Starting an LLC in Colorado costs a minimum of $50, the state filing fee for the Articles of Organization, paid to the Colorado Secretary of State. You can file it yourself, and no formation service is required. After that, Colorado LLCs file a $25 periodic report each year. An EIN, the federal tax ID for your business, is free from the IRS. This guide shows you how to start an LLC in Colorado step by step, so you can do it today and know which extras you can skip.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $50.
- Colorado LLCs file a periodic report every year. The fee is $25, and the late penalty is $50.
- An EIN is free. You never have to pay the IRS for one.
- A formation service is optional. It adds its own fee on top of the $50.
Colorado LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Cost | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (formation) | $50 | Once, when you form the LLC |
| Periodic report | $25 | Every year |
| Late periodic report penalty | $50 | If filed after the grace window |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Once |
Sources: the Colorado Secretary of State’s business fee schedule and its periodic report FAQ, plus the IRS EIN page. Figures were current as of October 11, 2026.
“Free” here means no middleman fee. The $50 goes to the state and can’t be avoided. Curious how that stacks up elsewhere? Our LLC filing fees by state comparison shows other states side by side.
How to Start an LLC in Colorado: 7 Steps
For the big picture, our 7-step overview covers the process for any state. Here’s the Colorado version.
1. Choose and check your business name
Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from other businesses already on file with the state. Use the business name search on the Colorado Secretary of State’s website to see whether your name is taken. Search a few variations. Check that the matching web domain and social handles are open too.
Say you’re forming a one-person LLC to run a dog-walking business. You’d search “Front Range Dog Walking” in the state’s database before filing. If it’s taken or too close to an existing name, you’d try another. For naming rules, such as wording your LLC’s name must include, check the Secretary of State’s website.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent is the person or company designated to receive legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You have three options:
- Yourself, if you meet the state’s requirements for an agent.
- Someone you trust, such as a business partner, who agrees to take on the role.
- A registered agent service, which is optional and typically charges a yearly fee. Check the provider’s own pricing.
Serving as your own agent is the cheapest route. The trade-off is that your agent’s name and address become part of the public record. For the specific requirements an agent must meet, check the Colorado Secretary of State’s website.
3. File the Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization is the document that legally creates your LLC. You file it with the Colorado Secretary of State, whose fee schedule lists the filing fee at $50.
Have this ready:
- Your LLC name
- Your registered agent’s name and address
- Your principal office address
- Any other details the form requests
You can file through the Secretary of State’s online business portal. Check the website for current processing times. Once the filing is approved, you’ll have an official record of your LLC.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document that sets out how your LLC is run: who owns it, who makes decisions, and how profits are shared. A “member” is an owner of the LLC.
Even a single-member LLC benefits from having one. It documents that your business is separate from you personally, and a bank or partner may ask to see it. You generally don’t file it with the state. Keep it with your records.
For a multi-member LLC, spell out each person’s ownership percentage and what happens if someone leaves. Check the Secretary of State’s website for any Colorado-specific requirements.
5. Get a free EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID. According to the IRS, you can get an EIN directly from the IRS in minutes for free, and you never have to pay a fee for one. Apply only through IRS.gov. Any site that charges you for an EIN is a middleman.
You’ll typically need your LLC’s formation details and a responsible party’s taxpayer ID, such as a Social Security number. For how your LLC is taxed and whether an S corporation election makes sense later, see our guide to LLC vs. S corp differences. Wondering about federal ownership reporting? Our BOI report explainer covers where that stands in 2026.
6. Open a business bank account
A separate business account keeps your personal and business money apart, which supports the liability protection an LLC is meant to provide. Banks usually ask for your EIN, your Articles of Organization, and your operating agreement.
Online business banking such as Novo is one choice for small businesses. Compare fees and features with a traditional bank before you decide.
7. Calendar your periodic report
This is the step people forget.
Colorado requires LLCs to file a periodic report every year. Put it on your calendar now so it doesn’t sneak up on you. The details are in the good standing section below.
How to Start an LLC in Colorado Yourself vs. With a Formation Service
Do it yourself: $50 state fee, $0 for the EIN, and $0 for a registered agent if you serve as your own. First-year total: $50, plus the $25 periodic report when it comes due.
With a formation service: the $50 state fee plus the service’s own fee, which varies by provider and package. Check current pricing on each provider’s site.
What a service can add:
- Form preparation and a review for obvious errors
- Registered agent service
- Reminders for annual filings
- Operating agreement templates
If you’d rather hand off the paperwork, Bizee is one option. You can read our take in How Easy It Is to Incorporate Your Business with Bizee, or see how providers compare in our guide to LLC formation services.
A service isn’t required. The state filing itself is the same either way.
Keeping Your Colorado LLC in Good Standing
According to the Colorado Secretary of State, Colorado LLCs file a periodic report each year, and the fee is $25. Your reporting month appears on your LLC’s summary page. The report can be filed two months before or two months after that month without a penalty. The late filing penalty is $50.
Say your reporting month is June. You could file as early as April or as late as August without penalty. Filing after August triggers the $50 late penalty. Filing early in the window is the simplest way to stay clear of it.
FAQ
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Colorado?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $50, according to the Colorado Secretary of State. An EIN is free from the IRS. Anything beyond that, such as a formation service or a paid registered agent, is optional.
Do I need a lawyer or formation service to form a Colorado LLC?
No. You can file the Articles of Organization yourself with the Secretary of State, and a service is an optional convenience. If you have questions about your specific situation, a qualified attorney can help.
Is there an annual fee for a Colorado LLC?
Yes. Colorado LLCs file a periodic report each year for $25, per the Secretary of State.
What happens if I file my periodic report late?
The Secretary of State lists a $50 late filing penalty. You can file two months before or two months after your reporting month without a penalty. For what happens if a report stays unfiled, check the Secretary of State’s website.
Do I have to pay for an EIN?
No. The IRS says you never have to pay a fee for an EIN. Apply directly at IRS.gov.
Your Next Step
Ready to file? Open the Colorado Secretary of State’s business name search and check your first-choice name today. Then read How to Incorporate Your Business for Free in 2026 to see how to keep your total costs close to the state fee.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Business formation rules, fees, and deadlines vary by state and change often. Always consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or tax professional before making decisions about your business.
