How to Start an LLC in Connecticut

To start an LLC in Connecticut, you need a business name, a registered agent, and to fill out and submit a Certificate of Organization to the Connecticut Secretary of State for $120. After that, you’ll take a few organizational steps to ensure your LLC is ready for business. Here’s how to do it.

Create a Connecticut LLC in 5 Steps:

1. Name your Connecticut LLC
2. Choose a Registered Agent
3. File Certificate of Organization
4. Set up Business Operations
5. File BOI Report

Step 1: Name Your Connecticut LLC

You’ll need a business name that meets Connecticut’s rules (you can find them in CT Gen Stat § 34-243k). Here are the main requirements to keep in mind:

• Your LLC’s name must be unique in Connecticut. If another business is using your name, or one close to it, your paperwork will be rejected. You’ll want to check via Connecticut’s Business Records Search.
• Your LLC’s name will need an entity identifier like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
• Your LLC’s name can’t contain a bogus entity identifier like “Corporation” or “Corp.”

You should also look online to see if your business name is available as a domain name and to check if it might be federally trademarked.

How can you check if your LLC name is available in CT?

You can perform a quick search on Connecticut’s Business Records Search and see if your name (or one similar to it) is in use in Connecticut.

Can an LLC go by a different name in Connecticut?

Yes. If you use a different business name than the one on your formation documents, that name is called a trade name or “doing business as” name. You’ll need to register any trade names with the local town clerk in the town where you’re doing business.

Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent

Next, you’ll need to choose a registered agent. This is a person or company appointed to accept legal mail on behalf of your business in person. Registered agents play an important role in furthering corporate transparency, as they provide the public with a point of contact for your business (even if you, as the owner, aren’t always available).

Appointing a registered agent is legally required in Connecticut. At a minimum, your registered agent must:

• Have a physical address in Connecticut
• Be present at that address during business hours
• Accept and forward legal notices to your business

While any individual who meets these requirements can be a registered agent, a professional registered agent can usually provide a lot more in terms of help setting up your business and protecting your privacy.

Can I be my own registered agent in Connecticut?

Yes, as long as you have a physical address in Connecticut. But keep in mind that if you act as your own registered agent, you’ll have to list your address on the public record. You’ll also have to be available at this address during business hours and update the Connecticut Secretary of State whenever your address changes.

Step 3: File Certificate of Organization

Once you have your business name and your registered agent’s information, you can move on to the paperwork that forms your LLC: the Certificate of Organization. You can fill it out by paper and send it in the mail or submit it online. Before you get started, make sure you have the following information handy:

• LLC Name. This will need to be unique in Connecticut and include a designator like “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company.”
• Principal Office Address. This is where you do business or keep your business records. You can use almost any address except for a PO box—hire us and we’ll list our address here.
• Mailing Address. If you want to get mail at a different address, you can list that address here.
• Registered Agent. List the name and address of the individual who will accept service of process on behalf of your LLC in person (or hire us and we’ll list our info here). Note: Your registered agent will either have to sign the paper form or click a link accepting their appointment within 72 hours of when you file online).
• Manager or Member Information. You have to list the name and address of at least one member or manager. A member is an LLC owner, while a manager is someone you hire to run the day-to-day operations of your business. Hire us and we’ll provide an address for these fields to keep yours off the public record.
• Business Email Address. The state will send notifications here. When you hire us to set up your LLC, we’ll provide you with a business email address free for 90 days.
• NAICS Code. This is a code the federal government provides to classify business types. Find yours by searching your business type with the US Census.
• Organizer.This is just whoever is filling out and submitting your paperwork. It can’t be your LLC itself. When you hire us, we’ll list our information here.

It’s important to remember that everything you list on this form will be posted online, so it’s smart to minimize the use of personal information like home addresses.

How long does it take to get an LLC approved in CT?

If you send your Certificate of Organization to the Connecticut Secretary of State by mail, you can expect it to take around 7-10 business days, not counting mail time. If you file online, it’ll only take 2-3 business days. You can also pay an extra $50 for expedited service and have your LLC approved in 24 hours.

Colorado approves filings immediately, as soon as you pay. Colorado only accepts online LLC filings.

Step 4: Set up Business Operations

Once your Certificate of Organization is approved by the Connecticut Secretary of State, you have an LLC. But you’ll still need to take some steps to make sure your LLC is ready to do business.

• Draft an operating agreement. While not required by law in Connecticut, an operating agreement is crucial. It’s a contract that defines how your LLC will vote, distribute money, handle disputes, and more. Don’t skip it.
• Get an EIN. This is a tax ID you can get through the IRS online. You’ll need one when you open your business bank account.
• Organize your company finances. Your LLC will need a business bank account where members can make initial contributions. This will help you keep your personal money separate from your LLC’s money (a crucial step in maintaining your limited liability status).
• Register a domain name. Even if you’re not ready to build out a website, locking down a branded URL for your business will help you start building an online presence.

How much does an EIN cost?

Applying for an EIN with the IRS is free and only takes a few minutes.

Does Connecticut require an operating agreement?

No. Connecticut’s statutes do not require an LLC to adopt an operating agreement, but having one on file internally is crucial. Without one, your LLC defaults automatically to Connecticut’s state statutes (which may not be the best fit for your business).

Step 5. File BOI Report

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report is a mandatory federal filing that discloses ownership information to the federal government. The BOI Report is a result of the Corporate Transparency Act, which aims to combat money laundering and other illicit activity. In 2024, you 90 days from registration to file your BOI Report.  In 2025, that window shrinks to 30 days. We can take care of this requirement for you when you hire us to form your LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions