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Lesson 1 · Connecticut

How to Start an LLC in Connecticut (2026): 7 Steps and the 3 Best LLC Services

Here is the 2026 answer for starting an LLC in Connecticut: Mainstay Filing ($199), CT Registered Agent.org ($199) and Connecticut Registered Agent.co ($199), ranked in that order. After the picks come 7 short steps; the state's own charge to file is $120.

The Founder Classroom teaching team ·

Key facts

State fee
$120Per business.ct.gov, last confirmed October 2026
Annual report
$80 a yearNext one due on or before March 31
State fees over three years
$280Before any service fees
Steps in this lesson
7Each one explained

You will learn

  • What Connecticut charges to form an LLC and where to file
  • How to meet the registered agent rule
  • How to stay in good standing
  • Which services we would use, and why

Teacher's pick

The Connecticut services we recommend

Graded with our rubric: three-year cost 30%, lesson steps handled 35%, then renewal, state fit and clear pricing.
Our pick

1. Mainstay Filing: best for a hands-off first year

$199 a year, $319 with the state fee

Our pick for Connecticut is Mainstay Filing: it takes the formation, the registered agent and every annual report off your list for $199 a year.

You pay $200 more over three years than with CT Registered Agent.org, for less paperwork on your side.

That covers the annual report too; the state's $80 is billed at cost.

What you get

  • Formation filed for you
  • Registered agent for the full year
  • Annual report filed each cycle
  • EIN application
  • State fee charged at cost

What we like

  • Renewal holds at $199
  • Does the EIN application
  • Flat $199 a year

Watch out for

  • Costs $100 more per year from year two
Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Connecticut specialist

2. CT Registered Agent.org: best for budget Connecticut LLCs

$199 in year one, $99 after

CT Registered Agent.org ranks second: $199 up front with a free first agent year, $99 yearly from year two.

Its prices do not include the annual report, so plan to file that yourself every year.

What you get

  • Your filing, done
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • Agent included for year one
  • $199 plus the state fee
  • Low $99 renewal

Watch out for

  • Does not file the annual report
  • $99 add-on for the EIN application
Visit CT Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Connecticut specialist

3. Connecticut Registered Agent.co: best for a low agent renewal

$199 in year one, $99 after

Connecticut Registered Agent.co ranks third: $199 up front with a free first agent year, $99 yearly from year two.

Its prices do not include the annual report, so plan to file that yourself every year.

Same published prices as CT Registered Agent.org.

What you get

  • Your filing, done
  • First year of agent service

What we like

  • Agent included for year one
  • Low $99 renewal
  • $199 plus the state fee

Watch out for

  • Does not file the annual report
  • $99 add-on for the EIN application
Visit Connecticut Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.

Side-by-side prices

#ServiceFirst yearFrom year twoThree-year total
1Mainstay Filing$199$199/yr$597Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
2CT Registered Agent.org$199$99/yr$397Visit CT Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
3Connecticut Registered Agent.co$199$99/yr$397Visit Connecticut Registered Agent.coPartner link. We may earn money if you buy.
Prices from each company's own site, read November 12, 2026. Add Connecticut's $120 fee to each row.

Step-by-step lesson

  1. Step 1: Pick the LLC's name

    A quick search of the state's business records tells you whether the name is free.

    TipPick a spare name too, in case the first is taken.

  2. Step 2: Appoint a registered agent

    Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. A Connecticut resident, or a business entity formed in Connecticut or registered there. The agent signs to accept the appointment.

    The address has to be a Connecticut street address that is not a P.O. box, plus a Connecticut mailing address, which can be a P.O. box.

    TipAll of our picks include a registered agent.

    Official source: Per cga.ct.gov, last confirmed October 2026

  3. Step 3: File it yourself, or hire it out

    Doing it yourself costs $120. Using one of our picks adds $199, and the agent comes with it.

  4. Step 4: Send in the Certificate of Organization

    Complete the Certificate of Organization, pay $120 and file it with the Connecticut Secretary of State. The state lists processing as Most online filings automatically accepted.

    Official source: Per business.ct.gov, last confirmed October 2026

  5. Step 5: Get your EIN

    When the approval arrives, apply to the IRS for the EIN. Your bank will want it for the business account. This step is included with Mainstay Filing.

  6. Step 6: Put an operating agreement in writing

    An operating agreement is internal. Sign it, keep it with the records, and the state never needs a copy.

  7. Step 7: Stay in good standing with Connecticut

    The LLC stays active by filing the annual report every year and paying $80; the deadline is on or before March 31.

    Official source: Per business.ct.gov, last confirmed October 2026

Connecticut costs by step

WhatPaid toAmount
The formation stepState office$120
Annual reportState office$80 every year
Optional serviceService company$199 to start
State fees for three yearsState office$280
Every state figure links to its source under References; service prices come from each company's site.

How the grade worked out

Mainstay Filing beat CT Registered Agent.org on lesson steps handled, our 35% criterion.

Having the annual report handled outweighed CT Registered Agent.org's lower three-year cost.

Quick answers

What does it cost to form an LLC in Connecticut?

Connecticut charges $120. Service fees among our picks: $199.

Which form creates the LLC?

Step 4 of this lesson: the Certificate of Organization, sent to the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Is a registered agent required?

Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.

How long does Connecticut take to process the filing?

Usually Most online filings automatically accepted.

What does Connecticut require each year?

The annual report: $80, every year, due on or before March 31.

Can I form the LLC without a service?

Yes, file it yourself ($120) and appoint a registered agent.

Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?

We'd go with Mainstay Filing, because the yearly $199 covers three lesson steps at once: filing, agent and annual report. Then CT Registered Agent.org and Connecticut Registered Agent.co.

See also

Where these facts come from

  1. Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division: business.ct.gov [August 2026]
  2. Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division: business.ct.gov [August 2026]
  3. Connecticut yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source: business.ct.gov [October 2026]
  4. Connecticut report due date: cga.ct.gov [August 2026]
  5. Connecticut formation fee: Filing fee, official source: business.ct.gov [October 2026]
  6. Connecticut formation fee: Filing fee, official source: business.ct.gov [October 2026]
  7. Processing and expedite, official source: business.ct.gov [October 2026]
  8. November 12, 2026: Mainstay Filing, Connecticut service page
  9. November 12, 2026: CT Registered Agent.org, pricing page
  10. November 12, 2026: Connecticut Registered Agent.co, pricing page