Perhaps you are hoping to form a Colorado LLC. People assume how to start an LLC is difficult and costly. However, it’s generally not difficult, and the cost would vary across states. We have all the info you need to know about the cost of forming an LLC, particularly the LLC cost in Colorado.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Colorado LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Colorado.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The Colorado Certificate of Formation is responsible for the majority of the cost, which could also vary depending on whether you’re forming a domestic LLC or a foreign LLC. Still, you can file both at the Colorado Secretary of State.
Colorado Domestic LLC
- Online Filing costs $50.
- Colorado periodic report (Annual report) fee $10
- Penalty for late filing $50
Colorado Foreign LLC
- Online Filing costs $100
- Periodic Report cost $10
- Penalty for late filing $50
Note that filing online is ideal, not only because you need to go to the Secretary of State office, but also it would be faster. You won’t have to wait in a queue in doing so.
Colorado LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Colorado, hence, added costs for service fees. Here are three of the best LLC services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.
Business Permits and Licenses
The business licenses depend on your business’s activity and location and are renewed yearly. As such, the cost will vary. Check the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Taxes to Be Paid By LLCs in Colorado
Since the LLCs have the pass-through status, they are not liable to pay income taxes to State or Federal as an LLC in Colorado. However, the members have to pay taxes separately while running a Colorado LLC.
State Business Tax
In a multi-member LLC, the net revenue is divided among all the members. Depending on their share of income, they will have to pay the state business tax at a 4.63% flat rate. For example, if the net income of the LLC is $100,00, each member will get their own share from this amount. Now, the members have to pay tax at 4.63% on the basis of that share.
Just like Colorado, states like Nevada, Ohio, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, and South Dakota don’t have corporate income taxes.
Cost Comparison Among States
Colorado is one of the cost-effective states to start an LLC. This state is bounded by states like Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. Here’s a cost comparison among the neighboring states.
State | Filing Fee | Annual Fee/Biennial Fee |
Colorado LLC | $50 | $10 (Annual) |
Nebraska LLC | $110 (In-Office) $100 (Online) | $10 (Every 2 years) |
Oklahoma LLC | $100 | $25 (Annual) |
New Mexico LLC | $50 | $0 (No annual fee/report needed) |
Kansas LLC | $160 | $50 (Annual) |
Colorado is a rich state when it comes to starting a business. Having an LLC in Colorado helps members to make more revenue as the state does not have much tax burden for the corporations.
Other Costs
- Colorado Name Reservation: $25 for online filing
- Doing Business As (DBA): $30 for online filing
- Certified Document Copies: Free
- Certificate of Good Standing: Free
- Business Domain Name and Website: depend on your preference, but domain name could be as low as $2.99/yr at NameCheap, and web hosting is at least $30/mo at Kinsta.
- Online workspace: at least $4.20/mo for GSuite.
- Business Insurance: would vary depending on insurance type–whether general liability insurance or professional liability insurance–and coverage.
- Dissolution of Colorado LLC: $100
F.A.Qs
It is possible to form an LLC without professional help, but forms still have associated costs, regardless of where your LLC is formed.
It is difficult to say whether forming an LLC is expensive. Nevertheless, the cost could be anywhere from $40 to $500. If you refuse to hire professionals, you’ll still have expenses like form fees to cover.
The need to separate personal money from business funds, thus necessitating the creation of a business bank account for your LLC.
How Much Does It Cost to Maintain an LLC in Colorado
To maintain an LLC in Colorado you will need to pay an annual fee of $10 along with State business tax at the rate of 4.65% and federal taxes.
One of the main costs associated with maintaining an LLC in Colorado is the annual report fee. Each year, LLCs in Colorado are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This report includes information about the LLC, such as its members, managers, and registered agent. The filing fee for the annual report is an essential expense to ensure that your LLC remains compliant with state regulations.
In addition to the annual report fee, LLCs in Colorado must also pay a fee to the Secretary of State to change or update information about the business, such as adding or removing members, changing the business name, or changing the registered agent. These fees can add up over time, especially if your business undergoes frequent changes.
Another cost to consider when maintaining an LLC in Colorado is the fee for obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing. This certificate is often required when opening a business bank account, applying for loans, or entering into contracts with other businesses. While the fee for a Certificate of Good Standing may not be significant, it is an essential cost to factor into your budget when operating an LLC in Colorado.
Additionally, maintaining an LLC in Colorado may involve legal fees. It is highly recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure that your LLC remains compliant with state laws and regulations. The cost of hiring an attorney to review contracts, draft legal documents, or provide legal advice can add up over time. However, investing in legal counsel can help protect your business and ensure that you are operating within the boundaries of the law.
One overlooked cost of maintaining an LLC in Colorado is the time and effort required to keep up with regulatory requirements. This includes staying informed about changes in state laws, filing annual reports on time, and updating business records as needed. While the financial costs of maintaining an LLC in Colorado are important to consider, the time and effort required to stay compliant should not be underestimated.
In conclusion, maintaining an LLC in Colorado involves various costs, both financial and non-financial. Understanding the expenses associated with running an LLC, such as filing fees, legal fees, and time commitment, is essential for business owners to operate successfully. By budgeting for these costs and staying informed about state regulations, entrepreneurs can ensure that their LLC remains in good standing and continues to thrive in the competitive business landscape.
In Conclusion
The cost of Colorado is much lower compared to other forms of business. Apart from the state filing fees and annual taxes, you might bear the cost of the registered agent. Compare the price of professional LLC services and choose the most affordable one.