CT Secretary of State Filing Fees | Lovie — US Company Formation

Forming a business in Connecticut involves several steps, and understanding the associated filing fees with the Connecticut Secretary of the State (CT SOS) is crucial for accurate budgeting. These fees are government charges required to officially register your business entity. Whether you're establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C-Corporation, an S-Corporation, or a Sole Proprietorship operating under a 'Doing Business As' (DBA) name, the CT SOS will assess specific costs for processing your formation documents. Lovie simplifies this process by providing clear insights into these mandatory state fees. We aim to demystify the costs so you can focus on building your business, not navigating complex government portals. This guide breaks down the typical filing fees for various business structures in Connecticut, helping you prepare financially and ensure a smooth registration process. Remember, these fees are separate from any services Lovie provides to assist you with your formation.

Connecticut LLC Filing Fees: The Essentials

Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Connecticut requires filing a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of the State. This document officially creates your LLC and allows it to operate legally within the state. The current filing fee for a Certificate of Organization for an LLC in Connecticut is $120. This is a one-time fee paid at the time of initial formation. Beyond the initial filing, there are ongoing compliance requirements that may incur additional fees. For instan

The primary filing fee for a Connecticut LLC Certificate of Organization is $120.
An annual report filing fee of $120 is required each year by March 31st.
Timely filing of annual reports is crucial to avoid administrative dissolution.
Registered Agent services may have separate annual fees.

Connecticut Corporation Filing Fees: C-Corp and S-Corp

Forming a corporation, whether a C-Corporation or an S-Corporation, in Connecticut also involves filing specific documents with the Secretary of the State. The initial filing for a corporation is the Certificate of Incorporation. The filing fee for a Certificate of Incorporation in Connecticut is $150. This fee covers the cost of processing and officially registering your corporate entity with the state. Similar to LLCs, corporations in Connecticut have annual reporting obligations. Corporation

The filing fee for a Connecticut Corporation Certificate of Incorporation is $150.
Corporations must pay a $150 annual report filing fee by March 31st.
S-Corp status is an IRS tax election; state filing fees are the same as C-Corps.
Annual reports are mandatory for maintaining corporate good standing.

Connecticut DBA Filing Fees: Fictitious Names

A 'Doing Business As' (DBA) name, also known as a fictitious name or trade name, allows an individual or a business entity to operate under a name different from their legal name. In Connecticut, DBAs are typically filed at the town or city level, not with the Secretary of the State. This is a key distinction from forming an LLC or corporation. Each Connecticut town or city has its own procedures and associated fees for filing a DBA. These fees are generally much lower than state-level formatio

DBA (fictitious name) filings in Connecticut are generally handled at the town/city level, not the state.
Filing fees vary by town and are typically lower than state formation fees.
Contact your local Town Clerk for specific DBA filing requirements and costs.
A DBA does not create a separate legal entity; it's a trade name registration.

Registered Agent Fees in Connecticut

Every business entity formed or registered to do business in Connecticut, including LLCs and corporations, is required by law to maintain a Registered Agent. This agent is a designated individual or company responsible for receiving official legal documents, such as service of process (lawsuit notices) and official state correspondence, on behalf of your business. The Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Connecticut (not a P.O. Box) and be available during normal business hour

A Registered Agent is mandatory for all Connecticut LLCs and corporations.
There's no direct state fee for appointing a Registered Agent.
Commercial Registered Agent services have annual fees, typically $100-$300.
Using a professional service ensures compliance and avoids missed legal notices.

Other Potential Connecticut Business Filing Fees

Beyond the core formation and annual report fees, several other filings and services with the Connecticut Secretary of the State may incur costs. For example, if your business needs to change its registered agent or change its principal office address, there might be a fee associated with filing an amendment to your formation documents. While Connecticut does not currently charge a specific fee for a 'Statement of Change of Registered Agent' or 'Statement of Change of Principal Office' on the Ce

Amendments to formation documents might incur fees, though currently minimal for address/agent changes.
Certified copies of business documents and Certificates of Good Standing have associated fees.
Registering an out-of-state business in Connecticut (foreign qualification) involves specific fees.
Always verify current fee schedules directly with the CT SOS or a formation service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main filing fee for an LLC in Connecticut?: The primary filing fee to establish an LLC in Connecticut is $120 for the Certificate of Organization. You will also need to pay a $120 annual report fee each year thereafter.
How much does it cost to form a corporation in Connecticut?: Forming a corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp) in Connecticut costs $150 for the initial Certificate of Incorporation filing. Corporations also have an annual report fee of $150 due by March 31st.
Are there hidden fees when forming a business in CT?: The main fees are the state filing fees for formation and annual reports. Other potential costs include registered agent services, certified document copies, or fees for specific amendments. Always check the CT SOS website for current rates.
Do I need to pay fees for a DBA in Connecticut?: DBA (fictitious name) filings in Connecticut are typically handled by local town or city clerks, not the Secretary of the State. Fees vary by municipality but are generally much lower than state formation fees.
When are Connecticut annual report fees due?: Annual report filing fees for both LLCs and corporations in Connecticut are due by March 31st each year. Timely payment is essential to maintain good standing.

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