How To File for a Connecticut Business Registration — A Complete Guide

Connecticut offers a thriving market for businesses of all sizes—from budding startups to established Fortune 500 companies. With a skilled workforce, access to major markets, and plenty of funding options, it’s an ideal place to launch and grow your business.

If you’re looking to join this dynamic business ecosystem, a key step is to register your business with the Connecticut Secretary of State , regardless of whether your business is online or operates from a physical storefront.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps for seamless CT business registration. We’ll also introduce Harbor Compliance, a reliable partner in handling all the paperwork and legal requirements for registering your entity.

When Do You Need To Register Your Business in Connecticut?

As per Connecticut’s official state website , you’re required to register your Connecticut business if you’re involved in any of the following activities:

• Opening a new business in Connecticut
• Expanding an existing out-of-state business into a new location in Connecticut
• Selling at a craft show, flea market, or other venue in Connecticut
• Selling over the Internet in Connecticut
• Hiring employees from Connecticut for an out-of-state business
• Reopening a closed business in Connecticut
• Acquiring a Connecticut-based business
• Operating a passive investment company
• Changing organization type

How To Register a Business in Connecticut

The CT business registration process involves the following steps:

1. Reserve your business name
2. Find your NAICS code
3. Appoint a registered agent
4. Form an official email address and business street address
5. File for business registration

Reserve Your Business Name

To form LLCs and corporations in Connecticut, your business name must be unique and distinct from others on file with the Secretary of State (SOS) . Make sure to search the state business records to confirm that no other business has the name you picked.

You can even reserve a name for up to 120 days by submitting an Application for Reservation of Name . Keep in mind that LLCs and corporations must include specific terms, such as “LLC” for an LLC or “Company” for a corporation.

If you run a sole proprietorship or partnership and use a business name different from your legal name (or partner surnames), you must register this trade name with the clerk’s office in the city or town where you operate.

Find Your NAICS Code

A North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code determines your business activity and primary business category. You don’t need to apply for a NAICS code—identify the industry and sector you operate in, and you’ll be able to locate your NAICS code.

The easiest way to find your NAICS code is by looking it up on the U.S. Census Bureau’s website . Here are the steps to follow:

1. Go to the NAICS Search box.
2. Type in information about your business.
3. Click Go.

Appoint a Registered Agent

Every legal entity in Connecticut is required to appoint a registered agent, who can handle all legal notifications from the state on your behalf. The agent should be based in Connecticut and of legal age. Alternatively, you can choose to be your own registered agent, but it’s recommended to order a registered agent service from a reliable provider, such as Harbor Compliance.

Form an Official Email and Business Street Address

Aside from getting an official email address for business communications, you’ll also require a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in Connecticut to register your business. Note that this is mandatory even if you operate your business from home.

File for Business Registration

Once you’ve fulfilled the above requirements and gathered all the necessary documents, it’s time to file for business registration for your entity.

The online registration process involves signing up and providing your business name, NAICS code, business location, and other key information and documentation to register with the state. Here are the steps involved:

1. Create a new account on the State of Connecticut’s website or log in using an existing account.
2. Select the type of business you’re registering—foreign or domestic.
3. Select your business structure.
4. Provide a business name if you’ve already reserved one. If not, enter your new business name, and the portal will automatically show whether the name is taken.
5. Enter your business email address.
6. Input your NAICS information by searching for the type of business you want to register.
7. Enter other key information, such as your business location, key contacts in your company, and the registered agent’s name and address.

Additional Business Registration Requirements in Connecticut

Besides registering your business with the Secretary of State, you may also need to complete one or both of the following registrations to set up operations in Connecticut.

1. Tax registration with the Department of Revenue Services (DRS)
2. Registration for hiring employees

Tax Registration With DRS

To obtain a Connecticut tax registration number with the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) , register using the following steps:

1. Select your reason for registering your business.
2. Select the business type and enter your EIN ID.
3. Enter business details, including entity name, DBA name, street address, and mailing address.
4. Make the payment and register.

When you register for sales tax, room occupancy tax, or as a retailer of over-the-counter cigarettes, you can print a temporary permit right away. Make sure to keep a copy for your records as you can start using the permit immediately.

After completing the registration, you’ll receive a confirmation number, which serves as both a receipt of your application and your temporary tax registration number. Your permanent Connecticut Tax Registration Number (TRN) will be sent to you within three to five business days, along with the registration package.

Registration for Hiring Employees

If you’re planning on hiring employees for your business, you need to register with the Connecticut Department of Labor to obtain your unemployment tax account. Here’s what the application process looks like:

1. Visit the Department of Labor website .
2. Navigate to the ReEmployCT section and click the File for benefits here tab.
3. Click Apply Here under the New Employer section.

How Harbor Compliance Can Expedite the Business Registration Process

Starting and procuring the required registration as a business owner can be daunting. From filing your business name and getting a federal tax ID to setting up business records, keeping up with the state and local requirements can take up a lot of your time.

To outsource the heavy lifting of the registration process, consider partnering with a professional service provider like Harbor Compliance. We can guide you through every stage of the registration process—here are some of the services we provide:

• Registered Agent —Use our nationwide Registered Agent Service to outsource handling legal and government communications to us. We ensure reliability and security for businesses operating in multiple states. Utilizing advanced compliance software, we prioritize both security and operational efficiency.
• Business Licensing —Our team of compliance specialists ensures that your business holds the correct licenses and permits to prevent fines, delays, and penalties. This allows you to stay compliant and focused on growth.
• Annual Reports —Through our Managed Annual Report Service, we file your reports accurately and on time, ensuring your business remains in good standing while saving you valuable time.

Our comprehensive software suite simplifies entity management, license tracking, tax compliance, and record-keeping through modules like Entity Manager, License Manager, Records Manager, Tax Manager, and Requirements Research Engine. This solution offers full transparency and automates compliance tasks, making it easier for entrepreneurs to manage and maintain their business structures efficiently.

How To Order Harbor Compliance’s Services

We offer a range of services tailored to fit the unique needs of your company. If you’re primarily interested in our formation services, follow the steps below to get started:

1. Visit Harbor Compliance’s LLC formation or Incorporation page.
2. Click on “Order Online.”
3. Provide the relevant details.
4. Submit your order request.

If you’d like to check out how the modules work, you can request a demo session of our software by following these steps:

1. Visit the Software Suite page.
2. Select “Schedule a Demo Session.”
3. Provide your contact information.
4. Submit your demo request.

Additional Services by Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance offers a wide range of services to help businesses meet various regulatory requirements while registering their entity. Access the table below to learn about our key service categories:

Service Category	Service
Business licensing support	We help businesses obtain general business and industry-specific licenses like construction , architecture, and engineering .
Entity lifecycle support	We can assist you in the formation process, from incorporation and LLC formation to amendments, name reservations , and dissolution and withdrawals . We also handle publications , reinstatements, and withdrawals.
Document filing and retrieval	We offer Drop-off Filing service and assistance with procuring certificates of good standing , certified copies, and filing initial and annual reports .
Registered agent	Use our Registered Agent Service to appoint us as your registered agent. We offer nationwide coverage, and you can rest assured your notices will always get to you promptly. You can also use our Change of Registered Agent Service if you wish to appoint a new agent.
Nonprofit formation	We help with filing for nonprofit incorporation and 501(c) tax exemption.
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting	Use our Beneficial Ownership Reporting Service for filing and updating your BOI reports. Our Records Manager also sends automated reminders to keep your entity’s information up to date.

Registering a Business in Connecticut FAQs

Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about registering a new business in Connecticut. For more information, visit our Information Center .

Outsource Registering a Business in Connecticut to Harbor Compliance and Enjoy Peace of Mind

If you’re planning on setting up your business in Connecticut, it’s essential to register it with the Connecticut Secretary of State, regardless of your entity type and mode of operation. Navigating the state’s specific licensing requirements and industry permits can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Partner with Harbor Compliance to streamline these responsibilities and focus on running your business rather than navigating the state’s regulatory demands. If you’re interested in our services, get started by visiting the LLC formation or Incorporation page, depending on your business structure. Schedule a demo session to explore our Software Suite and assess your company’s standing with the state’s regulatory requirements by using our FREE Harbor Compliance Score™ .

Are you interested in learning more about registering a business in other U.S. states? Explore the articles in the table below:

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