Steps to Form a Connecticut LLC — Complete Walkthrough

This guide breaks down the Connecticut LLC formation process under the Connecticut Uniform LLC Act . All filings go through the CONCORD portal at business.ct.gov. For the overview, see our formation guide.

Step 1: Choose and Verify Your LLC Name

Requirements :

• Must include "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company"
• Distinguishable from existing entities on Secretary of State records
• Cannot imply banking, insurance, or government affiliation without licensing

Search: business.ct.gov — CONCORD Business Name Search

Step 2: Designate Your Registered Agent

Required by statute — physical Connecticut street address, no PO boxes. See registered agent guide.

Step 3: File Certificate of Organization

File at business.ct.gov — $120 fee — 3-5 business days processing. Include: LLC name, principal office, registered agent, management type, organizer info.

Step 4: Create Operating Agreement

Draft immediately after filing. Connecticut's Uniform LLC Act gives operating agreements broad authority. See operating agreement guide.

Step 5: Get EIN

Free at irs.gov — immediate online. Required for banking and CT DRS registration.

Step 6: Register with CT Department of Revenue Services

• Sales Tax Permit: If selling taxable goods/services (CT taxes many services at 6.35%)
• Withholding: If you have employees
• Register at portal.ct.gov/DRS

Step 7: Open Business Bank Account

Bring: Certificate of Organization (filed copy), EIN, operating agreement, photo ID. Connecticut banks like Webster Bank, People's United (now M&T), and Liberty Bank are common choices.

Step 8: Set Compliance Calendar

• Annual Report: due between January 1 and March 31 each year ($80) — filed at business.ct.gov
• CT income tax: April 15 (members' CT-1040)
• Estimated payments: Quarterly if expecting $1,000+ CT tax
• Sales tax returns: Monthly/quarterly (20th of following period)
• PET return: March 15 (if electing pass-through entity tax)

Timeline

FAQ

Does Connecticut require publication?

No. Connecticut does not require newspaper publication of LLC formation (unlike New York).

Can I form without a lawyer?

Yes. The CONCORD portal at business.ct.gov is designed for self-service. Complex multi-member arrangements may benefit from attorney review.