How Much Does an LLC Cost in Connecticut?

Here’s exactly how much it costs to form an LLC in Connecticut. The state charges a flat $120 filing fee for the Certificate of Organization, whether you file online or by paper. When you factor in ongoing costs and professional services, expect to budget $200-300 for your first year.

Connecticut keeps LLC formation straightforward with transparent pricing. The state doesn’t charge expedited fees upfront, though expedited processing is available online. This guide breaks down every cost you’ll encounter when starting your Connecticut LLC.

Connecticut LLC Filing Fees Breakdown

Connecticut’s LLC fees are clearly defined by the Secretary of the State. Here’s what you’ll pay for each service:

Service	Cost	Details
Certificate of Organization	$120	Required filing fee (online or paper)
Name Reservation	$60	Optional : holds your LLC name for 60 days
Expedited Processing	Fee varies	Available online only : contact state for current rates
Annual Report	$80	Due January 1-March 31 each year
Amendment	$120	Changes to Articles of Organization
Registered Agent Change	$50	Filing fee for changing your registered agent
Certificate of Good Standing	$50	Official document proving LLC compliance
Dissolution	$0	No fee to dissolve your LLC

Source: Connecticut Secretary of the State, verified March 2026

Your First-Year LLC Costs

Beyond the $120 state filing fee, you’ll have several other expenses in your first year. Some are required, others are highly recommended for proper business operations.

Required Costs

State Filing Fee: $120
The Certificate of Organization costs $120 whether you file online through the Connecticut Business Portal or submit paper forms by mail. This fee covers processing your LLC formation documents.

Registered Agent: $0-125/year
Connecticut requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent at a Connecticut address. You can serve as your own registered agent for free, or hire a professional service for around $125 per year. Professional services provide privacy and ensure you never miss important legal documents.

Annual Report: $80
Connecticut LLCs must file an annual report between January 1 and March 31 each year. The report costs $80 and updates your LLC’s business information with the state.

Optional but Recommended Costs

EIN (Federal Tax ID): Free
You can obtain an Employer Identification Number directly from the IRS at no cost. Avoid third-party services that charge $50-200 for this free service. You’ll need an EIN to open business bank accounts and handle tax filings.

Operating Agreement: Free with template
While Connecticut doesn’t require an operating agreement, having one protects your limited liability status and clarifies member responsibilities. You can draft one using free templates or hire an attorney for $500-1,500.

Business Bank Account: $10-25/month
Separate business banking is essential for maintaining your LLC’s liability protection. Most banks charge $10-25 monthly for business checking accounts, though some offer fee waivers for new businesses.

DIY vs. Formation Service Comparison

You have two main options for forming your Connecticut LLC: filing yourself or using a formation service. Here’s how the costs compare:

DIY Formation

• State filing fee: $120
• Registered agent (if you serve yourself): $0
• Operating agreement template: $0
• EIN from IRS: $0
• Total first year: $120

Filing yourself saves money upfront but requires time to research requirements, complete forms correctly, and handle ongoing compliance. You’ll also need a Connecticut address for your registered agent.

Formation Service

• Service fee: $39-199 (varies by provider)
• State filing fee: $120
• Registered agent (typically included): $0 first year
• Operating agreement template: Usually included
• EIN filing assistance: Often included
• Total first year: $159-319

Formation services handle the paperwork, provide registered agent service, and often include additional business tools. The extra cost buys you time, accuracy, and ongoing support.

Why Use a Formation Service?

While Connecticut’s $120 filing fee might seem like the total cost, formation services provide value beyond just submitting paperwork:

Accuracy and Speed

Formation services know Connecticut’s specific requirements, including the mandatory NAICS code and proper manager/member designations. They catch errors that could delay your filing or require costly amendments.

Included Registered Agent

Most services include one year of registered agent service, worth $125 annually. This provides a professional business address and ensures you receive important legal documents promptly.

Business Tools and Templates

Quality formation services provide operating agreement templates, compliance calendars, and business formation guides. These tools help you maintain proper LLC operations from day one.

Ongoing Support

Formation services typically offer customer support for questions about compliance, filing requirements, and business operations. This guidance proves valuable as your business grows.

Top Connecticut LLC Formation Services

Several reputable services can handle your Connecticut LLC formation. Here’s how they compare:

Northwest Registered Agent offers formation for $39 plus the state fee, with same-day filing and excellent customer service. They specialize in registered agent services and provide reliable, long-term support.

ZenBusiness provides free formation (you pay only the state fee) with their Starter plan. They offer 2-3 week standard processing or 1-2 day rush service for additional fees.

Bizee forms LLCs for free plus state fees and promises next business day filing. They focus on speed and simplicity for basic formations.

LegalZoom offers free formation with their Basic plan, processing in 7-10 business days. They provide extensive business resources and legal document templates.

Additional Connecticut LLC Costs to Consider

Beyond formation, several other costs may apply depending on your business type and activities:

Business Licenses and Permits

Connecticut requires specific licenses for many business activities. A Connecticut LLC may need state licenses, local permits, or professional certifications depending on your industry. Costs vary widely by business type.

Sales Tax Permit

If your LLC sells taxable goods or services in Connecticut, you’ll need a sales tax permit. The state charges a $100 fee for businesses engaged in certain activities requiring sales tax collection.

State Tax Registration

Connecticut LLCs may owe state income tax ranging from 3% to 6.99% on business profits. You’ll need to register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services and may need to make quarterly estimated payments.

Professional Services

Consider budgeting for professional services as your business grows:

• Attorney consultation: $200-500/hour for legal advice
• CPA services: $150-300/hour for tax preparation and planning
• Business insurance: $400-1,200/year for general liability coverage

Managing Ongoing Compliance Costs

Connecticut LLCs have relatively simple ongoing requirements, but staying compliant prevents costly penalties:

Annual Reports

File your $80 annual report between January 1 and March 31 each year through the Connecticut Business Portal. Late filings incur additional penalties.

Tax Filings

Connecticut LLCs must file state tax returns and may owe Connecticut LLC taxes on business income. Keep detailed financial records to simplify tax preparation.

Registered Agent Maintenance

Maintain your Connecticut registered agent continuously. If you use a service, expect annual renewal fees around $125.

Banking and Financial Setup

Proper financial management protects your LLC’s limited liability status and simplifies tax preparation. Setting up business banking should be one of your first priorities after formation.

Why You Need Separate Business Banking

Mixing personal and business finances can pierce your LLC’s liability protection, exposing your personal assets to business debts. Connecticut courts may disregard your LLC structure if you don’t maintain clear financial separation.

Choosing a Business Bank

Look for banks offering low monthly fees, convenient locations, and business-friendly features. Many banks waive monthly fees for new businesses or maintaining minimum balances.

Bluevine offers business checking accounts with no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and up to 3.0% APY. They’re designed specifically for small businesses and provide easy online account management.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Accurate financial records are essential for tax compliance and business decision-making. Connecticut LLCs benefit from professional accounting software or services.

Software vs. Professional Services

Small LLCs often start with accounting software, upgrading to professional services as revenue grows. Software typically costs $10-50 monthly, while CPA services range from $150-300 hourly.

FreshBooks provides intuitive accounting software designed for small businesses and freelancers. Their platform handles invoicing, expense tracking, and basic financial reporting at affordable monthly rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Connecticut LLC name after formation?

Yes, you can amend your Articles of Organization to change your LLC name. Connecticut charges a $120 amendment fee. You’ll also need to verify the new name is available through a Connecticut LLC name search.

Do I need an attorney to form a Connecticut LLC?

No, Connecticut doesn’t require attorney involvement for LLC formation. The process is straightforward enough for most business owners to handle personally or through formation services.

How long does Connecticut LLC formation take?

Standard processing takes 5-7 business days for online filings. Connecticut offers expedited processing for additional fees, though specific timeframes vary.

What happens if I miss my annual report deadline?

Connecticut charges late fees for annual reports filed after March 31. Continued non-compliance can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.

Can I serve as my own registered agent?

Yes, if you have a Connecticut address and are available during business hours to receive legal documents. Many LLC owners prefer professional registered agent services for privacy and reliability.

Does Connecticut require publication for new LLCs?

No, Connecticut doesn’t require LLC publication in newspapers, unlike some states like New York or Arizona. This saves hundreds of dollars in formation costs.

Forming a Connecticut LLC costs $120 in state fees, plus optional services like registered agents and professional formation assistance. The total first-year investment typically ranges from $120 for DIY formation to $300-400 with professional services. Connecticut’s straightforward requirements and transparent fee structure make it business-friendly for new LLCs.

Source: Connecticut Secretary of the State, verified March 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.