How to Start Your LLC in Connecticut
Legal Bueno helps with everything you need to start your business. We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry about it. Want to learn more about the process we handle? Keep reading!
Quick Summary:
- Filing Fee: $120
- Turnaround time: 2-3 business days
How do I start an LLC in Connecticut?
Thinking about starting an LLC? The process is pretty similar across the states. You'll start by picking a unique name for your business (you'll need to check to make sure it hasn't been taken!) and then filing some paperwork—usually called Articles of Organization or a Certificate of Formation—with your state's agency.
If you want to check the name availability for Connecticut, visit https://service.ct.gov/business/s/onlinebusinesssearch?language=en_US.
After that's taken care of, you'll want to draft a governing doc for your business called an operating agreement & find any licenses you might need. Just keep in mind that each state has its own little quirks, so it's always a good idea to double-check specific requirements for your area.
What are the costs & processing times of starting a business in Connecticut?
Here's the rundown for Connecticut:
- The filing fee is: $120
- There are ongoing fees of $80 (every year)
- It usually takes 2-3 business days if you're filing online or 7-10 business days (plus mail time) if by mail.
Why Connecticut is a great state for your LLC
Starting a company in Connecticut comes with a variety of advantages that can significantly benefit entrepreneurs and small business owners. Here are some key points to consider:
- Tax Incentives and Funding Opportunities: Connecticut provides several tax incentives aimed at fostering small business growth, including financial support programs. For instance, businesses that qualify for the Small Business Express Program can receive funding for essential expenses like machinery, equipment, and employee training.
- Favorable Business Structure: Establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Connecticut is a straightforward process. An LLC structure protects personal assets from business liabilities, ensuring that personal finances remain separate from business debts.
- Simplified Administration: Running an LLC in Connecticut involves less complex filing and compliance requirements compared to larger corporate entities. This simplicity is particularly beneficial for startups and small to medium-sized businesses.
- Cost-Effective Formation: The filing fee for forming an LLC in Connecticut is relatively low at $120, making it an affordable option for new entrepreneurs looking to start their business ventures.
- Support for Growth: The eligibility for programs like the Small Business Express Program further encourages small businesses to invest in growth and development, enhancing their potential for success.
- Community and Networking Opportunities: Connecticut's business environment includes a strong network of support for entrepreneurs, ranging from local chambers of commerce to various business incubators that provide mentorship and resources.
Overall, Connecticut offers a business-friendly environment with vital resources and protections for entrepreneurs, making it an appealing state for starting a new company.
Legal Requirements
Remember! Legal Bueno will handle all of these requirements for you, but if you're interested, here are the legal requirements for Connecticut:
Articles of Organization
A certificate of organization must include:1. The name of the LLC;
- The street address and mailing address of the company's principal office;
- The name of the appointed registered agent, along with the street address and mailing address in Connecticut of the company's registered agent;
- The name, business address and residence address of at least one manager or member of the LLC, except that if good cause is shown, the secretary of the state may accept a business address in lieu of the business and residence addresses of such manager or member; and
- The electronic mail address, if any, of the LLC.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-247
Filing fee: $120
Filing Process
After you've prepared the initial formation documents, you need to file it! Here is what Connecticut laws require for filing:
To be filed, a record must be received by the secretary of the state, comply with the Uniform LLC Act, and satisfy the following:1. The filing of the record must be required or permitted;
- The record must be physically delivered in written form unless and to the extent the secretary of the state permits electronic delivery of records;
- The words in the record must be in English and numbers must be in Arabic or Roman numerals, but the name of an entity need not be in English if written in English letters or Arabic or Roman numerals;
- The record must be signed by an authorized person;
- The record must state the name and capacity, if any, of each individual who signed it, either on behalf of the individual or the person authorized or required to sign the record, but need not contain a seal, attestation, acknowledgment or verification; and;
- Any required fee, tax, interest or penalty must be paid.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-247e
Additional Legal Considerations
Here are some additional relevant laws that might be useful when operating your business in Connecticut:
Operating agreement–scope, function and limitations
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-243d
Operating agreement–effect on limited liability company and person becoming member. Formation of agreement that becomes operating agreement
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-243e
Operating agreement–effect on third parties and relationship to records effective on behalf of limited liability company
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-243f
Certificate of legal existence
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-247j
Annual report
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-247k