or business entity that is responsible for receiving important information and documents on behalf of your company, such as tax forms or notice of lawsuits.
The appointed registered agent must:
- Be a full-time resident of Connecticut or a business entity authorized to conduct business in the state
- Have a physical address in Connecticut
- Not be the LLC itself
Who is Eligible to Serve as a Registered Agent in Connecticut?
To register an LLC in Connecticut, it is important to have a registered agent who is eligible to serve in this role. The registered agent can be the LLC owner, an employee of the company, or even a friend or family member. Alternatively, you can choose to hire a registered agent service.
Step 3: File a Certificate of Organization
To officially register an LLC in Connecticut, you will need to file a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. You can complete this filing online or by submitting this form by mail or in person.
The filing fee is $120.
We recommend having the following details prepared:
- Name and phone number of the LLC organizer
- Your LLC name, principal address, and mailing address
- The name, address, and signature of your LLC’s registered agent
- Your LLC’s NAICS code
- The names, addresses, and email addresses of all LLC members
What Is an NAICS Code?
A North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is required to register an LLC in Connecticut. This is a six-digit code that identifies the type of trade a business engages in.
Quick Note: If you have already formed your business in another state, you will need to register as a Connecticut Foreign LLC by submitting a Foreign Registration Statement online or by mail. The filing fee is $120.
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
You aren’t required to create an operating agreement to register an LLC in Connecticut but it is still a good idea.
An operating agreement outlines the day-to-day operations and ownership details of your company. By having an operating agreement in place, you can ensure that all LLC members are on the same page and help to prevent future conflicts.
Step 5: Obtain an EIN and Handle Taxes
Next, you need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
An EIN operates similarly to a social security number but for your business. It allows the IRS to track and identify your business for tax reporting purposes. Plus, with an EIN you can hire employees and open a business bank account.
You can obtain an EIN for free on the IRS website.
Additionally, it is important at this stage to identify any additional tax requirements for your business by visiting the Connecticut Official State website.
Step 6: File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
To register an LLC in Connecticut, you must follow a series of steps. One essential step in this process is filing a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report with the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Newly formed LLCs must complete this filing within 90 days of formation, while existing LLCs must do so before January 1st, 2025.
Failure to file this report on time will result in a $500 per day fine.
Filing a BOI report can be done online for free on the FinCen website.
Next Steps
- Open a business bank account to separate your personal assets from your business finances. With Lili, you can sign up for a business bank account in just a few minutes.
Sign up for Lili Banking and Accounting Services
- Determine licenses and permits required federally or by the state. To learn more about Connecticut licenses and permits, visit the Connecticut State website.
- Ensure your business is properly insured with essential coverage such as general liability, workers’ compensation, and personal liability insurance. We recommend Next Insurance for affordable, fast insurance coverage for your new LLC.
Request an online quote with NEXT Insurance
- File an annual report every year by March 31st. This can be done online along with an $80 filing fee.
Additional Tips for Success
- Build a community: A network of other founders, mentors, and potential partners can be a helpful support system through the lifespan of your business.
- Establish your target market: Knowing who your customers are is crucial to the success of your business. Do your research and get to know your target audience to set your LLC up for success.
- Plan for your business’s future: Create a roadmap with important milestones for your business to help guide initiatives and motivate your team.
Conclusion
Registering an LLC in Connecticut can be a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps diligently. By conducting thorough research and ensuring all required documents are properly submitted, you can set your business up for success in the state. Remember to keep track of any ongoing compliance requirements to maintain your LLC status and enjoy the benefits of limited liability protection and tax flexibility.