How much does it cost to form a C-Corp in Connecticut?

The state filing fee is $250. ClearFormation includes registered agent service in every plan.

How long does it take to incorporate in Connecticut?

The Connecticut Secretary of the State usually processes filings in 3-5 business days. Expedited options may be available from the state.

Do I need a registered agent for a Connecticut corporation?

Yes. Every Connecticut corporation needs an in-state agent with a physical address. ClearFormation includes agent service in all 50 states.

Does a Connecticut C-Corp have to file an annual report?

Yes. Connecticut requires a Annual Report, due Anniversary month, fee $150. Corporation Business Tax applies.

Should you be your own Connecticut registered agent?

You can if you have a physical CT address and are there during business hours. Most corps use a commercial agent to keep their home off public records.

Does running a corporation in Connecticut involve more paperwork than running other types of businesses?

Yes. A C-Corp needs bylaws, board meetings, minutes, a stock ledger, and Form 1120 each year. An LLC is simpler for owner-operated businesses.

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Connecticut?

Both give liability protection. An LLC defaults to pass-through tax with fewer formalities. A C-Corp pays corporate tax but can issue preferred stock and ISO options.

Is an LLC better than a corporation?

For owner-operated businesses without VC plans, an LLC is usually simpler. A C-Corp fits founders who need stock options or institutional investment.

How many people are needed to form a corporation in Connecticut?

Connecticut allows one shareholder and one director. A solo founder can be the sole incorporator, director, and all officers.

Can I form my Connecticut corporation online?

Yes. Connecticut accepts online filings through the Connecticut Secretary of the State. ClearFormation files online and returns stamped docs to your dashboard.

How do I change my corporation's name in Connecticut?

File Articles of Amendment with the Connecticut Secretary of the State and pay the state fee. Update bylaws, bank accounts, and contracts that use the old name.

How do I dissolve my Connecticut corporation?

Get board and shareholder approval, file dissolution papers with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, pay state taxes, and file a final Form 1120.

Does Connecticut have other professional entity types?

Connecticut may offer professional corporations (PCs) for licensed fields. Check Connecticut Secretary of the State rules for your profession.

Do I need an EIN for my Connecticut C-Corp?

Yes. Every C-Corp needs an EIN for banking, payroll, and Form 1120. ClearFormation can file for non-US founders without an SSN.

LLC vs C-Corp in Connecticut — which should I form?

An LLC is simpler and pass-through by default. A C-Corp fits VC fundraising and stock options. US VCs often prefer Delaware C-Corp for priced rounds.

Can a non-US resident form a C-Corp in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut has no US residency requirement for shareholders or directors. You need a US agent (included) and an EIN from the IRS.

Can I convert a Connecticut LLC into a C-Corp later?

Yes. Connecticut allows statutory conversion or a Delaware flip before a priced round. You file conversion papers and issue stock to former members.

What's the difference between a C-Corp and an S-Corp in Connecticut?

Both file Articles of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. An S-Corp elects pass-through tax via Form 2553 but caps at 100 US shareholders and one stock class.

When does forming a C-Corp in Connecticut make sense (vs. Delaware)?

Form in Connecticut if you operate mainly there and are not raising VC soon. US VCs usually prefer a Delaware C-Corp for institutional rounds.

Do C-Corps in Connecticut need to hold annual meetings?

Yes. Hold at least one board meeting and one shareholder meeting each year with documented minutes to preserve the liability shield.

Does a Connecticut C-Corp need a separate bank account?

Yes. Keep corporate and personal funds separate. You need stamped Articles, an EIN, and a board resolution to open the account.

How much does it cost to incorporate in Connecticut?

The Connecticut corporation filing fee is $250. Ongoing: Annual Report ($150, due Anniversary month). Corporation Business Tax applies.

Connecticut C-Corp vs LLC — which should I choose?

Choose a Connecticut LLC for pass-through tax and simpler compliance. Choose a Connecticut C-Corp if you plan to raise venture capital, issue stock options, or create multiple share classes.

What happens after incorporating in Connecticut?

Adopt bylaws, hold an organizational board meeting, issue founder stock, obtain an EIN, open a corporate bank account, and calendar the Annual Report (Anniversary month).

Incorporation cost in CT

The corporation filing fee is $250. Ongoing: Annual Report ($150, due Anniversary month). Corporation Business Tax applies.

CT · C-Corp formation

Form C Corp in Connecticut

Q: How do I form a C-Corp in Connecticut?

Pick a compliant name, appoint an in-state agent, file Articles of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the State ($250), adopt bylaws and issue stock, get an EIN, and file Annual Report filings.

Incorporate a Connecticut C-Corporation: $250 filing fee, 3-5 business days processing with the Connecticut Secretary of the State. Statutory agent included. Proximity to NYC and a stable legal system.

Business Formation + Registered Agent

$298first year

+ $250 CT state filing fee

Connecticut C-Corp formation ($149 one-time)
CT Registered Agent — 1 year included ($149/yr after)

Start your CT C-Corp

Connecticut C-Corp at a glance

Quick reference for incorporating a for-profit C-Corporation in Connecticut with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.

State filing fee	$250
Processing time	3-5 business days
Filing agency	Connecticut Secretary of the State
Registered agent	Required — physical CT street address
Annual report	Annual Report — $150, due Anniversary month
Franchise / corporate tax	Corporation Business Tax applies
Registered agent (ClearFormation)	Included with formation

How to form a C-Corp in Connecticut

There are six steps. File Articles of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, pay the $250 state fee, and appoint a Connecticut registered agent. Most filings finish in 3-5 business days.

1
Step 1: Name your Connecticut corporation
- Your name must include "Corporation", "Incorporated", "Company", or an abbreviation.
- It must be unique on Connecticut Secretary of the State records.
- Search before you file.
- Words like "bank" may need approval.
- ClearFormation runs a name check before we file.
2
Step 2: Appoint a Connecticut registered agent
- Connecticut requires an in-state contact with a physical CT street address.
- They accept lawsuits and state mail during business hours.
- Most founders use a commercial agent for privacy.
- ClearFormation includes agent service in all 50 states.
3
Step 3: File with the Connecticut Secretary of the State
- Submit Articles of Incorporation with the $250 state fee.
- Processing is usually 3-5 business days.
- You list your name, agent, authorized shares, and incorporator.
- ClearFormation prepares and files online for you.
4
Step 4: Issue stock and adopt bylaws
- Hold an organizational meeting: adopt bylaws, appoint directors, elect officers, and issue founder stock.
- If stock vests, file an IRS 83(b) election within 30 days.
- Included with ClearFormation.
5
Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS
- You need an EIN to open a US bank account, hire staff, and file Form 1120.
- The IRS issues EINs for free.
- ClearFormation can file Form SS-4 for you — including for non-US founders without an SSN.
6
Step 6: Stay compliant in Connecticut
- Connecticut requires the Annual Report ($150), due Anniversary month.
- Corporation Business Tax applies.
- ClearFormation tracks deadlines and pre-fills your report.

Form your CT C-Corp now

We prepare the filing, include a CT registered agent, and walk you through bylaws and stock.

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How much does a Connecticut C-Corp cost?

One-time state filing fee to the Connecticut Secretary of the State
Ongoing state reports and any franchise or income tax
Federal EIN and annual Form 1120 corporate tax return

One-time Connecticut formation cost

The Connecticut C-Corp filing fee is $250. Bylaws and stock certificates are included with ClearFormation.

Ongoing Connecticut C-Corp cost

The Annual Report is $150, due Anniversary month. Corporation Business Tax applies. Every C-Corp also files federal Form 1120 and pays 21% federal corporate tax on profits.

What's included with ClearFormation

Registered agent service bundled into every plan
Bylaws, stock certificates, and organizational consent
Optional EIN filing for non-US founders without an SSN

Fees reviewed against Connecticut Secretary of the State (last reviewed June 2026).

Ready to file in Connecticut?

State fee is $250. Our formation plan includes your first year of CT registered agent service.

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Post-incorporation checklist for a Connecticut C-Corp

Stamped Articles from the Connecticut Secretary of the State create your company legally. Complete these steps in the first 30 days:

1. Adopt bylaws and hold the organizational meeting

Appoint the initial board and adopt bylaws.
Elect officers and authorize a bank account.
Approve the founder stock plan at the organizational meeting.

2. Issue founder stock and file 83(b) elections

Issue founder shares at par value on day one.
If stock vests, each founder must file an IRS 83(b) election within 30 days.
Missing the 83(b) window cannot be fixed later.

3. Get your EIN and open a corporate bank account

Get a corporate EIN — never use a founder SSN for the business.
Bring stamped Articles, EIN letter, bylaws, and a board resolution to the bank.
Keep personal and corporate funds in separate accounts.

4. Lock in tax and compliance calendars

Federal Form 1120 is due April 15 for calendar-year corps.
State: Annual Report is $150, due Anniversary month. Corporation Business Tax applies.
Foreign-owned corps may need Form 5472 with the corporate return.

5. BOI report — only if foreign-formed

Domestic US corps do not file a BOI report as of March 2025.
Foreign-formed entities registered in the US must file within 30 days of US registration.

Annual cadence: board meeting, shareholder meeting, Form 1120, Annual Report renewal, updated cap table.

Start your CT C-Corp today

Name check, state filing, registered agent, bylaws, and stock certificates in one checkout.

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What is a Connecticut C-Corp?

A Connecticut C-Corp is a for-profit corporation filed with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, taxed at the entity level (Form 1120), and built for stock issuance, employee equity, and venture fundraising. For a full LLC vs C-Corp comparison, see our LLC vs C-Corp guide.

Proximity to NYC and a stable legal system. Incorporate in CT when you operate primarily here and want a domestic corporation without a Delaware flip. Non-US founders can own 100%.

Why incorporate in Connecticut?

VC-ready structure — preferred stock, board governance, ISO options.
One domestic filing — $250 with the Connecticut Secretary of the State; simpler than DE + foreign qualification for local operators.
Limited liability — shareholders are generally not personally liable for corporate debts.

Connecticut C-Corp pros and cons

Drawbacks to weigh before you incorporate:

Double taxation — corporate profits taxed at 21% federally, then dividends taxed again on personal returns.
More formalities — annual board and shareholder meetings, minutes, bylaws, and stock ledger maintenance.
Connecticut corporate tax: Corporation Business Tax applies.
US VCs often prefer Delaware C-Corp over a Connecticut domestic corporation for priced rounds.

Types of corporations in Connecticut

C-Corporation — default tax treatment; unlimited shareholders and multiple stock classes.
S-Corporation — same formation filing, but elect pass-through tax via IRS Form 2553 (100-shareholder cap, one stock class).
Professional corporation (PC) — may be required for licensed professions; check Connecticut Secretary of the State rules.
Nonprofit corporation — separate filing path if you seek 501(c)(3) status (not covered here).

Is a Connecticut C-Corp right for you?

Compare alternatives before filing:

LLC in Connecticut — simpler pass-through tax for owner-operated businesses.
S-Corp vs LLC — payroll tax savings with added compliance.
LLC vs corporation — full comparison of structures.
Best state to form a business — if you're weighing Connecticut vs Delaware.

Corporate governance in Connecticut

A Connecticut C-Corp is more formal than an LLC. After the Connecticut Secretary of the State approves your filing:

Adopt corporate bylaws.
Appoint a board of directors.
Elect officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer — titles can vary).
Issue stock to founders at the organizational meeting.

What does a corporate board of directors do?

Oversees major decisions: budgets, stock issuances, CEO hire, financings.
Early-stage founders often sit on the board themselves.
Document decisions in written consents or meeting minutes.
Skipping minutes is the fastest way to lose corporate veil protection.

What kind of stock can I issue?

Authorize common stock for founders in your Articles of Incorporation.
Reserve preferred stock for future investors when needed.
List authorized share counts and par value on the formation document.
ClearFormation includes bylaws and stock certificates for founder issuance.

Officers and day-to-day operations

Officers run daily operations; the board sets strategy.
A solo founder can be the sole director and hold all officer roles.
Update cap table, bylaws, and board composition as you add co-founders or investors.

Foreign entities doing business in Connecticut

Out-of-state corps with staff, offices, or major sales in Connecticut may need to register as a foreign corporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
That filing needs a CT registered agent with a physical in-state address — included with ClearFormation.
If you incorporate in Connecticut but operate elsewhere, you may need to foreign-qualify in those states instead.
See our foreign qualification guide or get a CT registered agent.

Connecticut Secretary of the State contact information

File Articles of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
Search the state business database to confirm your name is available.
Keep stamped formation docs with your bylaws, stock certificates, and EIN letter for banking and investors.

How is a Connecticut C-Corp taxed?

A Connecticut C-Corp pays tax at these levels:

Files IRS Form 1120 and pays 21% federal corporate income tax on profits.
Dividends to shareholders are taxed again on personal returns — the classic double tax.
State level: Corporation Business Tax applies
File the Annual Report ($150) with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.

You can elect S-Corp treatment (Form 2553) if you meet IRS rules. See S-Corp vs LLC. Operating outside Connecticut? You may need to foreign-qualify elsewhere.

Quarterly estimated taxes and payroll

Profitable C-Corps often pay quarterly estimated federal tax (Form 1120-W).
With employees in Connecticut, withhold payroll taxes and file state unemployment returns.
Budget for CPA support — corporate compliance is heavier than a pass-through LLC.

Foreign-owned C-Corps

25%+ foreign ownership may require IRS Form 5472 with the corporate return.
Non-US founders should plan for this from incorporation day.

How to dissolve a Connecticut corporation

Get board and shareholder approval to dissolve.
File Articles of Dissolution with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
Pay outstanding state taxes and cancel foreign registrations.
File a final IRS Form 1120. Skipping formal dissolution can trigger ongoing report fees.

Common Connecticut C-Corp mistakes

Missing the 83(b) election window. Founders with vesting stock must file within 30 days of issuance — there is no extension.
Skipping board meetings and minutes. Corporate formalities preserve the liability shield; skipping them is the #1 veil-piercing risk.
Commingling personal and corporate funds. Use a dedicated corporate bank account from day one.
Missing the annual report. Can cost you good standing or trigger administrative dissolution.

C-Corp vs LLC in Connecticut: which should you form?

Both entities give you the same liability shield. The main differences are tax, ownership, and fundraising options.

Form an LLC in Connecticut if

You want pass-through tax with less paperwork.
You do not plan to raise US venture capital.
You run a consulting firm, agency, store, or freelance business.

Form a C-Corp in Connecticut if

You plan to raise from VCs or angels via SAFEs.
You want to grant ISO stock options to employees.
You need multiple share classes for investors.

Rule of thumb: US VCs usually prefer a Delaware C-Corp. A Connecticut C-Corp fits local operating businesses not on the VC track.

Connecticut C-Corp questions

Also for Connecticut founders: Form an LLC in Connecticut · Connecticut registered agent

Ready to form your CT C-Corp?

Everything you need to launch and maintain your Connecticut corporation.

Everything you need to launch and maintain
your Connecticut corporation — all in one place.

Start your Connecticut C-Corp

Questions?

Form C Corp in Connecticut

Business Formation + Registered Agent

Connecticut C-Corp at a glance

How to form a C-Corp in Connecticut

Step 1: Name your Connecticut corporation

Step 2: Appoint a Connecticut registered agent

Step 3: File with the Connecticut Secretary of the State

Step 4: Issue stock and adopt bylaws

Step 5: Get your EIN from the IRS

Step 6: Stay compliant in Connecticut

Form your CT C-Corp now

How much does a Connecticut C-Corp cost?

One-time Connecticut formation cost

Ongoing Connecticut C-Corp cost

What's included with ClearFormation

Ready to file in Connecticut?

Post-incorporation checklist for a Connecticut C-Corp

1. Adopt bylaws and hold the organizational meeting

2. Issue founder stock and file 83(b) elections

3. Get your EIN and open a corporate bank account

4. Lock in tax and compliance calendars

5. BOI report — only if foreign-formed

Start your CT C-Corp today

What is a Connecticut C-Corp?

Why incorporate in Connecticut?

Connecticut C-Corp pros and cons

Types of corporations in Connecticut

Is a Connecticut C-Corp right for you?

Corporate governance in Connecticut

What does a corporate board of directors do?

What kind of stock can I issue?

Officers and day-to-day operations

Foreign entities doing business in Connecticut

Connecticut Secretary of the State contact information

How is a Connecticut C-Corp taxed?

Quarterly estimated taxes and payroll

Foreign-owned C-Corps

How to dissolve a Connecticut corporation

Common Connecticut C-Corp mistakes

C-Corp vs LLC in Connecticut: which should you form?

Form an LLC in Connecticut if

Form a C-Corp in Connecticut if

Connecticut C-Corp questions

How much does it cost to form a C-Corp in Connecticut?

How long does it take to incorporate in Connecticut?

How do I form a C-Corp in Connecticut?

Do I need a registered agent for a Connecticut corporation?

Does a Connecticut C-Corp have to file an annual report?

Should you be your own Connecticut registered agent?

Does running a corporation in Connecticut involve more paperwork than running other types of businesses?

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation in Connecticut?

Is an LLC better than a corporation?

How many people are needed to form a corporation in Connecticut?

Can I form my Connecticut corporation online?

How do I change my corporation's name in Connecticut?

How do I dissolve my Connecticut corporation?

Does Connecticut have other professional entity types?

What does a corporate board of directors do?

What kind of stock can I issue?

Do I need an EIN for my Connecticut C-Corp?

LLC vs C-Corp in Connecticut — which should I form?

Can a non-US resident form a C-Corp in Connecticut?

How is a Connecticut C-Corp taxed?

Can I convert a Connecticut LLC into a C-Corp later?

What's the difference between a C-Corp and an S-Corp in Connecticut?

When does forming a C-Corp in Connecticut make sense (vs. Delaware)?

Do C-Corps in Connecticut need to hold annual meetings?

Does a Connecticut C-Corp need a separate bank account?

How much does it cost to incorporate in Connecticut?

Connecticut C-Corp vs LLC — which should I choose?

What happens after incorporating in Connecticut?

Incorporation cost in CT

Ready to form your CT C-Corp?