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LLC SchoolhousePlain LLC lessons, one state at a time.

Module 1 · Connecticut

How to Start an LLC in Connecticut (2026): a 7-Step Lesson and the 3 Best LLC Services

If you want help setting up an LLC in Connecticut during 2026, our graded list reads Mainstay Filing ($199), CT Registered Agent.org ($199) and Connecticut Registered Agent.co ($199). Expect 7 steps and a $120 state fee, followed by the annual report every year.

Taught by the LLC Schoolhouse editors

Key facts

Filing fee$120business.ct.gov confirms it, as of October 2026
Annual report$80 a yearReport and fee go in on or before March 31
State fees over three years$280State charges only
Lesson steps7In order

Lesson goals

  • The Connecticut filing, what it costs and where it goes
  • The registered agent requirement
  • How to stay in good standing
  • Our graded picks and the reasoning

Connecticut: the services that earned a grade

Five weighted criteria from how we grade set the order, and three-year cost and steps handled count most.
Best grade

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

$199 yearly, renewing at $199

We would start a new founder with Mainstay Filing: you pay $199 each year and the formation, the registered agent service and the annual report all get done.

The three-year premium over CT Registered Agent.org is $200, and the 33% weight on steps handled covers it.

You never file the annual report yourself; only the $80 state fee is added.

What the price covers

  • The formation filing
  • Registered agent for twelve months
  • Annual report prepared and filed
  • The EIN application
  • No markup on the state fee

Marks in its favor

  • A flat $199 each year
  • Renews at $199
  • The EIN application is included

Where it loses points

  • A $100 yearly premium over CT Registered Agent.org
Local choice

2. CT Registered Agent.org: best for an inexpensive Connecticut start

$199 plus state fee, then $99/year

CT Registered Agent.org lands in second place, and the reason is clear: formation costs $199 beyond the state fee, and the agent renews at $99.

Its price leaves out the annual report, so plan to file that yourself every year.

What the price covers

  • Filing with the state
  • The first year of agent service

Marks in its favor

  • Year one of agent service is in the price
  • Then $99 a year
  • A formation fee of $199

Where it loses points

  • You file the annual report
  • Help with the EIN is $99 more
Local choice

3. Connecticut Registered Agent.co: best for a local filer

$199 plus state fee, then $99/year

Connecticut Registered Agent.co lands in third place, and the reason is clear: formation costs $199 beyond the state fee, and the agent renews at $99.

Its price leaves out the annual report, so plan to file that yourself every year.

It costs exactly what CT Registered Agent.org does.

What the price covers

  • Filing with the state
  • The first year of agent service

Marks in its favor

  • Year one of agent service is in the price
  • A formation fee of $199
  • Then $99 a year

Where it loses points

  • You file the annual report
  • Help with the EIN is $99 more

Compare the picks

#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.
Company prices as posted on November 13, 2026. No row includes the $120 state fee.

Forming the LLC in order

  1. Step
    1

    Choose the LLC's name

    Before filing, search the business records at the Connecticut Secretary of State so you know the name is not already on the Connecticut register.

    Jot down two backup names before you search.

  2. Step
    2

    Choose 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.

    You can hire any of the graded services for this job.

    Where this comes from: cga.ct.gov confirms it, as of October 2026

  3. Step
    3

    Choose between DIY and a service

    Doing it yourself means $120 to the state and nothing else. One of our picks charges $199 on top and takes over the paperwork.

  4. Step
    4

    Hand in the Certificate of Organization

    Your formation filing is the Certificate of Organization; take it, plus $120, to the Connecticut Secretary of State (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 34-247). Expect processing to take Most online filings automatically accepted.

    Where this comes from: business.ct.gov confirms it, as of October 2026

  5. Step
    5

    Apply for an EIN

    Your EIN comes from the IRS rather than from Connecticut. Apply once the state has approved the filing, then give the number to your bank. Mainstay Filing includes the EIN application in its yearly price.

  6. Step
    6

    Draft the operating agreement

    Even if you are the only owner, a written operating agreement kept with the company records is a good idea for a Connecticut LLC.

  7. Step
    7

    Keep the LLC active

    File the annual report every year ($80), by on or before March 31, and the LLC stays active.

    Where this comes from: business.ct.gov confirms it, as of October 2026

What you will pay

Cost itemPaid toAmount
Filing feePaid to the state$120
Annual reportPaid to the state$80 every year
Filing service (optional)The provider$199 to start
State fees, years one to threePaid to the state$280
State amounts come from Connecticut's official schedules (see the references); service prices come from each company's site. The three-year state total adds the filing, the reports from year two and any yearly minimum tax.

Why Mainstay Filing comes first

Homework the price handles carries 33% of the report card, and that is where pulled ahead in Connecticut.

CT Registered Agent.org costs less, but the annual report stays with you.

Short answers

What is the price of forming a Connecticut LLC?

Filing costs $120. Add $199 if a service files it for you.

Which form creates the LLC?

The Connecticut Secretary of State receives the Certificate of Organization, the filing that forms the company.

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?

Plan on Most online filings automatically accepted.

What does Connecticut require each year?

Expect to file the annual report every year, paying $80 by the deadline: on or before March 31.

Can I form the LLC without a service?

Yes, you may. Pay the state $120 when you file, and remember that the LLC still needs a registered agent.

Which LLC service should a first-time founder use?

Mainstay Filing first, then CT Registered Agent.org and Connecticut Registered Agent.co; Mainstay Filing leads on homework the price handles.

Keep studying

Class references

  1. Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division is covered in the official page at business.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
  2. Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services Division is covered in the official page at business.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
  3. Connecticut yearly filing: Annual report: fee, official source is covered in the official page at business.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
  4. Connecticut report due date is covered in the official page at cga.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of August 2026.
  5. Connecticut formation fee: Filing fee, official source is covered in the official page at business.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
  6. Connecticut formation fee: Filing fee, official source is covered in the official page at business.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
  7. Processing and expedite, official source is covered in the official page at business.ct.gov; our notes follow it as of October 2026.
  8. November 13, 2026: the Connecticut service page for Mainstay Filing
  9. November 13, 2026: the pricing page for CT Registered Agent.org
  10. November 13, 2026: the pricing page for Connecticut Registered Agent.co