Last Updated on February 6, 2022
The steps for the online filing online or filing by mail are largely the same. The screenshots show the online registration process.
If you provide a licensed professional service in Connecticut, you will have to form a Professional Limited Liability Company, Professional LLC, or PLLC. Common professional services include architects, barbershops, chiropractors, certified public accountants, dentists, psychologists, attorneys, veterinarians, professional counselors, and more.
To get started, either create an account with the Connecticut Secretary of the State or download the Certificate of Organization (referred to as the Articles of Organization in some states).
After creating an account with the Secretary of the State, select Business Formation (Domestic / Connecticut)
Step 1: Name the LLC
If you are forming an LLC, select “Domestic Limited Liability Company” from the Business Type drop-down box.
Next, enter the trade name you want for the LLC. The LLC’s legal name also has to differ from other business entity names in the state of Connecticut. Check on LLC name availability in Connecticut.
Per state law, the name of the LLC must include one of the following words or abbreviations at the end of the business name:
- Limited Liability Company
- Limited Liability Co.
- Ltd. Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
- LLC
- L.L.C.
A comma may be used after the business name and before the designator. “Cowboy Cleaners LLC” and “Cowboy Cleaners, LLC” are both acceptable.
If you have previously filed a name reservation with the Secretary of State, you can select “Yes” and include the business name registration number. You do not have to reserve a name before forming the LLC.
Step 2: Business Formation
Business Email Address – The email in this field will be used for the Connecticut Secretary of State to correspond throughout the LLC formation.
Principal Office Address – In this section, enter the street address, city, state, and zip code of the initial principal office. This address can be the LLC’s physical address, or it can be the address where the business records are kept. You may not use a PO Box address for the address of the principal office.
Mailing Address – If you prefer to use a different address than the designated office for correspondence from the Secretary of State, enter that address in this field. Unlike the address for the principal office, a PO Box is acceptable for the mailing address. If the mailing address is the same as the principal office address, select the box, and the information will copy over.
Registered Agent Information – To have a Connecticut Limited Liability Company, a Registered Agent must be identified. The Registered Agent is a Connecticut resident (select “Individual” in the “Agent Type” drop-down list) or a corporate agent (select “Business” in the drop-down list) with a physical street address in the state of Connecticut. A Registered Agent is a person or company that receives service of process on behalf of the LLC. Service of process is when important legal documents, tax notices, summons, subpoenas, and other legal papers are sent to the LLC. These papers must make it to the correct person, so the entity has sufficient time to be notified about legal action and begin their defense.
Note that whoever is the Registered Agent will receive an email that confirms they agree to be the LLC’s agent. A link in the email must be clicked within 48 hours; otherwise, the LLC filing will be rejected.
Organizer Information – The LLC Organizer is involved with the formation of the Certificate of Organization. The Organizer may or may not be a member, such as a mentor, attorney, or accountant, but the initial members could be an organizer.
Step 3: Principals
Select “Add Principals” to add all the LLC’s members and managers.
Principal Type – If an individual, select “Individual” from the drop-down list and enter their title first and last name. If a company (not as common), select “Business.”
Title – This selection refers to whether the individual is a member or manager of the LLC.
- Member – The members of the LLC have an active involvement in the day-to-day operations of the business. This is referred to as a Member-Managed LLC.
- Manager- If the LLC members hire somebody to run the company, similar to the position of CEO for a corporation, the title of the person would be a manager. An LLC set up like this is considered a Manager-Managed LLC.
- Managing Member – Is a hired manager who is also a member.
Most LLCs choose a member-managed management structure.
Continue adding principals until they have all been added.
Step 4: Review
Review that the information is correct.
Step 5: Pay and File
Pay and file the Certificate of Organization.
In approximately 2-3 business days, the LLC will be approved and information sent to the filing party.
That concludes the basics of forming an LLC in Connecticut. Remember, even though you can do it yourself, there is more to an LLC than just the filing.
If you have questions, contact the Connecticut Secretary of State.
30 Trinity Street
Hartford, CT 06106
860-509-6003
https://www.concord-sots.ct.gov/CONCORD/