CT Business Launch Wizard: Your Step-by-Step Checklist
Tell us about your business idea and get a free, step-by-step checklist for launching it in Connecticut.
For general education only. Not tax, legal, insurance, or investment advice, and not a promise of any result. Tax rules and due dates change, so confirm with the IRS (irs.gov), the CT Department of Revenue Services (portal.ct.gov/DRS) or your town before you act, and ask your tax preparer about your own situation.
7 quick questions, about a minute. You'll get a step-by-step checklist for opening a business in Connecticut: state filing, EIN, CT tax registration, local permits, bank account and bookkeeping. Your answers stay in your browser.
Your CT launch checklist
This is general guidance from official state and IRS pages. Your town, your industry and your setup can add steps, so confirm local rules with your town clerk and zoning office, and ask your tax preparer about the tax pieces.
Connecticut startup costs at a glance
| Item | Fee | Who | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC Certificate of Organization | $120 | CT Secretary of the State | business.ct.gov |
| LLC annual report (Jan 1 to Mar 31 each year) | $80 | CT Secretary of the State | business.ct.gov |
| EIN | Free | IRS | IRS.gov |
| Sales and Use Tax Permit (if you sell goods or taxable services) | $100 | CT DRS (myconneCT) | portal.ct.gov/DRS |
| Trade name certificate (if you use a DBA) | $20 | Your town clerk | business.ct.gov |
| Town zoning, building or health permits | Varies | Your town | Ask your town |
Add up your own numbers with the free CT startup cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in Connecticut?
The Connecticut Secretary of the State charges $120 to file a Certificate of Organization for an LLC, and $80 for each annual report, which is filed between January 1 and March 31.
Is an EIN free?
Yes. The IRS issues EINs for free at IRS.gov. You never need to pay a third-party website to get one.
Do I need a sales tax permit in Connecticut?
If you sell goods or taxable services in Connecticut, CT DRS requires a Sales and Use Tax Permit before your first sale. It costs $100 and you register through myconneCT.
Do I need a permit to run a business from home in Connecticut?
It depends on your town. Each town's zoning rules decide whether a home business is allowed and whether it needs a permit, so check with your town's zoning office and town clerk before you start.
Can you help me set it all up?
Yes. Business Launch Setup is a one-time package, Launch Essentials ($349) or Full Launch ($599), covering the bank account, bookkeeping and business tools. Other services are priced by quote.
Sources (Checked November 3, 2026)
- CT Secretary of the State: LLC forms and fees
- IRS: Get an employer identification number
- CT DRS: Register your business (REG-1 on myconneCT)
- CT DRS: Sales and use tax information ($100 permit)
- CT Secretary of the State: trade names ($20, town clerk)
- CT Paid Leave: contributions
- IRS: Estimated taxes
- IRS: Recordkeeping
- CT General Statutes § 12-41 (personal property declaration)
- CT Department of Consumer Protection
- IRS: Independent contractor or employee?
For general education only. Not tax, legal, insurance, or investment advice, and not a promise of any result. Tax rules and due dates change, so confirm with the IRS (irs.gov), the CT Department of Revenue Services (portal.ct.gov/DRS) or your town before you act, and ask your tax preparer about your own situation.
Ready to launch? Get help setting up the money side of your business.
Business Launch Setup: Launch Essentials $349 or Full Launch $599. See what's included.
Or call (475) 242-7941. Services are priced by quote.
Enhance Finance is a small-business finance practice serving Connecticut.