Perhaps you are hoping to form an LLC in CT. 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 Connecticut.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
Connecticut LLC Cost of Filing
Here are the costs involved in forming an LLC in Connecticut.
Cost of Filing Formation Certificates
The Connecticut 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 Connecticut Secretary of State.
Connecticut Domestic LLC
- Online filing costs $120.
- By mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Business Services Division Connecticut Secretary of the State P.O. Box 150470 Hartford, CT 06115-0470, costs $120.
- In person: Fill out the application form, and send it to Business Services Division Connecticut Secretary of the State 165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000 Hartford, CT 06106, costs $120.
- Annual Report filing costs $80.
Connecticut Foreign LLC
- Online filing costs $120.
- By mail: Fill out the application form, and send it to Business Services Division Connecticut Secretary of the State P.O. Box 150470 Hartford, CT 06115-0470, costs $120.
- In person: Fill out the application form, and send it to Business Services Division Connecticut Secretary of the State 165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000 Hartford, CT 06106, costs $120.
- Annual Report filing costs $80.
The official Connecticut Secretary of State office provides up-to-date information about the overall cost of forming a domestic and foreign LLC in Connecticut.
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.
Connecticut LLC Formation Service or Registered Agent Fee
You need a registered agent to form an LLC in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut Department of Revenue for regulatory boards or agencies requiring licensing.
Business taxes
Apart from the filing of the Annual Report, the Connecticut LLCs are also subject to state tax filing obligations.
Sales Tax
The State imposes a Sales Tax at the rate of 6.35%. Visit the Connecticut Government database to know more about managing your sales tax.
Withholding Tax
The taxable income varies among counties from 3% to 7%. If you are employing resident employees, you are required to withhold Connecticut tax. Visit the Connecticut Government database to know more about managing your withholding tax.
Corporation Business Tax
If your LLC conducts business in Connecticut, you are also required to file Corporation Business Tax Return. Visit the Connecticut Secretary of State website to know more about your eligibility to pay the Corporation Business Tax.
Property Tax
Apart from Income and Sales tax, property tax in Connecticut is another significant matter. With rising property tax rates, the effective rate is set at 1.7% of the property value. For conducting any business in the State via an LLC, you should register yourself with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) Taxpayer Service Centre (TSC).
Comparison with the Neighboring States
Every state has different costs of filing for an LLC to their respective State Authorities. If you wish to gain a better understanding of the costs of opening an LLC in a different state in comparison to Connecticut, check out the table below:
States | Connecticut | Massachusetts | Rhode Island | New York | Pennsylvania |
Online filing fee | $120 | $500 | $150 | $200 | $125 |
LLC Annual fee | $80 | $500 | $50 | $9 | $25 |
Name reservation fee | $60 | $30 | $50 | $20 | $70 |
Sales Tax | 6.35% | 6.25% | 7% | 8.875% | 6% |
The Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in Connecticut are not expensive, though it mandates specific compliances. With this hybrid business structure and knowledge about the LLC Costs in Connecticut, the business owners can explore different sectors and enjoy access to highly valued properties and services offered in the State.
Other Costs
- Connecticut Name Reservation: $60 for online filings or by mail
- Doing Business As (DBA): pricing varies per county
- Certified Document Copies: $55
- Certificate of Good Standing: $50
- 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 Connecticut LLC: $50
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 Connecticut
To maintain an LLC in Connecticut you will need to pay an annual fee of $80 along with Sales tax at the rate of 6.35%, Withholding tax, Corporation tax and federal taxes.
One of the essential aspects of maintaining an LLC in Connecticut is the annual reporting requirement. LLCs in Connecticut are required to file an annual report with the Secretary of the State every year. Failing to do so can result in penalties and even eventual dissolution of the LLC. This is why it is crucial for business owners to stay up to date with these annual filings to keep their LLC in good standing.
Another cost associated with maintaining an LLC in Connecticut is the annual franchise tax. The franchise tax is a fee that LLCs are required to pay each year to operate in the state. The amount of the franchise tax can vary depending on the LLC’s total authorized shares or the LLC’s gross assets in Connecticut. It is important for business owners to budget for this annual expense to ensure they can make timely payments and avoid any penalties or fees.
In addition to the annual reporting and franchise tax, business owners also need to consider the cost of maintaining a registered agent in Connecticut. A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and notifications on behalf of the LLC. This individual or entity must have a physical address in Connecticut and be available during normal business hours to receive important correspondence on behalf of the LLC. While there are options for business owners to serve as their own registered agent, many may choose to hire a professional service to handle this responsibility, which incurs additional costs.
Business owners also need to factor in the costs of any required business licenses or permits to operate their LLC in Connecticut. Depending on the nature of the business, there may be specific licenses or permits required to conduct operations legally in the state. It is essential for business owners to research and obtain the necessary licenses and permits, as failure to do so can result in fines or penalties.
Overall, the cost of maintaining an LLC in Connecticut involves more than just the initial formation fees. Business owners need to consider ongoing expenses such as annual reporting, franchise taxes, registered agent fees, and any required business licenses or permits. By understanding and budgeting for these costs, entrepreneurs can ensure that their LLC remains in compliance with state regulations and continues to operate smoothly. It is crucial for business owners to factor in these ongoing expenses when making decisions about establishing and maintaining their LLC in Connecticut.
In Conclusion
The cost of Connecticut 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.