How to Form an LLC in Connecticut

This is the complete guide to forming a limited liability company in Connecticut under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act . We cover every step from choosing your LLC name to filing your Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of State. The filing fee is $120 and online processing takes 3-5 business days via the CONCORD portal at business.ct.gov.

Table of Contents

1. Overview — Why Form an LLC in Connecticut
2. Choose a Name
3. Appoint a Registered Agent
4. File Your Certificate of Organization
5. Create an Operating Agreement
6. Get Your EIN
7. Costs
8. After You File
9. FAQ

Overview — Why Form an LLC in Connecticut

Connecticut offers several advantages for LLC formation:

• Modernized LLC statute — The Connecticut Uniform LLC Act (revised 2017, effective 2022) is among the most modern in the country, based on the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA)
• Pass-through entity tax (PET) option — Since 2018, Connecticut allows LLCs to pay state income tax at the entity level, bypassing the federal $10,000 SALT deduction cap. This can save higher-income members thousands annually.
• Strong economy — Hartford's insurance industry, Fairfield County's financial services sector, New Haven's biotech corridor, and the defense/aerospace industry (Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat/General Dynamics) create diverse opportunities
• Northeast location — Proximity to New York City and Boston, with lower costs than either metro area
• No franchise tax — Connecticut charges no franchise tax on LLCs (only the $80 Annual Report and applicable taxes)

For comparisons with other structures, see our LLC vs Corporation and LLC vs Sole Proprietorship guides.

Choose a Name

Under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act, your LLC name must:

• Include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
• Be distinguishable from existing entities on the Secretary of State's records
• Not imply banking, insurance, or government affiliation without licensing

Search the CONCORD business database at business.ct.gov to verify availability. If you need time before filing, you can reserve your name for 120 days ($60 fee).

Appoint a Registered Agent

Under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act, every LLC must maintain a registered agent (also called "statutory agent" in some CT references) with a physical street address in Connecticut. The agent accepts service of process and official state correspondence.

Requirements:

• Physical street address in Connecticut (no PO boxes)
• Individual must be a Connecticut resident or entity must be authorized in CT
• Available during business hours

File Your Certificate of Organization

File your Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of State through the CONCORD portal (business.ct.gov). Fee: $120. Required information:

• LLC name (compliant with the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act)
• Principal office address
• Registered agent name and Connecticut street address
• Whether management is member-managed or manager-managed
• Name and address of organizer(s)
• Effective date

See our online filing guide for the CONCORD portal walkthrough, or our detailed steps.

Create an Operating Agreement

Connecticut's Uniform LLC Act recognizes operating agreements and gives them broad power. Without one, statutory defaults under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act apply. Your operating agreement should address ownership, profit allocation, management authority, and member departure procedures.

Get Your EIN

Apply for an EIN at irs.gov — free, immediate online. Required for Connecticut business banking, tax registrations, and hiring.

Costs

Complete cost breakdown:

Timeline

• Online filing: 3-5 business days via CONCORD (business.ct.gov)
• Mail filing: 2-4 weeks
• Expedited: Same-day/next-day available for additional fee

After You File

Once approved, handle these post-formation tasks:

• Annual Report (due between January 1 and March 31 each year, $80)
• Register with Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) if collecting sales tax (6.35%) or withholding
• Open a business bank account
• Obtain business licenses — Connecticut has various state and municipal requirements
• Understand your tax obligations — income tax (3%-6.99%), BET (0.75%), sales tax (6.35%), and the PET option

FAQ

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Connecticut?

$120 for the Certificate of Organization. Ongoing: $80/year Annual Report. Connecticut has no franchise tax for LLCs.

How long does it take?

Online via CONCORD: 3-5 business days. Mail: 2-4 weeks. Expedited same-day processing available for additional fee.

Do I need a registered agent?

Yes. Connecticut law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in Connecticut.

Can non-residents form a Connecticut LLC?

Yes. Connecticut does not require members or managers to be state residents. You need a Connecticut registered agent. See our non-resident guide.

What is the pass-through entity tax?

Connecticut's PET (since 2018) allows multi-member LLCs to pay state income tax at the entity level (6.99%), with members receiving a credit. The entity-level payment is fully deductible on the federal return, bypassing the $10,000 SALT cap. See our tax elections guide.

When is the Annual Report due?

Between January 1 and March 31 each year. Fee: $80. Filed through CONCORD at business.ct.gov. This applies to all LLCs regardless of formation date.