Forming a business in Connecticut is straightforward once you know the structure that fits, the fees, and the steps. This guide covers LLC vs. corporation, the real cost to file, and how to stay compliant — and FileForms can form and maintain your Connecticut entity in all 50 states.
Choose Your Structure
Both protect your personal assets and are formed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. The right choice comes down to how you’ll be taxed, who will own the business, and whether you plan to raise outside capital.
| Factor | LLC | Corporation |
|---|---|---|
| Liability protection | Yes — members’ personal assets protected | Yes — shareholders’ personal assets protected |
| Taxation | Pass-through by default; can elect S- or C-corp treatment | C-corp by default (double taxation); can elect S-corp |
| Ownership | Flexible — members, no share structure | Shareholders holding stock; easy to transfer |
| Formalities | Minimal — no board, bylaws, or annual meetings required | Board of directors, bylaws, minutes, annual meetings |
| Raising capital | Harder to bring on equity investors | Preferred by VCs and investors; can issue stock/options |
| Best for | Small businesses, real estate, professional services, solo owners | Startups raising capital, companies planning to offer equity |
What It Costs
Connecticut files entirely online through Business.CT.gov. LLC and corporation base fees differ, and an annual report keeps you compliant after formation.
| Item | Agency | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization (LLC) | CT Secretary of the State | $120 | Filed online via Business.CT.gov |
| Certificate of Incorporation (Corp) | CT Secretary of the State | $250+ | Rises with authorized share structure |
| Registered agent | Private / FileForms | $149 / yr (FileForms) | A physical CT address is required |
| Annual report (LLC) | CT Secretary of the State | $80 / yr | Due January 1 – March 31 |
| Annual report (Corp) | CT Secretary of the State | $150 / yr | Due by end of anniversary month |
| Name reservation (optional) | CT Secretary of the State | $60 | Reserves your name before filing |
Connecticut filings are online through Business.CT.gov and typically process within a few business days. Fees verified July 2026; corporation fees vary with share structure — confirm on the official portal before filing.
How It Works
Five steps take you from idea to a compliant Connecticut entity — and FileForms can handle every one of them.
Decide between an LLC and a corporation based on taxation, ownership, and your plans to raise capital (see the comparison above).
Pick a name that’s available and meets Connecticut’s naming rules; optionally reserve it for $60 before you file.
Every CT entity needs a registered agent with a physical Connecticut address. FileForms provides one with real-time digital delivery.
File the Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (Corp) with the CT Secretary of the State through Business.CT.gov.
File your annual report on time each year and keep your registered agent active. FileForms tracks and files it automatically.
Why FileForms
FileForms doesn’t just file your formation — it becomes your compliance system of record for Connecticut and every other state.
We file your Certificate and set up your registered agent — so your entity is fully operational, not just filed.
Your required Connecticut registered agent comes with a private commercial address and real-time digital delivery of any legal notice.
FileForms tracks your annual report and every other deadline, filing on time so your entity never loses good standing.
Planning to operate in more than one state? Form in Connecticut and foreign qualify elsewhere — all from a single dashboard.
CPAs, attorneys, and corporate service providers form and manage client entities at scale with FileFormsPRO — wholesale pricing and white-label included.
Your formation documents and entity data are protected by SOC-II compliance and enterprise-grade encryption.
What Professionals Are Saying
“FileForms has proven to be a game-changer for managing federal and state compliance filings. The platform not only streamlines complex reporting processes but also creates new opportunities for accountants to expand their service offerings and generate additional revenue.”
— Tax Rep Network, Trusted Network of CPAs & Accountants
Common Questions
Everything people ask us about starting a business in Connecticut.
Most small businesses choose an LLC for its liability protection, pass-through taxation, and minimal formalities. A corporation makes more sense if you plan to raise venture capital, issue stock, or offer equity. Both are formed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State and both need a registered agent.
The Connecticut Certificate of Organization filing fee is $120, filed online through Business.CT.gov. Connecticut LLCs then file an $80 annual report each year between January 1 and March 31.
The Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation fee starts at $250 and can be higher depending on your authorized share structure. Connecticut corporations file a $150 annual report each year.
Yes. Every Connecticut LLC and corporation must appoint and maintain a registered agent with a physical Connecticut address to receive legal notices. FileForms provides your Connecticut registered agent as part of formation.
Connecticut filings are submitted online through Business.CT.gov and typically process within a few business days. FileForms files for you and confirms once your entity is approved.
Yes. Connecticut LLCs file an $80 annual report between January 1 and March 31; corporations file a $150 annual report by the end of their anniversary month. FileForms tracks and files it for you.
Yes. FileForms forms Connecticut LLCs and corporations — filing your Certificate, providing your registered agent, and tracking annual reports — and can do the same in all 50 states from one dashboard.
Related Connecticut Compliance
Formation is day one. Explore the related filings FileForms manages for your Connecticut entity — all from a single dashboard.
The registered agent every CT entity needs — private address, real-time digital delivery.
Deadlines, fees, and one-click annual report filing to keep your entity in good standing.
Get a Connecticut Certificate of Legal Existence for financing, banking, or expansion.
FileForms files your Certificate, provides your registered agent, and keeps you compliant in all 50 states from one dashboard.
