How to Form an LLC in Connecticut
If you are forming an LLC in Connecticut, it is not necessarily a difficult process, especially if you have the assistance of a West Hartford business law attorney.
To file a domestic or foreign limited liability company in the state, it must follow the rules under the General Statutes of Connecticut, Volume 10, Title 34, Chapter 613.
Here’s a general overview to starting an LLC in CT.
Choose a Unique Name for Your Connecticut LLC
One of the first steps to take is to choose a unique name for your LLC.
Your chosen name must indicate that it’s an LLC. For example, including the words “Limited Liability Company,” or the abbreviation LLC or L.L.C. will satisfy these requirements.
The name you choose must not match any other name already registered on file with the Secretary of State in Connecticut. You can check for your preferred name’s availability on the state’s business name database.
There is an option to reserve your intended name for up to 120 days if you file an application for reservation of LLC name.
File Your LLC’s Articles of Organization
When you file a Certificate of Organization with the Secretary of State in Connecticut, your LLC will be officially created.
Your Articles of Organization must contain specific information, including:
- Your LLC’s name and address;
- What the nature of your LLC’s business is;
- Your LLC’s registered agent’s name, address, and signature;
- At least one member or manager’s name and address; and
- Statement regarding whether your LLC will be manager- or member-managed
Appoint a Registered Agent for Your LLC in CT
As noted in the information needed for your LLC’s Articles of Organization, you need a registered agent in Connecticut. This is an agent for service of process within Connecticut.
Your registered agent can be either a business entity or a person who has agreed to be the recipient for legal documents on behalf of your LLC. For example, if you are sued, the plaintiff would serve papers to your registered agent.
Like other states, Connecticut has rules on who can be a registered agent. Your agent has to be a full-time resident of the state (it can be someone who is a manager or member in the LLC), a Connecticut business entity, or it can be a foreign business entity that has legal authority to conduct business in the state.
Contact a Connecticut Business Law Attorney Today
There are other factors and decisions to be made in conjunction with starting an LLC in Connecticut. We recommend to all our clients that they do the following:
- Draft a comprehensive operating agreement for the new LLC. If you don’t, then the state of Connecticut will establish these rules for you. Having a well-executed operating agreement can save your business in the event of a dispute.
- Designate, especially if there is more than one owner (called members), whether the LLC will be managed by the members, together, or by one or more managers.
You should hire a lawyer to learn more about the ramifications of each of your decisions. By doing so, it will prevent potential disputes or problems from arising in the future.
For LLCs registered outside of Connecticut that want to do business in the state, you will need to register with the Secretary of State and appoint a registered agent who is physically located within the state. Before registering, you’ll also be required to check the database for your business’s name. If it is already registered, you’ll need to designate a different one to conduct business in the state.
If you are considering forming an LLC in Connecticut, contact StangerLaw LLC today to schedule an initial consultation. Let us answer all your questions and help with getting your new business up and running as soon as possible.
