It costs $120 to form an LLC in Connecticut, and every dollar goes to the state. That’s the minimum, and no one else gets a cut. If you want to know how to start an LLC in Connecticut, the core move is filing a Certificate of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services.
You can file it yourself. A formation service is optional.
On this site, “free” means no middleman fee. The state’s $120 is unavoidable, but the rest can cost nothing extra: the EIN is free from the IRS, and you can write your own operating agreement.
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Last updated: October 11, 2026
Key Takeaways
- The state filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $120, according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services.
- The annual report costs $80 and is due January 1 through March 31, starting the year after you form.
- An EIN is $0 from the IRS. Never pay a site for one.
- A formation service adds its own fee on top of the state’s $120.
Connecticut LLC Costs at a Glance
| Item | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization (formation) | $120 | One time, when you form |
| Annual report | $80 | Every year, between January 1 and March 31, starting the year after you form |
| EIN from the IRS | $0 | Anytime |
Sources: Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services (Certificate of Organization); Annual Report page; IRS.gov.
Here’s a picture of year one. Say you form a one-person LLC in Connecticut this month. You pay $120 now. The first $80 annual report comes due between January 1 and March 31 of next year, so your state costs through that first report total $200.
Step-by-Step: How to Start an LLC in Connecticut
1. Choose and check your business name
Start with the business name search on the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services website. You want to see whether your name is already in use. Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from other businesses on the state’s records. Check the site for current naming rules, including any required wording like “LLC.”
Trademarks are a separate search. A name can be open at the state level and still collide with someone’s brand.
2. Appoint a registered agent
A registered agent receives legal papers and official state mail for your LLC. You can serve as your own agent, name someone you trust, or hire a registered agent service. The agent needs a physical address in Connecticut, and that address becomes part of the public record.
Check the Secretary of the State’s website for the current agent requirements before you choose.
3. File the Certificate of Organization
The Certificate of Organization is Connecticut’s version of what many states call “articles of organization.” It’s the document that officially creates your LLC. The Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services lists the filing fee as $120.
Read the current form for exactly what it asks. Expect to have your LLC’s name and registered agent details ready.
Many LLCs are “member-managed,” meaning the owners (called members) run the business. Others are “manager-managed,” meaning the owners appoint one or more managers. Pick the setup that matches how you’ll actually operate.
File through the Secretary of the State’s Business Services site. Check there for current filing methods and processing times.
4. Create an operating agreement
An operating agreement is an internal document. It sets out who owns the LLC, how decisions get made, and how profits are handled. You generally don’t file it with the state, but you should have one, even for a single-member LLC.
It helps show that your business is separate from you personally, and banks often ask for it. You can write a simple one yourself at no cost.
5. Get a free EIN from the IRS
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your business. The IRS says you can get an EIN directly from the IRS in minutes for free, and that you never have to pay a fee for one.
Apply only on IRS.gov. Sites that charge for EINs aren’t the IRS.
Not sure how your LLC will be taxed? Our guide to LLC vs. S corp differences walks through the choice. If you’re also wondering about federal ownership reporting, see our explainer on the BOI report requirement.
6. Open a business bank account
Once you have your Certificate of Organization, EIN, and operating agreement, open an account in your LLC’s name. Keeping business and personal money apart makes bookkeeping and taxes easier.
Online banks like Novo are one option to compare. Any bank that fits your needs works. Ask each one which documents it requires.
7. File your annual report on time
Per the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services, an annual report is due every year, starting the year after the LLC is formed, between January 1 and March 31. The fee for LLCs is $80.
Put that window on your calendar today.
How to Start an LLC in Connecticut: DIY vs. a Formation Service
DIY route. File directly with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services. Your first-year state cost is $120, plus $0 for the EIN.
Service route. A formation service files for you and charges its own fee on top of the state’s $120. Your total is $120 plus whatever the service charges. Check the service’s current pricing, since it varies and changes.
What a service can add:
- Guided forms and a checklist, which can save time if paperwork makes you nervous
- Optional extras such as registered agent service, document templates, or compliance reminders
- One dashboard to keep records in one place
If you want that convenience, Bizee is one option, and our walkthrough of incorporating with Bizee shows how it works. To weigh several, see our comparison of the best LLC formation services.
You don’t need any of it to form a valid Connecticut LLC.
Keeping Your Connecticut LLC in Good Standing
Forming the LLC is only step one. Each year, file the annual report between January 1 and March 31 and pay the $80 fee. The state’s Annual Report page explains how to file.
Check the Secretary of the State’s website for what happens if you miss the deadline, including any late fees or status consequences. Those details can change.
A few habits help:
- Keep your registered agent information current with the state.
- Keep your operating agreement and records in one place.
- Keep business money in the business account.
Connecticut may also have separate tax registrations depending on what you sell or whether you hire employees, handled by the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. Check with that agency for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Connecticut?
The state filing fee for the Certificate of Organization is $120, according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services. A formation service, if you choose one, adds its own fee.
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.
When is the Connecticut LLC annual report due?
According to the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services, it’s due every year between January 1 and March 31, starting the year after your LLC is formed. The fee is $80.
Do I need a formation service to start an LLC in Connecticut?
No. You can file the Certificate of Organization yourself with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services. A service is a convenience, not a requirement.
What will I pay the state in my first year?
You’ll pay the $120 filing fee when you form. The first $80 annual report is due between January 1 and March 31 of the following year, as listed by the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services.
Your Next Step
Ready to move? Read our 7-step overview to see the full process, then check how Connecticut stacks up in our LLC filing fees by state guide.
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.
