Form A Colorado LLC
How to Start an LLC in Colorado: The Basics
A Colorado LLC is formed by filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying a $50 filing fee. Colorado Articles of Organization go on the public record, meaning the names and addresses you share will be visible online. When you hire us to form your LLC, you can use OUR business address and keep your own private.
We’re the largest local registered agent service in Colorado, and we own our building in Boulder. Translation: we know our stuff, and we’re not going anywhere. We offer all our clients a stable Colorado business address, $35 a year registered agent service, and lifetime local support.
Still rather form your LLC on your own? Check our DIY guide to starting a Colorado LLC.
What You Get With Our Colorado LLC Package:
- Fast and Accurate LLC Formation
- Colorado Business Address for Privacy
- One Year of Colorado Registered Agent Service
- Attorney-Drafted Operating Agreement
- LLC Membership Certificates and Resolutions
- FREE Domain Name for First Year
- Business Website, Email, and Colorado Phone Number (FREE for 90 days)
- Colorado Periodic Report Compliance Reminders
- Year-Round Client Support From Real People
- Access Your Client Portal Anywhere, Anytime
Fast, Simple, Done Right
As the oldest local registered agent and business formation company in Colorado, we know how to get your Colorado LLC formed fast and formed right. We form your LLC with the Secretary of State and give you everything you need to open a bank account and get up and running as quickly as possible.
How Our LLC Formation Works
BEFORE YOU FILE
Before you file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, there are a number of steps you want to take first. Taking the time with these early steps now will save you time and hassle later on in the process.
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Check Your LLC Name
Every LLC name in Colorado must be distinct from other businesses already in existence. If you try to file Articles with a name that is already in use, they will be rejected by the Secretary of State. You can do a quick Colorado Business Name Search to see if the name you want is available or not.
If your name is available and you want to make sure it is still available when you are ready to file your Articles, you can submit a Colorado Statement of Reservation of Name. This form must be filed electronically on the SOS website.
If I submit a name already in use, will my Articles be rejected?
No. All filings are processed online, and the Secretary of State filing system will tell you immediately if the name is in use. You won’t be able to proceed until you chose a name that isn’t already being used.
Are there any special restrictions on LLC names?
Yes. Your name must include the term Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation, such as LLC.
Can I register a trade name (DBA) for my LLC?
Yes. LLCs have the option register a trade name (also known as a DBA or assumed name) in Colorado. A DBA allows your business to operate under a different name without having to form a new LLC. If you’re interested in registering a DBA for your LLC, consider our Trade Name Service. Once you’ve signed up for Colorado LLC Package, you’ll be able to select our Trade Name Service in your account and we’ll register your LLC’s DBA for $125 plus state fees.
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Write Your Operating Agreement
While you can write your Operating Agreement at any time, it is best to do so as early as possible. Your Operating Agreement outlines the ownership and management of your Colorado LLC. It is where you designate your initial members, their contributions, and their ownership share. Management responsibilities and administrative procedures–such as annual meeting times and places–are also addressed here.
Where do I file my Operating Agreement?
An Operating Agreement is an internal business document. It is not filed with any government agency.
Do I need an Operating Agreement to open a bank account?
Yes. Most banks will require an Operating Agreement before they will open a bank account for your LLC.
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Select a Colorado Registered Agent
You must list a Colorado registered agent on your Articles of Organization. It is best to select an agent early so that you can list their name on the Articles when you’re ready to file. Your registered agent is the point of contact if your LLC is ever sued. The court will issue a notice of the lawsuit, called a service of process, which will be delivered to your registered agent. Your agent must then contact you and forward the service of process to you in a timely manner.
Does my registered agent have to be located in Colorado?
Yes. Your registered agent must have a physical address in Colorado. A PO box does not meet the legal requirement. They must also keep regular business hours so that they can accept any official certified documents coming to your business.
Does my registered agent get all my business mail?
No. A registered agent accepts only service of process, official notices from the Secretary of State, and specific business communications. Your agent isn’t intended to receive all of your normal business mail.
Our LLC Package Includes:
Operating Agreement
A Readable Operating Agreement You Can Understand
Registered Agent
1 Year of Colorado Registered Agent Service
Online Presence
Domain, Website, Email, SSL and Phone Service
FORMING YOUR COLORADO LLC
Once you’ve selected a name, written your Operating Agreement, and selected a Colorado registered agent, you’re ready to file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, form your LLC, and complete any additional filings that are necessary.
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File Your Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization are the official document that legally creates your LLC with the State of Colorado. The Articles are filed electronically with the Secretary of State. There is currently a $50 filing fee. Colorado processes the Articles usually within 24 hours and notifies you by email that your LLC is now formed and ready for business.
What information is listed on the Articles of Organization?
The Articles list basic information about your business: the name of your LLC, your principal business office address, the name and address of your registered agent in Colorado, the name and address of your organizer (the individual who filed the Articles), and whether your LLC will be managed by its members or by an appointed manager. All of this information is listed in the public record.
Can I keep my personal information out of the public record?
Yes. By hiring Colorado Registered Agent LLC, you will keep your personal information off the public record. We will act as your organizer, and we can legally list our registered office as your principal business address in Colorado. Your information will not be listed anywhere.
Listing our business information does not make Colorado Registered Agent LLC a member of your LLC. Membership and ownership of your LLC is determined strictly in your Operating Agreement.
Can I file the Articles of Organization by mail?
No. The Secretary of State accepts only online filings of Articles of Organization.
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Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is similar to a Social Security Number, except that it is issued to businesses instead of individuals. You can get an EIN from the IRS. The number is used for filing your federal taxes and for federal withhholdings for all your employees. You can apply online for an EIN for free.
Do I have to get an EIN?
Most Colorado LLCs will need an EIN. If you have employees, for example, you are required to have an EIN. However, not every LLC is required to apply. Holding companies, for example, will not likely need an EIN. The IRS has strict guidelines for which businesses need an EIN .Can I get an EIN if I don’t live in the US?
Yes, although it is a little more complicated. Anyone applying for an EIN must have a Social Security Number. If you do not have an SSN, then you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) first. Once you are issued an ITIN, you can then apply for your EIN.
Or you can hire us to obtain an EIN for your Colorado LLC. We can easily apply for the EIN for your business and have it to you the same day.
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Open a Business Bank Account
Your new Colorado LLC will need a business bank account to process all incoming and outgoing payments. Opening a business bank account is usually not much of a hassle, although most banks will require specific documents from you before opening the account: copies of your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement, and your Employer Identification Number. Most accounts must be opened in person.
Will a bank open an account without my EIN?
No. Most banks will not open a business bank account if you do not have an Employer Identification Number.
Do all banks have the same requirements?
No. Each bank has its own unique requirements for opening accounts. One bank may want to see your Operating Agreement, while another doesn’t need to. Feel free to call around and ask what each bank requires.
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File a Beneficial Ownership Information Report
Most LLCs registered in the U.S. (including Colorado) have to file what’s known as a BOI report. This report must include information about your company (legal name, DBA names, jurisdiction of formation, tax ID), as well as information for your company’s beneficial owners and company applicants (full legal name, date of birth, residential address, valid photo ID).
This report is free and confidential, and it must be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Existing LLCs formed before 2024 have until January 1, 2025 to file. New LLCs created during 2024 must file within 90 days of company formation, and new LLCs started after 2024 must file within 30 days.
What’s a beneficial owner?
This is any person with substantial control over your company, like a member, a manager, or anyone who owns at least 25% of your LLC. You must list all beneficial owners in your BOI report.
What’s a company applicant?
Company applicant refers to the person who filed your company’s articles of organization, as well as the person who ordered those formation papers to be filed (if a different person). You are limited to two company applicants in your BOI report.
NOTE: Companies formed before January 1, 2024 have until 2025 to file their BOI report and do NOT have to provide information for a company applicant.
We offer easy, quick, and accurate BOI report filing for just $9!
Fast, Simple, Done Right: Order Now
ONGOING MAINTENANCE
Once your Colorado LLC is formed and your business is up and running, you will need to maintain compliance with Colorado State law. This means filing an annual Periodic Report with the Secretary of State, as well as paying any taxes owed to the State. Failure to maintain your compliance will lead to your business authority being revoked by the Secretary of State.
Periodic Report
Every business in Colorado must file a Periodic Report with the Secretary of State every year. The Periodic Report is due within three months from your formation’s anniversary month. If your business was formed anytime in October, for example, then each year your window for filing would be between October 1st and December 31st. There is a $10 filing fee.
How do I file my Periodic Report?
Periodic Reports must be filed online on the Secretary of State’s website. You cannot file a paper form.
What happens if I don’t file my Periodic Report?
The Secretary of State will revoke your business authority. This means your business is no longer active and cannot legally conduct business in the State of Colorado or anywhere else. If this happens, you will be required to file Articles of Reinstatement and pay all appropriate fees in order to get your LLC reinstated.
Do you offer Periodic Report compliance?
Yes. You can add Periodic Report compliance to your order, or you can signup anytime in your client portal. We will monitor your compliance throughout the year, and we will prepare and file your Periodic Report each year. If you signup for our service, our name and address will be listed on your Periodic Report, keeping your own information private.
Order Your LLC Today!
