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Form a C Corporation in Connecticut for Free

Swyft Filings' Basic C Corporation package lets you start your Connecticut corporation for a $0 service fee + $250 state fee. In this package, you will receive services including a name availability check, preparation and filing of your Certificate of Incorporation, and support from a formation specialist throughout the process. For additional Connecticut C Corporation formation services support, upgrade to our premium packages, which include bylaws drafting, support for multiple stock classes, initial corporate resolutions, registered agent, EIN assistance, and more.

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How to Start a C Corp in Connecticut in 8 Steps

Connecticut collects its minimum franchise tax up front, folded into the same $250 payment as your formation filing. This is a structure that surprises founders comparing Connecticut's fee to a flat filing fee in another state. It also requires a follow-up filing within 90 days that a lot of other states skip entirely. The rest of forming a C Corp in Connecticut is straightforward. Choose a compliant name, appoint a registered agent, set your share structure, file your Certificate of Incorporation, submit your Organization and First Report, adopt bylaws, hold an organizational meeting, and get your EIN. Here is a detailed explanation of each step:

Step 1: Choose a Name for Your Connecticut C Corporation

Connecticut's naming rules for stock corporations are in the Connecticut Business Corporation Act, Chapter 601 of the General Statutes (Sec. 33-655). So, when choosing a name for your Connecticut C Corp, make sure it meets the state's naming requirements listed below:

Include a corporate designator: The name must contain “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” “Societa per Azioni,” or “Limited,” or an accepted abbreviation such as “Corp.,” “Inc.,” “Co.,” “S.p.A.,” or “Ltd.”
Be distinguishable on the record: The Secretary of State's Commercial Recording Division checks new names against existing corporations, LLCs, and other registered entities.
Match your corporate purpose: The name cannot contain language suggesting the corporation is organized for a purpose not permitted by its Certificate of Incorporation.
Avoid restricted or misleading terms: Names implying banking, insurance, or a purpose outside what your Certificate allows generally require separate approval or get rejected outright.

Once you find a name for your Connecticut C Corporation, search your proposed name through the Connecticut Secretary of State's business records search. Keep a backup ready in case your first choice is too close to an existing entity. If you need more ideas, try Swyft Filings’ free business name generator.

Search the Connecticut Secretary of State's online business entity records before submitting your filing. There's no dedicated fee for a basic search, unlike states that charge per name checked.

Yes. File an application to reserve a C Corp name with the Connecticut Secretary of State for a $60 fee either online or by mail. The reservation is valid for 120 days and must be refiled if you need more time.

Your corporation's name must include a corporate identifier such as “Corporation,” “Incorporated,” “Company,” or “Limited,” or an accepted abbreviation. The name must also be distinguishable from other entities on record with the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Step 2: Appoint a Connecticut Registered Agent

Every Connecticut C Corp must designate a registered agent to receive official state correspondence, legal notices, and service of process on the corporation’s behalf. Here are the requirements for a Connecticut registered agent that need to be met:

Be eligible to serve: The agent can be an individual who meets Connecticut’s residency requirements or a business entity authorized to conduct business in Connecticut.
Maintain a Connecticut street address: The registered agent must have a physical street address in Connecticut where official documents can be delivered. A P.O. box alone is generally not sufficient.
Be available to receive documents: The agent must be available at the registered office during normal business hours to accept service of process and other official notices.
Accept the appointment: The registered agent must provide the required consent or confirmation to serve in that role.

Choose a registered agent: You can appoint an eligible individual, such as yourself, or hire a professional registered agent service.
Provide the agent's information: Include the registered agent's name and Connecticut street address on your Certificate of Incorporation.
Confirm the appointment: Complete any required acceptance, signature, or electronic confirmation process.
Keep the information current: If your registered agent changes, file the appropriate change with the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Yes. You can generally serve as your own registered agent if you meet Connecticut's requirements, including maintaining a physical address in Connecticut and being available to receive official documents.

Yes, an eligible individual, such as a family member or friend, can generally serve as your registered agent, provided they meet Connecticut's requirements and maintain a Connecticut street address.

Yes. A business entity authorized to transact business in Connecticut can generally serve as a registered agent for your C Corp, provided it meets the state's registered-agent requirements.

Before filing your Certificate of Incorporation, decide how your Connecticut C Corp will structure its authorized shares. Your share count can affect the corporation's franchise tax and overall formation costs, so choose a number that fits your current needs while leaving room for future growth.

Consider these points:

Determine your authorized shares: Decide on your authorized share count. Connecticut's $250 combined fee covers the minimum franchise tax for corporations authorized to issue up to 20,000 shares.
Account for additional shares: If you plan to authorize more than 20,000 shares, budget for a franchise tax calculated on a sliding scale under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-618, rather than the flat minimum.
Choose your stock classes: Decide whether you need one class of stock or multiple classes. If you create multiple classes or series, specify their rights, preferences, and limitations in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Keep shares available for future use: Consider reserving some authorized but unissued shares for future investors, employees, or other business needs.

The franchise tax rises on a sliding scale above 20,000 authorized shares, so if you are planning a larger raise or multiple funding rounds, it's worth calculating the tax at your target share count before you file rather than after.

No. Connecticut places no cap on the number of shareholders a stock corporation can have.

Yes. Connecticut's corporation franchise tax is based in part on the number of authorized shares. Authorizing more shares can therefore increase the applicable franchise tax and formation costs.

Yes. A Connecticut corporation can establish multiple classes or series of shares. If you do so, the Certificate of Incorporation should specify the rights, preferences, limitations, and other relevant terms for each class or series.

Step 4: File Your Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation

Once you have chosen your corporation's name, registered agent, and share structure, the next step is to file a Certificate of Incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of State. This document officially creates your C Corp under Connecticut law.

When completing the Certificate, you’ll generally provide:

Corporate name: Enter the name that meets Connecticut's naming requirements.
Registered agent: Provide the name and Connecticut address of your registered agent.
Authorized shares: State the number and, if applicable, classes or series of shares your corporation is authorized to issue.
Business address: Provide the corporation's required address information.
Incorporator information: Identify the person responsible for signing and submitting the Certificate.
Filing fee: Pay the applicable state filing and franchise tax fees.

After the Secretary of State accepts the filing, your Connecticut C Corp is officially formed. Connecticut's Secretary of State accepts the Certificate of Incorporation (Stock Corporation) by mail, fax, or online.

Online Filing: This is the fastest and most convenient option. Create or log in to your Business.CT.gov account, select the Certificate of Incorporation for a domestic stock corporation, enter the required information, and pay the applicable fee online. Connecticut says online filings generally have faster processing and fewer rejections, and expedited service is available online.
Submit a Paper Filing Online: If you need to use a paper form, you can download the Certificate of Incorporation, complete it, and submit the paper filing through your Business.CT.gov account. You can pay the filing fee online using an accepted credit card. This option is slower than the state's online filing flow but faster and more convenient than mailing a paper form.
Mail or Hand-Deliver the Paper Form: You can also complete the paper Certificate of Incorporation and either mail it or deliver it in person with the $250 fee:

Mailing Address:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470

Delivery Address:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106

The current Connecticut filing fee for a domestic stock corporation is $250, which includes the franchise tax for corporations authorized to issue up to 20,000 shares.

Your corporate name, the total number of authorized shares (and the terms of each class if there's more than one), your registered agent's appointment and address, an email address, and your NAICS code.

Connecticut uses the six-digit North American Industry Classification System code to categorize new businesses by industry for state statistical and regulatory purposes; it's a small but easy-to-miss required field on the Certificate itself.

The standard filing fee for a Connecticut domestic stock corporation (C Corp) is $250. This amount includes the applicable franchise tax for a corporation authorized to issue up to 20,000 shares.

Yes. You can complete the paper Certificate of Incorporation and submit it by mail to the Connecticut Secretary of State. You can also deliver the completed form in person. Paper filings generally require payment by check or money order.

Step 5: File Your Organization and First Report

This is the step that catches founders off guard when comparing Connecticut to other states: within 90 days of your Certificate of Incorporation being filed, you must submit an Organization and First Report to the Secretary of State.

Deadline: Within 90 days of the file date of your Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation.
Filing Fee: $150 for domestic stock corporations.
Subsequent Filings: The date you file your initial report establishes your corporation’s anniversary date, which determines when future annual reports are due.

It's a follow-up filing, separate from your original Certificate of Incorporation, that discloses your principal office address and the names and addresses of your directors and officers. Connecticut requires it specifically under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-953.

Missing this filing can put your new corporation out of compliance almost immediately after formation, since it's due so early in the corporation's life — it's worth calendaring this deadline the same day you file your Certificate of Incorporation.

Step 6: Adopt Bylaws for Your Connecticut C Corp

After forming your Connecticut C Corp, establish its internal governance rules through corporate bylaws. Your incorporators or initial board of directors can adopt bylaws that outline how the corporation will be managed and how key decisions will be made.

Your bylaws can cover:

Officer roles: Define officer positions, responsibilities, and authority.
Directors: Establish procedures for electing, removing, and replacing directors.
Meetings: Set requirements for notices, quorum, and voting at board and shareholder meetings.
Stock matters: Establish procedures for issuing shares and maintaining stock records.
Amendments: Explain how the corporation can modify its bylaws as its needs change.

Need help preparing your bylaws? Swyft Filings' customized Corporate Bylaws service can help create bylaws tailored to your Connecticut C Corp's governance structure.

Generally, no. Bylaws are internal corporate documents and are typically kept with the corporation's records rather than filed with the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Generally, bylaws do not need to be notarized. The corporation should properly approve them and maintain the adopted version with its corporate records.

Yes, a standard template can provide a starting point, but it should be tailored to your corporation's ownership structure, shareholding, directors, officers, and governance procedures.

Step 7: Hold Your Organizational Meeting

After filing your Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation, hold an organizational meeting to formally establish your corporation's internal operations. This meeting allows the initial directors and shareholders to approve key decisions and create a formal record of the corporation's first actions.

During the meeting, you can:

Adopt the bylaws: Formally approve the corporation's governance rules.
Appoint officers: Confirm positions such as president, secretary, and treasurer.
Authorize stock issuance: Approve the number of shares to be issued to the initial shareholders.
Approve business matters: Authorize a corporate bank account, fiscal year, contracts, and other startup decisions.
Record corporate actions: Prepare meeting minutes or written consents documenting the decisions made.

Keep the signed minutes, resolutions, bylaws, and other organizational documents with your corporation's official records.

The corporation can use its first meeting to adopt bylaws, appoint officers, authorize stock issuance, approve a corporate bank account, establish a fiscal year, and authorize other initial business activities.

The incorporators who signed and filed the Certificate of Incorporation, or the initial board of directors once named.

Step 8: Apply for Your EIN

Once your Connecticut C Corp is organized, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. Your EIN identifies the corporation for federal tax purposes and is commonly needed to open a business bank account, hire employees, file tax returns, and handle other business activities.

When applying, you’ll generally provide:

Legal business name: Enter the exact name used on your Certificate of Incorporation.
Business structure: Identify the business as a corporation.
State of formation: Provide Connecticut as the state where the corporation was formed.
Responsible party: Provide the required information for the individual responsible for the corporation.
Reason for applying: Select the appropriate reason, such as starting a new business.

The IRS does not charge a fee when you apply for an EIN directly. Swyft Filings handles it as part of our Connecticut C Corp formation service package.

What Are the Post-Formation Requirements for a C Corp in Connecticut?

Once your Connecticut C Corp is formed, you’ll need to stay current with state filings, corporate taxes, local licensing, and basic financial practices. The main ongoing requirements include:

1. File Your Annual Report

Connecticut stock corporations must file an Annual Report online through Business.CT.gov. The report is due by the last day of the corporation’s anniversary month, and the current filing fee is $150. Keep your company information, including its principal office, directors, and officers, up to date when filing.

Missing the deadline can affect your corporation’s good standing and may eventually lead to administrative dissolution. Because the deadline is tied to your formation date rather than a fixed calendar date, add it to your compliance calendar each year.

2. Pay Connecticut Corporate Business Tax

A Connecticut C Corp is generally subject to the state’s corporation business tax on its taxable income. The standard tax rate is 7.5%, while certain large corporations may also be subject to a surtax.

Your corporation may also have additional tax filing obligations depending on its activities and income. Since Connecticut’s corporate tax rules can change, review the current requirements and applicable thresholds with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services when preparing your return.

3. Check Applicable Business Licenses

Connecticut does not have a single universal business license that covers all types of corporations and activities. Your licensing requirements can depend on your city or town, industry, and the activities your C Corp performs. For example, certain professions and regulated industries may require additional state or local licenses before you can operate.

Check with the municipality where your business operates and with the relevant Connecticut agencies to identify which licenses apply to your corporation. Track renewal dates to keep required licenses active. Swyft Filings' business license research service can help identify which licenses apply to your specific business.

4. Open a Dedicated Business Bank Account

Open a separate bank account for your Connecticut C Corp and use it for corporate income and expenses. Keeping business and personal finances separate makes it easier to maintain accurate accounting records and demonstrates that the corporation operates as a separate legal entity from its owners.

Banks may request documents such as your EIN, Certificate of Incorporation, business license, and identification for authorized account signers. Choose an account that fits your transaction volume and business needs, and avoid using the corporate account for personal purchases or expenses.

What Does It Cost to Incorporate a C Corp in Connecticut?

The cost of incorporating a C Corp in Connecticut depends on the state's required filing fees, franchise tax, and any additional services you choose. Understanding these costs upfront can help you plan your corporation's formation budget.

Cost	Fee
Connecticut Certificate of Incorporation (up to 20,000 shares, includes minimum franchise tax)	$250
Connecticut Organization and First Report (due within 90 days)	$150
Connecticut Name Reservation (120 days)	$60
Connecticut Registered Agent Service	Varies
EIN	$0

Ready to Start Your Free Connecticut C Corp?

Start your Connecticut C Corp for free with Swyft Filings' Basic package, with a $0 service fee + $250 state fees. Get help with name availability, Certificate of Incorporation preparation, filing, and the essential steps needed to get your corporation started.

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*Disclaimer: This guide offers general information about forming a C Corporation in Connecticut and isn't a substitute for legal, tax, or financial advice.*

Check C Corp Formation Guides for Other States

C Corp rules, filing costs, and corporate tax structures vary by jurisdiction. Select any state below to view its specific C Corp laws.

Need Help With Your C Corp Paperwork?

Starting a corporation in Connecticut involves complex paperwork. Swyft Filings has helped over 600,000 businesses get off the ground since 2015. Our team of business formation specialists knows Connecticut's Secretary of the State requirements and can file your C Corp quickly, accurately, and in full compliance with state requirements. Tell us about the business you want to build, and we will handle the paperwork.

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FAQ's

Starting a business can feel complex. We're here to provide clear answers to some of the most common questions entrepreneurs ask.

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Connecticut requires this filing early because it establishes the corporation's basic organizational information in the state's records soon after formation. The filing also helps keep the Secretary of the State's records current before the corporation moves into its regular annual reporting cycle.

Connecticut requires at least one director for a stock corporation, with no residency requirement — a single person can serve as incorporator, director, and officer if your Certificate allows it.

Yes. A C Corp can operate without employees. The corporation can be owned and managed by its shareholders, directors, and officers without necessarily hiring additional employees.

Yes. A Connecticut C Corp can conduct business outside Connecticut, but it may need to register as a foreign corporation in another state before doing so. The requirements, fees, and tax obligations vary by state.