Start a Business in Connecticut

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This guide on starting your business in Connecticut provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
If wish to form your business in a different state than Connecticut, click here.

Structure	Paperwork	Cost	Time
Connecticut Limited Liability Company Click for step-by-step instructions	Form LC-1-1.0: Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form REG-1: Business Tax Registration Application FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Formation: $120 + optional $50 expedite fee Connecticut Business Tax Registration: See license and permit fee schedule. A sales tax license is $100.	Formation: ~3-5 business days. ~24 hours for $50 expedite fee.
Connecticut Corporation Click for step-by-step instructions	Form CIS-1-1.0: Certificate of Incorporation for a Stock Corporation Initial report Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired Form CR-0100: Colorado Sales Tax Withholding Account Application, if required Form REG-1: Business Tax Registration Application FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $250 for up to 20,000 authorized shares (see fee schedule for more shares) + optional $50 expedite fee Initial report: $150	Incorporation: ~3-5 business days. ~24 hours for $50 expedite fee.
Connecticut Nonprofit Click for step-by-step instructions	Form CIN-1-1.0: Certificate of Incorporation Nonstock Corporation Form COS-1-1.0: Organization and First Report - Stock or Non-Stock Corporations Bylaws IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application IRS Determination Letter Form REG-1: Business Tax Registration Application CERT-119: Purchases of Tangible Personal Property and Services by Qualifying Exempt Organizations Connecticut Initial Charitable Organization Registration Application FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Report	Incorporation: $50 + optional $50 expedite fee First Report: $50 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee Connecticut charitable registration: $50 ($0 if exempt)	Incorporation: ~3-5 business days. ~24 hours for $50 expedite fee. 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Connecticut

Registration in Connecticut is pretty predictable - that's a good thing. The process, forms, and fees, are average compared to other states.
If you want to be fancy, you can use a corporate designator (e.g. "Corp", "LLC") in another language. Connecticut is one of the few states that permits this.
Turnaround on formation is ~3-5 business days. If you're in a hurry, you can get ~24 hour turnaround for only a $50 state expedite fee.
Corporations are required to file an initial report within 30 days of incorporation. LLCs do not have a similar requirement. Both corporations and LLCs must file an annual report.
Connecticut offers a consolidated state tax registration application. You will obtain a Connecticut Tax Registration Number. State business taxes include corporation business tax, business entity tax (BET), sales and use taxes, income tax withholding, and motor vehicle fuels tax.

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Start a Business in Connecticut

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Step-By-Step Startup

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Connecticut