Start an LLC in Connecticut
Start a Connecticut LLC by filing a Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of State for $120.
You can use our free tool to fill out the paperwork right here yourself. Or hire Northwest to do it for you and we’ll provide one year of registered agent service and a business identity—all for $39.
Connecticut Certificate of Organization
You can use our free tool to complete your Certificate of Organization right here. Download, save, or print at any time. You can hire us to submit your Certificate or do it yourself.
How to Start an LLC in Connecticut
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a permanent public record. Starting one requires sharing personal information with the government, banks, landlords, vendors, and of course, customers. We provide free identity tools to anyone who needs them, including a domain name, website, phone line, email address, and brand protection on day one. This helps protect your privacy and keep you in control of your intellectual property.
1. Name Your LLC
Choosing a name for your Connecticut LLC is both a creative and strategic step. According to CT Gen Stat § 34-243k, an LLC name CAN’T:
- Be the same as or very similar to a business name already registered in Connecticut.
- Use words that makes it seem like a different entity type, such as “limited partnership” or “corporation.”
- Use words that suggest the business has a purpose it isn’t authorized for, such as “insurance” if you’re not an insurance company.
A strong name should be memorable, easy to spell, and clearly connected to your products or services. It’s also smart to think beyond the paperwork: check whether your desired name (or a close variation) is available as a domain so you can build a consistent online presence. The right name sets the tone for your brand and can make a lasting impression as your business grows.
Tip: LLC names in Connecticut can be reserved for up to 120 days by submitting an Application of Reservation of Business Name to the Connecticut Secretary of State along with a $60 fee.
2. Get a Domain Name
With your business name in place, the next step is to register a domain (such as mybusinessnamehere.com) for your website. Securing your domain early is essential, as availability can change quickly and waiting too long could mean losing your exact name—or ending up with a less memorable variation. Registering promptly also helps protect your brand by preventing competitors from claiming similar domains that could confuse your audience or dilute your business identity.
To make the process smooth and secure, it’s worth choosing a reliable domain registrar (like Northwest) that offers transparent pricing, strong customer support, and features like domain privacy and easy renewal management. Taking these steps upfront ensures your online presence starts on solid ground and stays protected as your business grows.
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
A registered agent accepts service of process or legal mailings on behalf of your business. In Connecticut, you can be your own registered agent or hire a registered agent like Northwest. Per state law, your Connecticut registered agent must:
- Have a physical address (can’t be a P.O. Box or virtual office) in Connecticut
- Keep regular business hours at this address
- Accept service of process (lawsuits and other legal mail) on behalf of your business and forward it to you
Tip: Northwest Registered Agent is a professional registered agent and business formation service. We not only act as your Connecticut registered agent, but we also let you list our address on your Certificate if you’d prefer to keep your private information off the public record.
4. File Certificate of Organization
For the fourth step in creating your limited liability company in Connecticut, you’ll need to submit a Certificate of Organization to the Secretary of State online, by mail, or in person. There is a $120 filing fee. Filing with the Secretary of State officially forms your LLC.
Note: The information on this form becomes part of the public record.
Filing Party
The person who completes and submits the Certificate of Organization.
Filing Party Mailing Address
Where confirmation of your filing will be sent.
Company Name
Must follow Connecticut naming rules (e.g., include “LLC”).
Principal Address
Must be a physical street address.
Mailing Address
P.O. Boxes are allowed.
Registered Agent
Name, business address, and mailing address of your Connecticut registered agent. Your registered agent must sign to show that they accept the appointment.
Manager/Member Information
You must list the name and address of at least one LLC member (owner) or manager. If you hire us as your registered agent, you can use our address in all address fields for privacy.
Business Email Address
You can check “None” if you don’t have one.
NAICS Code
Identifies your business activity. To find your code, you can utilize the NAICS lookup tool.
Organizer
The name and signature of the person filing the form.
How do I submit my Certificate of Organization?
To submit your Certificate of Organization to the Connecticut Business Services Division, you can file online, in person, or by mail.
File online at Business.CT.gov:
Send Certificate of Organization to:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Deliver your Certificate in person at:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106
5. Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that determines the way your LLC runs. Your operating agreement is important for:
- Establishing ownership, voting rights, and responsibilities for members and managers.
- Making decisions related to dissolution, selling, and bringing on new members.
- Establishing rules for running your LLC.
Connecticut does not require LLCs to have an operating agreement, but it’s good to have one in order to ensure your company is run the way you want.
Tip: We provide an attorney-drafted Connecticut operating agreement template you can use for free.
6. Get an EIN
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) identifies your business for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It’s also important if you have multiple members, intend to hire employees, or open a business bank account. You can apply for an EIN for free directly from the IRS, or hire us to get an EIN for you.
7. Get a Business Bank Account
LLCs enjoy limited liability because they’re treated as legally separate from their owners. So if you mix personal and business funds, a court might decide your LLC isn’t actually a separate entity. This is why it’s important for your LLC to have its own bank account.
To open a business bank account for your LLC, make sure you’ve got these essentials with you:
- A copy of your Certificate of Organization
- Your LLC’s operating agreement
- Your company’s EIN
If your LLC has more than one member, you may need to provide an LLC Resolution to Open a Bank Account.
8. File Your Annual Report
LLCs formed in Connecticut are required to file an annual report each year to ensure the state has up-to-date contact information and is aware of any changes in ownership. There is an $80 filing fee. These reports are due on March 31, beginning the year after your business is formed, and if you’re concerned about forgetting, we can file your Connecticut Annual Report on your behalf.
You will also need to pay Connecticut LLC taxes. LLCs are taxed as pass-through entities by default. This means your LLC isn’t subject to corporate income tax. Instead, LLC profits “pass through” the business to the owners, who are taxed at the federal self-employment tax rate of 15.3%. There are other costs to form a Connecticut LLC you’ll need to consider like permits or professional licensing.
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