Form a Corporation in Connecticut
Forming a Corporation in Connecticut costs $250 in state filing fees and typically takes 5-7 business days to process. After that, plan for a $150 annual report fee.
Last verified July 2026 against official Connecticut sources · see sources
Want this turned into your personalized Corporation roadmap for Connecticut?
See it free, no account needed. Save it later to track every step, deadline, and what comes after forming a Corporation.
How to File
Choose a Corporate Name
Select a unique name that includes a required corporate designator such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Company,' 'Corp.,' 'Inc.,' or 'Co.' Verify name availability using the Connecticut Secretary of the State's online business name search tool at ct.gov.
30 minutes
Reserve Your Corporate Name (Optional)
If you are not ready to file immediately, you may reserve your chosen corporate name for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation application with the Connecticut Secretary of the State for a $60 fee.
15 minutes
Appoint a Registered Agent
Designate a registered agent with a physical street address in Connecticut who is authorized to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. The agent may be an individual resident or a registered commercial agent service.
1-2 hours
File the Certificate of Incorporation
Prepare and file the Certificate of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, either online via the Connecticut Business One Stop (CBOS) portal or by mail. The document must include the corporation's name, registered agent information, number of authorized shares, and incorporator details.
1-2 hours
What's Next After Filing
Once your Corporation is officially formed, you'll want to complete these important steps:
- •Create Corporate Bylaws — Draft internal bylaws that govern the corporation's operations, including rules for shareholder meetings, board of directors responsibilities, officer roles, and voting procedures. While not filed with the state, bylaws are legally required and should be adopted at the organizational meeting.
- •Hold Organizational Meeting and Issue Stock — Conduct the initial organizational meeting of the board of directors to adopt bylaws, elect officers, authorize issuance of shares, and handle other initial corporate business. Issue stock certificates to shareholders and maintain a stock ledger.
- •Obtain EIN and Fulfill Tax & Licensing Requirements — Apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services for state tax obligations, and obtain any required local or state business licenses or permits applicable to your industry.
Fees and Processing Time
- State filing fee:
- $250
- Expedite fee:
- $50
- Standard processing:
- 5-7 business days
- Expedited processing:
- 24 hours
The $250 base fee is for filing the Certificate of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of State. An additional $50 expedited processing fee applies for 24-hour service. Checks should be made payable to 'Secretary of the State'. Online filing via the Connecticut Business One Stop portal is available.
Corporation in Connecticut: Quick Answers
How much does it cost to form a Corporation in Connecticut?
The state filing fee is $250, plus $50 if you choose expedited processing. Optional costs such as a paid registered agent are on top of that.
How long does it take to form a Corporation in Connecticut?
Standard processing is 5-7 business days; expedited processing is 24 hours.
Does a Corporation in Connecticut need a registered agent?
Yes. You must name a registered agent with a physical Connecticut address. You can serve as your own agent if you have a Connecticut street address and are available during business hours.
Does Connecticut require a Corporation to publish a notice?
No. Connecticut has no newspaper publication requirement for this entity type.
What are the annual fees and filings for a Corporation in Connecticut?
The annual report fee is $150. Due: March 31. See Annual Obligations below for other required filings.
Advantages
- ✓Strong liability protection that shields shareholders' personal assets from corporate debts and legal judgments
- ✓Ability to raise capital through the sale of stock and attract investors, including venture capital and public markets via potential IPO
- ✓Perpetual existence — the corporation continues regardless of changes in ownership or the death of shareholders
- ✓Potential tax advantages including deductible employee benefits, and eligibility to elect S-Corp status with the IRS to avoid double taxation
Considerations
- •Potential for double taxation — C-Corporations pay corporate income tax and shareholders pay personal income tax on dividends
- •More complex and costly to form and maintain than LLCs or partnerships, with strict governance requirements including bylaws, board meetings, and minutes
- •Greater regulatory and administrative burden, including mandatory annual reports, record-keeping, and compliance with Connecticut corporate statutes
Annual Obligations
How a Corporation Compares in Connecticut
Corporation vs. LLC
A Corporation has a more rigid management structure with a board of directors and officers, and faces potential double taxation as a C-Corp, whereas an LLC offers flexible management and pass-through taxation by default with fewer formalities required.
Corporation vs. S-Corp
An S-Corp is not a separate entity type but a federal tax election available to qualifying corporations; an S-Corp avoids double taxation by passing income directly to shareholders, but is limited to 100 shareholders and one class of stock, unlike a standard C-Corporation.
Corporation vs. Partnership
A Corporation provides full limited liability protection for all owners, whereas general partners in a partnership are personally liable for business debts; corporations also have greater access to capital and a more formal structure than partnerships.
Corporation vs. Nonprofit
A for-profit Corporation is formed to generate profit for shareholders and may issue stock, whereas a Nonprofit Corporation is organized for charitable or public purposes, does not issue stock, and may qualify for federal and state tax-exempt status.
Sources
Fees, steps and deadlines on this page come from Connecticut's official filing office and tax agency pages listed below and were last verified in July 2026. Fees change — confirm on the official site before you file.
What OpenChamber Does
We don't file paperwork for you — we guide you through doing it yourself, which saves money and helps you understand your business from day one.
Personalized Checklist
Every task you need, organized by priority and tailored to Connecticut.
Vetted Professionals
When you need help, we connect you with professionals we trust.
Progress Tracking
Never lose track of where you are or what's next.
Track Your Progress
Get a personalized checklist for forming your Corporation in Connecticut — and everything that comes after.
Get Your Free Checklist