Colorado forms an LLC when the Secretary of State files its articles of organization. The fee is $50, and you file online. There is no paper route to compare against, which keeps the process simple.
This page describes the filing, not advice on structuring your company. For the office itself, see the Colorado office guide. Our articles of organization guide compares the filing across states.
How do you file Colorado articles of organization?
You file with the Secretary of State's Business Organizations section through the online filing pages. The fee schedule lists the LLC filing at $50 in the online column and n/a in the paper column. Corporations are in the same position. Articles of Incorporation also cost $50, filed online.
| LLC form | Articles of Organization (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
|---|---|
| Corporation form | Articles of Incorporation (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
| State filing fee for an LLC | $50 (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
| Filing online | Online only. The fee schedule lists no paper fee for LLC articles. (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
| Faster processing | Expedited service is fulfilled within 3 business days for an added $150.00 (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
| Worth knowing | A registered agent cannot use a commercial or P.O. Box address as the agent's physical street address. (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
| Where to file online | sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/fileAForm.html (sos.state.co.us, checked ) |
The articles name the LLC and a registered agent, and the agent must agree to act. Read the form instructions on the Secretary of State site before you start, since the form is the source for every required line.
What does the Colorado filing cost?
The core fee is $50. After that, the extras are few.
- Articles of Organization: $50.
- Foreign LLCs: a Foreign Entity Authority Statement for $100.
- Name reservation: $25 for 120 days.
- Trade name statement: $20.
- Expedited service for business organization documents: an added $150, fulfilled within 3 business days.
The expedited line is the only place the state's own schedule leaves a question. The $150 sits in the paper column while the online column reads n/a. Ask the office how an online filer can get that speed before you count on it.
Naming a Colorado LLC
An LLC name must carry an ending such as limited liability company, limited, l.l.c. or llc. It must also be distinguishable from the names already on record. Periods, commas, apostrophes and capital letters do not make two names different, so ABC Inc and A.B.C. Inc count as the same name.
The state has two separate tools. The name availability search checks a name before you file, and the business database search shows records already on file. Names cannot be moved from one business to another.
The registered agent
Every Colorado LLC needs a registered agent, and only one. An individual agent must be at least 18 and must live or work in Colorado. An individual also needs a Colorado driver's license or identification card. An entity can act as agent only if it is in good standing with the Secretary of State.
The agent's street address cannot be a commercial or P.O. Box address. A separate mailing address may be a P.O. Box, as long as it is in Colorado.
After the articles are filed
Filing the articles starts a yearly cycle. The periodic report is $25, is filed online and has a window on both sides of your report month. Our Colorado annual report guide walks through the dates. Your federal tax number comes from the IRS, not from this office.
If you want help, you can ask our private filing service. State fees are separate, and you can file at the state yourself.
Sources
- www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/fees/business.html: LLC filing fee. Checked .
- www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/fileAForm.html: online filing. Checked .
- www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/fees/business.html: llc form, corporation form, filing online, faster processing. Checked .
- www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/business/FAQs/regAgent.html: worth knowing. Checked .