Connecticut runs incorporations through Business.CT.gov, a digital system that tracks every stage of a business’s life in public view. Formations are timestamped on acceptance, and certificates post automatically to the state’s database.

Connecticut’s process is direct and uniform: filings, amendments, and annual reports all run through the same portal. Corporate fees are visible up front, and there are many tax incentives to reward businesses that build in the state.

Below, we’ll cover how to incorporate in Connecticut, including the filings, costs, and compliance requirements that businesses should be aware of.

What’s in this article?

• What does it mean to incorporate a business in Connecticut?
  
• What are the advantages of forming a corporation in Connecticut?
  
• What are the legal requirements to incorporate in Connecticut?
  
• How much does it cost to incorporate in Connecticut?
  
• What are the steps to incorporate your business in Connecticut?
  
• How Stripe Atlas can help
  

What does it mean to incorporate a business in Connecticut?

Incorporating in Connecticut means creating a separate legal entity that can own property, sign contracts, take on debt, and operate independently of you. To do so, file a certificate of incorporation with the secretary of the state, which officially brings the corporation into existence under Connecticut law.

That separation is what gives a corporation its limited liability, a core reason many founders choose to incorporate. If the business is sued or owes money, shareholders’ personal assets usually are not at risk.

Connecticut allows several corporate forms. Many for-profit businesses create a stock corporation, known as a C corporation (C corp). Others form nonstock corporations for nonprofits, benefit corporations that pursue social or environmental goals, or professional corporations for licensed fields such as medicine or law.

Corporations pay taxes as C corps, and profits are taxed at the corporate and shareholder levels. If your business qualifies, you can elect S corporation (S corp) status to have income and losses pass through to shareholders’ personal returns.

Out-of-state founders can incorporate in Connecticut or register an existing entity as a foreign corporation.

What are the advantages of forming a corporation in Connecticut?

Connecticut has more than 365,000 small businesses, which employ nearly half of the state’s private workforce. Incorporation builds credibility, protects assets, and supports growth in the state’s diverse economy. Connecticut’s process is fast, transparent, and designed to reward long-term investment. If you’re putting capital into equipment, hiring, or property in Connecticut, the state’s incentives are measurable and written into law.

Savings on capital investment

Corporations that purchase or install certain manufacturing machinery or equipment in Connecticut can qualify for a 100% local property tax exemption for five years.

Certain goods, such as medical equipment and production machinery, are also exempt from the state’s sales and use tax. Together, these two provisions can offset the total cost of a typical facility upgrade.

Tax breaks in Enterprise Zones

Connecticut’s Enterprise Zone program creates additional incentives for businesses that locate or expand in designated areas such as Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven. Qualifying corporations receive tax abatements in corporate business tax and property tax. The combined effect can lower early operating costs enough for businesses to consider a move or expansion to the state.

Predictable compliance and tax treatment

Connecticut recognizes S corp status, which lets qualifying corporations pass income and losses through to shareholders. Ongoing compliance is straightforward: one annual report, filed online, keeps your corporation in good standing.

What are the legal requirements to incorporate in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s corporate law is based on Title 33 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Filings, annual reports, and more can be done through the Business.CT.gov portal, which simplifies Connecticut’s incorporation process.

Here’s what you need to legally incorporate in Connecticut:

• A distinctive name: Your corporation’s name must be distinguishable from others on file with the secretary of state and must include “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited” or their corresponding abbreviations.

• Registered agent: Every corporation must list a registered agent with a street address in Connecticut. This can be a resident or business authorized to operate in the state. Many businesses use professional agent services to guarantee someone is available during business hours to receive legal documents and state correspondence.

• Certificate of incorporation: This document legally creates the corporation. It includes your corporate name, purpose, number of authorized shares, the agent’s details, and the incorporator’s information.

• Initial and annual filings: Within 90 days of incorporation, corporations must file an Organization and First Report listing officers, directors, and principal office address. Each year after that, an annual report is due on the anniversary of your incorporation. Missing these filings can lead to late fees or administrative dissolution.

• Bylaws and records: Connecticut law requires every corporation to adopt bylaws and maintain corporate records—minutes, resolutions, and stock ledgers—at its principal office. These aren’t filed with the state but prove the corporation operates as a distinct entity. Without them, you risk weakening your limited liability protection.

• Local and industry licenses: Connecticut has no general statewide business license, but professional, health, and trades businesses can require specialized permits. Many cities and towns have zoning or local registration rules.

How much does it cost to incorporate in Connecticut?

Costs for incorporating in Connecticut are straightforward, and there’s no general business license fee at the state level.

The main expense is the certificate of incorporation, which costs $250 for corporations authorized to issue up to 20,000 shares. The state offers 24-hour expedited processing for $50, which can be helpful if you’re trying to close financing or meet a launch deadline.

Within 90 days of incorporation, every corporation must file an Organization and First Report with a $150 filing fee. Then a $150 annual report is due on your incorporation anniversary. It costs $60 to reserve a business name for 120 days if you’re not ready to incorporate.

You’ll also need a registered agent with a Connecticut address. Acting as your own agent is free, while using a professional service typically costs $100–$300 per year.

All costs are handled through the Business.CT.gov portal, so you can easily stay in good standing each year.

What are the steps to incorporate your business in Connecticut?

Connecticut’s incorporation process is similar to that of many other states. You’ll need to make a few key decisions about your business, choose a registered agent, and file the appropriate documents.

Here are the steps to incorporate in Connecticut:

1. Choose a corporate structure and name

Decide whether you’re forming a stock corporation, a nonstock corporation for a nonprofit, a benefit corporation, or a professional corporation. Choose a name that’s distinguishable on record and includes “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited” or a corresponding abbreviation. The state’s database lets you check availability in real time.

2. Appoint a registered agent

Every Connecticut corporation needs an in-state registered agent with a physical address (no PO Boxes). You can be your own if you’re based in the state or appoint a commercial agent for a fee.

3. File your certificate of incorporation

This is the formation filing that makes the corporation real. The certificate lists your name, share structure, registered agent, principal office, and incorporator. You can file online or by mail; digital filings are processed fastest. Filings are timestamped on submission, and approved certificates are returned electronically.

4. File your Organization and First Report

Within 90 days, submit this follow-up filing listing the business’s directors, officers, and principal office. This report ties the people to the entity in the state’s public record.

5. Establish governance and records

Hold your organizational meeting, adopt bylaws, issue shares, and record everything in your corporate minutes and stock ledger. Connecticut doesn’t require you to file these documents, but they’re key to maintaining limited liability and proving your corporation operates as a distinct legal entity.

After you’ve completed these steps, your business is live: your Connecticut corporation is on record, compliant with Title 33, and ready to transact under state law.

How Stripe Atlas can help

Stripe Atlas sets up your company’s legal foundations so you can fundraise, open a bank account, and accept payments within two business days from anywhere in the world.

Join 75K+ companies incorporated using Atlas, including startups backed by top investors like Y Combinator, a16z, and General Catalyst.

Applying to Atlas

Applying to form a company with Atlas takes less than 10 minutes. You’ll choose your company structure, instantly confirm whether your company name is available, and add up to four cofounders. You’ll also decide how to split equity, reserve a pool of equity for future investors and employees, appoint officers, and then e-sign all your documents. Any cofounders will receive emails inviting them to e-sign their documents, too.

Accepting payments and banking before your EIN arrives

After forming your company, Atlas files for your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Founders with a US Social Security number, address, and cell phone number are eligible for IRS expedited processing, while others will receive standard processing, which can take a little longer. Additionally, Atlas enables pre-EIN payments and banking, so you can start accepting payments and making transactions before your EIN arrives.

Cashless founder stock purchase

Founders can purchase initial shares using their intellectual property (e.g., copyrights or patents) instead of cash, with proof of purchase stored in your Atlas Dashboard. Your IP must be valued at $100 or less to use this feature; if you own IP above that value, consult a lawyer before proceeding.

Automatic 83(b) tax election filing

Founders can file an 83(b) tax election to reduce personal income taxes. Atlas will file it for you—whether you are a US or non-US founder—with USPS Certified Mail and tracking. You’ll receive a signed 83(b) election and proof of filing directly in your Stripe Dashboard.

World-class company legal documents

Atlas provides all the legal documents you need to start running your company. Atlas C corp documents are built in collaboration with Cooley, one of the world’s leading venture capital law firms. These documents are designed to help you fundraise immediately and ensure your company is legally protected, covering aspects like ownership structure, equity distribution, and tax compliance.

A free year of Stripe Payments, plus $50K in partner credits and discounts

Atlas collaborates with top-tier partners to give founders exclusive discounts and credits. These include discounts on essential tools for engineering, tax, finance, compliance, and operations from industry leaders like AWS, Carta, and Perplexity. We also provide you with your required Delaware registered agent for free in your first year. Plus, as an Atlas user, you’ll access additional Stripe benefits, including up to a year of free payment processing for up to $100K in payments volume.

Learn more about how Atlas can help you set up your new business quickly and easily, and get started today.