How to Form an LLC in Connecticut (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Connecticut · Last updated 2026-08-06
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business structure that legally separates the company from the people who own it, so the owners are generally not personally responsible for the company's debts. Forming one in Connecticut means filing a formation document with a state agency and paying its fee to bring the company into legal existence. In Connecticut you create an LLC by filing the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State's Business Services Division through the online business portal and paying a $120 filing fee. Two features shape the cost of running a Connecticut LLC. First, Connecticut does not impose a separate franchise tax or minimum annual tax on a standard pass-through LLC, so there is no yearly state tax bill simply for existing. Second, every Connecticut LLC must file an annual report for an $80 fee, filed online each year between January 1 and March 31. Connecticut LLCs are governed by the Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 613a of the General Statutes. This guide explains what an LLC is, the exact Connecticut steps and fees, and the deadlines that keep the company in good standing.
Find out where you stand in Connecticut
Where are you in forming your LLC?
DocDraft provides document preparation, not legal advice.
How do you form an LLC in Connecticut?
File the Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of the State's Business Services Division through the online business portal and pay the $120 filing fee. You must name a registered agent with a Connecticut street address. The certificate also appoints your statutory agent, and online filings are typically processed in two to three business days.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in Connecticut?
The core cost is the $120 fee to file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State, paid once. After that, every Connecticut LLC files an annual report for an $80 fee each year. Reserving a name in advance is optional and costs $60. Connecticut does not charge a separate franchise tax on a standard pass-through LLC.
Does a Connecticut LLC have to file an annual report?
Yes. Every Connecticut LLC must file an annual report with the Secretary of the State, filed online each year between January 1 and March 31. The fee is $80. The report confirms the LLC's address, its members or managers, and its registered agent, and filing it keeps the company in good standing with the state.
Does Connecticut require newspaper publication to form an LLC?
No. Connecticut does not require an LLC to publish notice of its formation in a newspaper. This is unlike New York, Arizona, and Nebraska, where publication is a condition of forming or operating. In Connecticut the Certificate of Organization filing and the annual report are all handled through the Secretary of the State, with no separate publication step.
Connecticut LLC formation at a glance
You form a Connecticut LLC by filing the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State's Business Services Division for a $120 filing fee, submitted online through the state's business portal at business.ct.gov. What sets Connecticut apart is the absence of a recurring state tax on a standard LLC. Connecticut does not impose a franchise tax or a minimum annual tax on an LLC that is taxed as a pass-through entity, so unlike California's $800 minimum or Delaware's $400 flat tax, a Connecticut LLC owes no yearly tax just to stay registered. The main ongoing obligation is the annual report, filed online each year between January 1 and March 31 for an $80 fee. Every Connecticut LLC must name and continuously maintain a registered agent, also called a statutory agent, with a physical Connecticut street address, and that appointment is made in the Certificate of Organization itself. Connecticut does not require newspaper publication. Online filings are typically processed in two to three business days. The governing statute is the Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 613a of the Connecticut General Statutes, sections 34-243 and following.
Forming a two-owner Connecticut LLC, step by step
Suppose two friends in Hartford want to open a small design studio as an LLC. First they search the Connecticut Secretary of the State's business records to confirm their name is available and includes a designator such as LLC, and they can reserve the name for a $60 fee while they prepare paperwork. Next they appoint a registered agent: one owner lives in Connecticut and agrees to serve, using a Connecticut street address, not a P.O. box, where legal papers can be delivered during business hours. They then file the Certificate of Organization through the business.ct.gov portal and pay the $120 filing fee, which also appoints their statutory agent. The LLC legally exists once the Secretary of the State files it, typically within two to three business days for an online filing. Because they have two members, they write an operating agreement setting each owner's percentage and how profits split, even though Connecticut does not require them to file it. They apply to the IRS for a free EIN so the partnership can file taxes and open a bank account. Finally they calendar the $80 annual report, filed online between January 1 and March 31 each year. Because Connecticut charges a standard pass-through LLC no franchise tax or minimum annual tax, the studio's recurring state obligation is the annual report, not a yearly tax payment.
Relevant Laws
Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 613a, §§ 34-243 et seq.)
Chapter 613a governs the formation, management, and dissolution of every Connecticut LLC. It sets who may form an LLC, the required contents of the Certificate of Organization, the registered agent requirement, and the default rules for member-managed and manager-managed companies. Connecticut adopted this version of the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, replacing its earlier LLC statute.
Certificate of Organization (Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 613a)
Requires an LLC to be formed by delivering a Certificate of Organization to the Connecticut Secretary of the State for filing. The certificate states the LLC's name, its principal office address, and its registered agent for service of process, and it appoints that statutory agent. The filing fee is $120, paid through the Secretary of the State's online business portal.
Registered agent requirement (Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 613a)
Requires every Connecticut LLC to designate and continuously maintain a registered agent, sometimes called a statutory agent, in Connecticut. The agent, an individual residing in Connecticut or a business authorized to act as an agent, receives lawsuits and official notices for the company. The agent's Connecticut street address goes on the Certificate of Organization and the annual report.
Annual report requirement (Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 613a)
Requires a Connecticut LLC to file an annual report with the Secretary of the State, filed online each year between January 1 and March 31. The fee is $80, and the report keeps the LLC's address, management, and registered agent information current. Failing to file can lead the Secretary of the State to mark the LLC as not in good standing.
Connecticut business taxes (Department of Revenue Services)
Connecticut does not impose a franchise tax or minimum annual tax on a standard LLC taxed as a pass-through entity. An LLC's income generally passes through to its members, who report it on their Connecticut personal income tax returns. An LLC that elects to be taxed as a corporation is instead subject to the Connecticut corporation business tax administered by the Department of Revenue Services.
IRS federal tax classification (default pass-through)
The IRS does not tax the LLC as a separate category. By default a single-member Connecticut LLC is disregarded and taxed like a sole proprietorship, and a multi-member LLC is taxed as a partnership, with income passing through to the owners. An LLC may instead elect S corporation or C corporation treatment. This federal classification is separate from any Connecticut state tax obligations.
Regional Variances
How forming an LLC in Connecticut differs from other states
No franchise tax or minimum annual tax
This is the headline difference. Connecticut does not charge a standard pass-through LLC a franchise tax or a minimum annual tax simply to exist. California charges an $800 minimum every year and Delaware a flat $400, but a Connecticut LLC owes no comparable recurring state tax. Its ongoing state cost is the $80 annual report fee, not a tax bill.
Annual report, filed in a fixed January to March window
Connecticut requires an annual report filed online each year between January 1 and March 31, for an $80 fee. Many states tie the report to the LLC's formation anniversary instead. Connecticut's fixed calendar window means every LLC has the same deadline, so the easiest way to fall out of good standing is missing the March 31 cutoff.
No newspaper publication requirement
Connecticut does not require you to publish notice of formation in a newspaper. New York, Arizona, and Nebraska do, which adds cost and a deadline. A Connecticut LLC is complete once the Secretary of the State files the Certificate of Organization, with no publication step.
Formation document and filing office
Connecticut uses the Certificate of Organization, filed with the Secretary of the State's Business Services Division through the business.ct.gov portal. Some states call the document Articles of Organization and route filings through a different agency, so the form name and office are not the same everywhere.
Registered agent appointed in the certificate
In Connecticut the Certificate of Organization itself appoints the registered agent, so the agent's Connecticut street address must be settled before you file. Connecticut calls this a registered agent or statutory agent. The agent must be an individual residing in the state or a business authorized to serve, available to accept legal papers during business hours.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Confirm your LLC name is available and compliant
Before filing days after startingSearch the Connecticut Secretary of the State's business records to confirm your desired name is not already in use and that it includes a required designator such as LLC or Limited Liability Company. Avoid restricted words that need special approval. You can reserve an available name with the Secretary of the State for a $60 fee while you prepare your Certificate of Organization.
Appoint a registered agent
Before filing days after startingConnecticut requires a registered agent, also called a statutory agent, with a physical Connecticut street address who is available during business hours to accept legal documents. Decide whether you, a co-owner who lives in Connecticut, or a commercial agent service will serve. You appoint the agent directly in the Certificate of Organization, so settle this first.
File the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State
To create the LLC days after startingFile the Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of the State's Business Services Division through the business.ct.gov portal and pay the $120 filing fee. The LLC legally exists only once the Secretary of the State files it, typically in two to three business days for online filings. Keep the filed confirmation as proof of formation.
Adopt an operating agreement
At or soon after formation days after startingPut the ownership percentages, profit split, management structure, and exit rules in writing. Connecticut's LLC act expects members to have an operating agreement, but you do not file it with the state. It governs how the LLC runs and overrides the act's default rules. Attorney review of the agreement is available as an option through DocDraft.
Get a federal EIN from the IRS
Before opening a bank account or hiring days after startingApply for an Employer Identification Number free on the IRS website. Multi-member LLCs, LLCs with employees, and LLCs electing corporate tax treatment need one. Single-member LLCs with no employees usually get one anyway to open a business bank account and keep business and personal finances separate.
File the annual report each year between January 1 and March 31
Annually, January 1 to March 31 days after startingFile the Connecticut LLC annual report online through the business.ct.gov portal each year between January 1 and March 31. The fee is $80. It confirms the LLC's address, members or managers, and registered agent. Missing the March 31 deadline can leave the LLC out of good standing, so calendar it as a fixed annual date.
Confirm your Connecticut tax registrations
After formation, before doing business days after startingConnecticut does not charge a standard pass-through LLC a franchise tax or minimum annual tax, but your LLC may still need to register with the Department of Revenue Services for sales tax, withholding, or other taxes depending on what it does. Confirm which registrations apply before you start operating, and revisit them if you elect corporate tax treatment.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confirm your LLC name is available and compliant | Search the Connecticut Secretary of the State's business records to confirm your desired name is not already in use and that it includes a required designator such as LLC or Limited Liability Company. Avoid restricted words that need special approval. You can reserve an available name with the Secretary of the State for a $60 fee while you prepare your Certificate of Organization. | - | Before filing |
| Appoint a registered agent | Connecticut requires a registered agent, also called a statutory agent, with a physical Connecticut street address who is available during business hours to accept legal documents. Decide whether you, a co-owner who lives in Connecticut, or a commercial agent service will serve. You appoint the agent directly in the Certificate of Organization, so settle this first. | - | Before filing |
| File the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State | File the Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of the State's Business Services Division through the business.ct.gov portal and pay the $120 filing fee. The LLC legally exists only once the Secretary of the State files it, typically in two to three business days for online filings. Keep the filed confirmation as proof of formation. | - | To create the LLC |
| Adopt an operating agreement | Put the ownership percentages, profit split, management structure, and exit rules in writing. Connecticut's LLC act expects members to have an operating agreement, but you do not file it with the state. It governs how the LLC runs and overrides the act's default rules. Attorney review of the agreement is available as an option through DocDraft. | llc-operating-agreement | At or soon after formation |
| Get a federal EIN from the IRS | Apply for an Employer Identification Number free on the IRS website. Multi-member LLCs, LLCs with employees, and LLCs electing corporate tax treatment need one. Single-member LLCs with no employees usually get one anyway to open a business bank account and keep business and personal finances separate. | - | Before opening a bank account or hiring |
| File the annual report each year between January 1 and March 31 | File the Connecticut LLC annual report online through the business.ct.gov portal each year between January 1 and March 31. The fee is $80. It confirms the LLC's address, members or managers, and registered agent. Missing the March 31 deadline can leave the LLC out of good standing, so calendar it as a fixed annual date. | - | Annually, January 1 to March 31 |
| Confirm your Connecticut tax registrations | Connecticut does not charge a standard pass-through LLC a franchise tax or minimum annual tax, but your LLC may still need to register with the Department of Revenue Services for sales tax, withholding, or other taxes depending on what it does. Confirm which registrations apply before you start operating, and revisit them if you elect corporate tax treatment. | - | After formation, before doing business |
Frequently Asked Questions
An LLC, or limited liability company, is a business structure that separates the company from its owners as a matter of law. The owners, called members, are generally not personally liable for the company's debts or lawsuits, so a creditor usually cannot reach a member's home or savings for a business obligation. In Connecticut, LLCs are created under the Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 613a of the General Statutes. It pairs that liability protection with pass-through taxation and lighter paperwork than a corporation, which is why most small Connecticut businesses choose it.
Connecticut uses the Certificate of Organization, not Articles of Organization. You file it with the Secretary of the State's Business Services Division through the business.ct.gov portal, and the filing fee is $120. The certificate names the LLC, its principal office, and its registered agent, and it appoints that agent in the same document. The company legally exists once the Secretary of the State files the certificate, so keep the filed confirmation as proof of formation.
No. Connecticut does not impose a franchise tax or a minimum annual tax on a standard LLC taxed as a pass-through entity, so there is no yearly state tax just for staying registered. That sets it apart from California's $800 minimum or Delaware's $400 flat tax. Income generally passes through to members' personal returns. An LLC that elects corporate tax treatment is instead subject to the Connecticut corporation business tax through the Department of Revenue Services.
Connecticut sets a fixed calendar window: file the annual report online through business.ct.gov each year between January 1 and March 31, for an $80 fee. Unlike states that tie the report to your formation anniversary, every Connecticut LLC shares the same March 31 cutoff. The report confirms the LLC's address, its members or managers, and its registered agent. Missing March 31 can leave the company out of good standing, so calendar it as a fixed date.
Yes. If you are not ready to file the Certificate of Organization, you can reserve an available name with the Connecticut Secretary of the State for a $60 fee while you prepare your paperwork. First search the state's business records to confirm the name is not already taken and that it includes a designator such as LLC or Limited Liability Company. Name reservation is optional; many filers skip it and simply file the certificate directly once the name clears.
Connecticut requires every LLC to name and continuously maintain a registered agent, also called a statutory agent, with a physical Connecticut street address, not a P.O. box. The agent can be an individual who resides in Connecticut, including you or a co-owner, or a business authorized to serve as an agent. They must be available during business hours to accept lawsuits and official state mail. You appoint the agent inside the Certificate of Organization, so settle this before you file.
No. You can form a Connecticut LLC yourself by filing the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State and following the steps in this guide. That said, an operating agreement for multiple owners, a business holding significant assets, or an unusual ownership structure can benefit from professional review. DocDraft provides guided LLC documents, and attorney review is available as an option if you want a licensed attorney to look over your paperwork before you file.
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