March 4, 2025

How Much Does an LLC Cost in Connecticut


It costs at least $120 to form an LLC in Connecticut. But these additional expenses could increase the total to over $3,000.

How much does it cost to start an LLC in Connecticut?
Here are the following fees to consider:

Connecticut, the "Insurance Capital of the World," offers a welcoming landscape for businesses of all sizes.

But what's the price tag for joining this business-friendly environment? Find out how much an LLC costs in Connecticut in this in-depth guide.

You can also use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your minimum startup expenses.

Minimum LLC Formation Expenses Calculator

How do you plan to form your LLC?

Certificate of Organization

One-Time Fee: $120[1]

To form an LLC in Connecticut, you must file the Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State. Once the documents are approved, your LLC will be recognized as a separate legal entity.

A Connecticut LLC's Certificate of Organization contains the following information, among other details:[2]

You can file the Certificate of Organization online, by mail, or in person. Online filings are typically processed faster unless you pay a 24-hour expedited service.

Foreign Registration Statement

One-Time Fee: $120[3]

If you already have an LLC in another state and want to expand your business to Connecticut, register it as a foreign LLC.

To create a foreign LLC in Connecticut, file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Secretary of State. Don't forget to attach a Certificate of Existence from your domestic state.

Do I need a lawyer to form an LLC?
No, you don't need an attorney to form an LLC in Connecticut. However, it's best to consult with a professional about which business structure is right for you.

Annual Report

Annual Fee: $80[4]

In Connecticut, all LLCs must file annual reports with the Secretary of State. These reports let the government, banks, and anyone who can access public records know that your business is still active.

Annual reports are filed from January 1 to March 31.[5] It can only be filed online this time.

Submit your annual certificate on time.
Otherwise, you can't get a Certificate of Legal Existence, which could make it hard for you to do business. The Secretary of State may also administratively close your business.

Business Permits and Licenses

Sales Permit One-Time Fee: $100[6]

If your LLC sells goods or services in the state, you'll need a sales permit from the Department of Revenue Services.

Additionally, the state allows local jurisdictions and specific industries to have their own business licensing requirements.

For example, in Hartford, a commercial parking lot in the downtown district must pay at least $500 for an additional license.[7]

The number of permits and licenses your LLC needs depends on its business purpose. Some businesses may be regulated by various governmental offices simultaneously and could renew yearly.

Business Taxes

State Income Tax Rate: 3% to 6.99% of taxable income[8]

LLCs are generally considered "pass-through" entities for tax purposes. This means the LLC's profits and losses pass through to the owners and are reported on individual tax returns.

Connecticut's current income tax rate is up to 6.99% of taxable income.[8] However, because the state has no fixed tax, tax rates may vary yearly. Additionally, you must pay the $250 business entity tax yearly if your LLC is taxed as a partnership.[9]

On top of that, you must also pay federal income taxes.

2025 Federal Income Tax Rates:[10]

Tax RateTaxable Income
10%$0 to $11,925
12%$11,926 to $48,475
22%$48,476 to $103,350
24%$103,351 to $197,300
32%$197,301 to $250,525
35%$250,526 to $626,350
37%Over $626,350

Don't forget the 15.3% federal self-employment tax.[11]

Write off expenses
The fees that you'll incur when forming an LLC can be claimed as tax deductions. You can write off the following expenses:

Optional Fees

While the fees below are generally optional, some are unavoidable depending on your business needs.

For example, obtaining a Certificate of Existence is often necessary when opening an LLC bank account.

Connecticut LLC Optional FeesCost
Expedited Services$50
Registered Agent ServicesUp to $300+
Change of Agent or Office$50
Operating AgreementUp to $500+
Employer Identification Number$0 to $99
BOI Report$0 to $149
LLC Name Reservation$60
Trade NameTypically $10 for each town
Articles of Amendment$120
Certificate of Existence$50 - $100
Certified Copy of Documents$55
Website Domain$10 to $20
Business Insurance PremiumsVaries

What's your main concern when considering the cost of forming an LLC?

Expedited Services

Cost: $50[12]

The Secretary of State of Connecticut typically processes documents filed online in 1 to 3 business days. It could take longer if you file in person or by mail.

You can pay for the 24-hour expedited services fee if you need your documents processed faster, like the Certificate of Organization.

Registered Agent Services

Annual Cost: $0, or $100-$300/yr

In Connecticut, you must have a registered agent to receive business and legal documents for your LLC. This includes government notices, tax forms, and annual reporting forms.

You can technically be your LLC's registered agent—as long as you're at least 18 and have a physical street address in Connecticut. You must also be available to receive documents during business hours.

However, your address will be public record. So many LLCs like to hire a registered agent service to keep their personal details private. These services usually charge $100-$300 per year to be your registered agent.

Change of Agent or Address

Filing Fee: $50[1]

You can change your registered agent's details by filing a form with the Secretary of State. Changes include the registered agent's name and address. If both details change, you must file two forms that cost $50 each.[1]

Some registered agents will shoulder this bill if you switch to their services.

Change of Agent vs. Amended Articles
In Connecticut, the amended articles are used to change the business name, management structure, and other details. The statement of change form is focused solely on changes regarding the registered agent.

Operating Agreement

Cost: $0, or up to $500+

LLCs in Connecticut are not required to have an operating agreement. However, it's recommended because it defines important rules and regulations that all members must follow.

An LLC operating agreement contains the following:

  • The roles and responsibilities of each member
  • How new or departing members will be treated
  • How business profits and losses will be divided

Ideally, you should already have a signed Operating Agreement before forming an LLC in Connecticut. But if your LLC is already formed, you can always draft it yourself after.

Alternatively, an LLC attorney might charge you a $500 flat fee for a standard operating agreement. If you have more complex details, the cost could be higher.

Save money with a free operating agreement template.
You can write your own with free online operating agreement templates. If you want a professional to create it for you, LLC services usually offer this as a part of their packages for much less than attorney costs.

Employer Identification Number

Cost: $0, or $50 to $99

Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

You can just apply for an EIN for free on the IRS website. But if you'd like an LLC service to process it for you, you can do so for a small fee. Here are some providers that do this and their pricing:

Single-member LLCs in Connecticut don't require an EIN, but it's almost essential in practice. For instance, you'll need one if you hire employees or want to open a business bank account.

Does my LLC need a bank account?
Yes. Separating your LLC's finances from personal assets is a requirement of liability shielding. Use a separate bank account to accept payments and pay business expenses to prevent piercing the corporate veil .

Beneficial Ownership Information Report

One-Time Cost: $0, or up to $149

The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) is a one-time report that must be submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) within 30 calendar days of your LLC's formation.[13]

It includes information about the LLC's beneficial owners, including name, birth date, and address.

FinCEN doesn't charge a fee to submit your BOI report. But you can pay an LLC service to process it for you and save yourself the hassle:

You're considered a beneficial owner if you own 25% or more of the ownership interests in your LLC. Or if you exercise substantial control over the LLC.

Name Reservation

Cost: $60[1]

If you already have a business name but aren't ready to form an LLC, you can reserve your desired name first. This will prevent others from using that name for 120 days.[14]

Remember to review Connecticut's naming regulations. For example, an LLC name must include LLC, Ltd., or similar.

Websites for growing businesses
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 today, you may want to buy the URL to prevent others from acquiring it.

Trade Name

Cost: Typically $10 for each town

A trade name (also known as "Doing Business As" or DBA) allows your LLC to operate under a name different from its legal name registered with the state. Some LLCs use a DBA for branding purposes, like using a name without "LLC" at the end.

Unlike other states, trade names in Connecticut have registration fees in every town where you do business. So if your LLC operates in Hartford and Bristol, you must pay the DBA registration fee in each town.

Articles of Amendment

Cost: $120[1]

Your Connecticut LLC's Certificate of Organization contains specific details about your business. Should these details change, you must file an amendment to the Secretary of State.

File an amendment if you:

  • Change the LLC name
  • Move to a new location
  • Appoint a new registered agent

You must also file a statement of change with the $50 filing fee if you update your registered agent's details.

Certificate of Existence

Cost: $50 (short-form) | $100 (long-form)[15]

A Certificate of Existence is an official document by the Secretary of State. It verifies that your LLC is updated with all state filings and has paid all its fees and taxes.

You might need a Certificate of Existence to:

A short-form certificate of existence confirms basic information about your LLC, like its business name and good standing status. A long-form status is more detailed and could contain all amendments to your Certificate of Organization.

What to Do if Your LLC is in Bad Standing
Contact the Secretary of State to ask why your LLC is in bad standing. The most common reasons include:
After paying the outstanding fees and filing late documents, you might also need to pay $120 for the Application for Reinstatement.[1]

Certified Copies

Cost: $55[16]

Certified copies of documents verify that your LLC is legitimate and that its details are accurate.

You might need these for circumstances like opening a business bank account or expanding your LLC in another state.

Additionally, some LLCs keep certified copies of their initial Certificate of Organization and amendments (if any) for recordkeeping purposes.

Don't need a certified copy? You can pay $40 for a plain copy of documents.

Business Website Domain

Annual Fee: $10 to $20

A website domain and social media presence provide dedicated online spaces for your business. It's essential for marketing, customer engagement, and brand visibility in today's digital world.

Even if you aren't planning to build a business website now, you could still buy the domain name. This will prevent others from using your LLC's name as a web address.

Beware of website domain squatters.
Domain squatters often monitor newly registered LLC names. They purchase corresponding website domains and then resell them at significantly higher prices.

Business Insurance Premiums

Cost: Varies

In Connecticut, most employers must cover their employees with workers' compensation insurance.

You can shop from a private insurance carrier or join the state's Second Injury Fund.

Additionally, consider protecting your LLC's assets with other types of insurance:

The cost depends on factors like the number of employees, the risk level of your industry, and your past insurance claims.

Curious to know how much it costs to maintain an LLC in Connecticut? Use the calculator below to get a clear picture of your ongoing expenses.

Minimum Annual LLC Expenses

Bottom Line

You need at least $120 to form an LLC in Connecticut. But you may have to spend more for filings like:

That said, the total cost of forming an LLC in Connecticut will increase depending on the additional services, documents, and licenses you need. Ultimately, it's never a bad idea to set aside an extra budget for unexpected fees.

References

  1. ^ State of Connecticut. Domestic limited liability companies forms and fees, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  2. ^ Secretary of the State of Connecticut. Certificate of Organization, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  3. ^ State of Connecticut. Foreign limited liability companies forms and fees, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  4. ^ State of Connecticut. Domestic annual report forms and fees, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  5. ^ State of Connecticut. Annual Report Frequently Asked Questions, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  6. ^ Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services. Sales and Use Tax Information, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  7. ^ The City of Hartford. Commercial Parking Lot Application, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  8. ^ State of Connecticut. 2023 Tax Calculation Schedule, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  9. ^ Connecticut State Department of Revenue Services. Business Entity Tax, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  10. ^ IRS. IRS releases tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2025, Retrieved 01/26/2025
  11. ^ IRS. Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes), Retrieved 10/29/2024
  12. ^ State of Connecticut. Expedited services, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  13. ^ Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. Beneficial Ownership Information, Retrieved 01/09/2025
  14. ^ Secretary of the State of Connecticut. Application for Reservation of Name, Retrieved 10/29/2024
  15. ^ State of Connecticut. Certificate of Legal Existence Forms and Fees, Retrieved 12/28/2024
  16. ^ State of Connecticut. Get plain or certified copies of my business records, Retrieved 12/28/2024

Nicole King is a research analyst at CreditDonkey, a business formation services comparison and reviews website. Write to Nicole King at nicole.king@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.


How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC?

Forming an LLC can be the next step for your business. But how much will it cost? Read on to learn about the different LLC formation fees.
How do you plan to form your LLC?
67% Do it myself (DIY)
13% Hire a formation service
20% I don't know yet
Source: CreditDonkey
What's your main concern when considering the cost of forming an LLC?
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