If you are interested in forming a limited liability company in Connecticut and could use a hand in getting the paperwork filed, please see the instructions printed below. If you’d be interested in a little more information, like an discussion of the pros and cons of choosing an LLC for your entity, instructions on getting an EIN for banking and tax purposes, as well as sample LLC operating agreements and forms, check out our kit available for $34.95.
1. Check if the LLC name you want is available
Your first step in setting up an LLC is to check if the name you want to use is even available.
To do this, you can use the Connecticut Secretary of State’s online database, called Concord, at:
http://www.concord-sots.ct.gov/CONCORD/online?sn=InquiryServlet&eid=99
By entering the name you want to use in the search form, you’ll be able to see if there’s another business already using the name that you want. You can’t use a name, by the way, that’s the same or deceptively similar to another existing LLC’s name.
2. Download the application to form an LLC from the Connecticut Secretary of State’s web site
The URL, or web page address, for this form is as shown below. Note that you will need to fill it in online prior to printing it.
http://www.sots.ct.gov/sots/lib/sots/commercialrecording/allforms/art_of_org_domestic_llc.pdf
3. Give the name of the filing party
Start filling out the form by giving the name of the person the state should contact if they have questions regarding your application. In most cases that person will be you.
4. Identify the name you want to use for your new LLC
After you download and print the LLC application form, you’re ready to fill the form out.
Enter your business or investment name onto the top line labeled, “Name of Limited-Liability Company.” The name must include one of the phrases or acronyms, “Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Liability Co.,” “LLC,” or “L.L.C.” For example, all of the following names should be acceptable:
- New England Explosives Limited Liability Company
- New England Explosives Limited Liability Co.
- New England Explosives LLC
- New England Explosives L.L.C.
5. State the nature of your business
Briefly state the nature of your business. For example, “to sell wholesale mining supplies,” “real estate,” professional practice of accounting,” or “commercial printer.”
6. Give the address of the LLC’s principal office
In the next line list the LLC’s principal office. This is the office where a full and current list of all members is located at all times. A P.O. box is only acceptable if provided as an additional address.
7. Identify the statutory agent
Connecticut wants to know the name and contact information for a real person, or business entity, within the state of Connecticut whom can act as the contact person should the state have questions or concerns about an LLC’s operation. You can pay someone else to be this statutory agent, but it’s really easiest and cheapest to just be your own registered agent.
Accordingly, enter your name, business and residence addresses into boxes labeled “Statutory Agent Name and Address.” You must also sign the, “Signature of Agent” line to accept this appointment.
8. Identify the people forming the LLC
Connecticut also wants to know the names and contact information for the person or people organizing the LLC. To provide this information, enter the names and addresses of the organizer or organizers into the boxes labeled, “Manager(s) or Member(s) Information.”
9. Indicate how your LLC will be managed
LLCs can be managed either by all of their members, or owners, or they can be managed by only one or some of their members, who are in this case called managers or manager-members. If your LLC will be managed by a manager(s) check the line listed under “Management.” If your company will be managed by a member(s), skip this section.
10. Execution and acceptance of form
Print your name and sign the form to accept the appointment as organizer for the limited-liability company listed.
11. Mail in the application
After you complete the application to form a limited liability company, mail the completed form and a check for $120 to:
Secretary of State
Commercial Recordings Division
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Or deliver by courier to:
Secretary of State
30 Trinity Street
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
Processing lead times vary, but in general, it can take several weeks to get your LLC certificate back from the Secretary of State’s office. You may expedite service for an additional $50.