Connecticut Certificate of Organization — Filing Guide

The Certificate of Organization is the formation document that legally creates your LLC under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act . Note: Connecticut uses "Certificate of Organization" — not "Articles of Organization." Filing with the Connecticut Secretary of State through the CONCORD portal costs $120.

What the Certificate of Organization Must Include

Under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act, the Certificate requires:

1. LLC Name — Must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable from existing entities
2. Principal Office Address — Where the LLC conducts its primary business (can be in or outside Connecticut)
3. Registered Agent Name and Address — Physical street address in Connecticut (no PO boxes)
4. Whether the LLC is Manager-Managed or Member-Managed — Determines who has authority to bind the LLC
5. Organizer Name and Address — Person(s) filing the Certificate (need not be future members)
6. Effective Date — Filing date (default) or future date

How to File Online (CONCORD Portal)

1. Go to business.ct.gov (Connecticut's CONCORD filing system)
2. Create an account or log in
3. Select "Form a New Business Entity" > "Domestic LLC"
4. Complete the form with required information
5. Pay the $120 fee (credit card or e-check)
6. Submit — processing takes 3-5 business days

How to File by Mail

• Download form from portal.ct.gov/sots or business.ct.gov
• Complete all fields
• Mail with check for $120 payable to "Secretary of State" to: Connecticut Secretary of State, Commercial Recording Division, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470
• Processing: 2-4 weeks

Connecticut-Specific Notes

CONCORD vs. portal.ct.gov/sots: Connecticut has been transitioning its business filing system to the CONCORD portal (business.ct.gov). Some older references point to portal.ct.gov/sots. Use business.ct.gov for the most current online filing interface.

Publication: Connecticut does NOT require publication of LLC formation in a newspaper (unlike New York, which requires publication in two newspapers for 6 weeks).

Common Mistakes

1. Using "Articles of Organization" — Connecticut's document is called Certificate of Organization. While the office will still process it, using correct terminology avoids confusion.
2. PO box for registered agent — Must be a physical Connecticut street address
3. Failing to select management type — You must specify member-managed or manager-managed
4. Name too similar to existing entity — Search CONCORD thoroughly before filing

Cost

After Filing

1. Create operating agreement
2. Get EIN
3. Open business bank account
4. Register with CT Department of Revenue Services (if applicable)
5. Note: Annual Report due between January 1 and March 31 each year ($80)

FAQ

What's the difference between Certificate of Organization and Certificate of Formation?

Some states (like Delaware and Texas) use "Certificate of Formation." Connecticut uses "Certificate of Organization." They serve the same purpose — creating the LLC. Just different terminology.

Can I amend after filing?

Yes. File a Certificate of Amendment through CONCORD ($60 fee). Changes to name, management structure, registered agent, or other Certificate provisions require an amendment.

How soon is my LLC active?

On the effective date in the Certificate. If you chose the filing date (most common), your LLC exists when the Secretary of State processes it (3-5 business days for online filings).