FORM A COLORADO LLC
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“Awesome service that makes it stupid easy to get your LLC registered. Highly recommend!“—Grace B
Starting an LLC in Colorado
You want to get your Colorado LLC off the ground as soon as possible—but you also don’t want to make any mistakes that will jeopardize your business.
Our Colorado LLC Formation Service ensures that your Articles of Organization are submitted fast and error-free.
Our LLC formation package includes a year of registered agent service, free LLC operating templates, and more.
Plus, we offer essential services to help your business look professional and stay on top of your correspondence after formation, including mail forwarding, virtual office, and business website and phone.
Filing on your own? See our DIY guide to starting a Colorado LLC.
Concerned about privacy?
We’ll help you maintain your privacy as a business owner and strengthen your LLC’s credibility with our permanent, commercial business address in Denver, Colorado.
How does our Colorado business address protect you?
First, you can list our business address in place of yours on state filings to protect your personal information. This a huge perk for business owners working out of home office or coworking space, and for those without offices who travel frequently.
Second, our business address is stable and professional. While many of our competitors use vendors, we own our own building. If you go with a registered agent who uses a vendor, your business address will change whenever they switch vendors. Go with us and your business address will never change.
Our Benefits:
Trustworthy Service
We’re the biggest and the best local RA service in CO with over 30,000 customers
State-of-the-Art Technology
Get an online account that’s secure, easy to navigate, accessible on the go, and full of free resources
Prime Location
Our building is in the heart of Denver, right across from the capitol building for quick filings
Privacy & Professionalism
You get free use of our permanent, professional Denver, CO business address on your state documents
Support Services
We offer a suite of business services to help you maintain a professional image and grow with ease, like business website, mail forwarding, and virtual office
What You Get With Our Colorado LLC Package:
- Fast and Accurate LLC Formation
- Colorado Business Address for Privacy
- One Year of Colorado Registered Agent Service
- Attorney-Drafted Operating Agreement
- LLC Membership Certificates and Resolutions
- FREE Domain Name for First Year
- Business Website, Email, and Colorado Phone Number (FREE for 90 days)
- Enrollment in Compliance Service Plus Colorado Periodic Report Reminders
- Year-Round Client Support From Real People
- Access Your Client Portal Anywhere, Anytime
- Access to Additional Services (Mail Forwarding, Virtual Office) and Filings (DBA. EIN)
How Our LLC Formation Works:
Order Your Colorado LLC Today
» Fill out our simple LLC form and place your order. Our office will receive your order instantly.
We Prepare & File Your Articles of Organization
» Our professional filing staff will process your order, prepare the Articles of Organization, and file them with the Secretary of State. Our information is used and your personal data is kept private.
Your Formation is Processed by the SOS
» The Colorado Secretary of State will confirm the formation of your new LLC immediately. You’re in business!
We Serve As Your Registered Agent
» We will act as your Colorado registered agent for the next year. Any official documents, service of process or SOS notifications that come to our office will be uploaded into your client portal. You also can order any Colorado business filing from your client portal and we will file it immediately.
We Provide Ongoing Compliance Support
» The number one mistake we see business owners make is missing their yearly Periodic Report filing, which puts your business at risk of losing good standing with the state or even losing your authority to do business in Colorado. To prevent this, we now include enrollment in our Compliance Service ($100+ state fees) with our LLC formation package. You’ll only pay when it’s time to file (we’ll send you a notification). If you’d prefer to file on your own, just cancel the service in your online account.
We’re With You as You Grow
» We offer a variety of services to support your LLC as you scale up, including business website to get the word out, mail forwarding to stay organized and view all your mail on the go, and virtual office so you can look professional without an expensive office lease.
What Our Customers Say:
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“If you are starting or own a small to medium size business and you’re not utilizing this company, you are setting yourself up for failure. Colorado registered agents has ensured that every compliance was met with professionalism. The best investment you can make in your company is to allow them to do what they’re best at.” — Paul L
Form a Colorado LLC: DIY Guide
We’ll walk you through how to form your Colorado LLC with the state, step-by-step.
Part 1: Pre-Filing Prep
As with most things in life, a successful Colorado LLC formation filing starts with the right preparation. Before filing your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, take these steps to save you time and hassle later on in the process.
1. Check Your LLC Name
Every LLC name in Colorado must be distinct from other businesses already in existence. If you try to file Articles with a name that is already in use, they will be rejected by the Secretary of State. You can do a quick Colorado Business Name Search to see if the name you want is available or not.
If your name is available and you want to make sure it is still available when you are ready to file your Articles, you can submit a Colorado Statement of Reservation of Name. This form must be filed electronically on the SOS website.
» If I submit a name already in use, will my Articles be rejected?
No. All filings are processed online, and the Secretary of State filing system will tell you immediately if the name is in use. You won’t be able to proceed until you chose a name that isn’t already being used.
» Are there any special restrictions on LLC names?
Yes. Your name must include the term Limited Liability Company or an abbreviation, such as LLC.
» Can I register a trade name (DBA) for my LLC?
Yes. LLCs have the option register a trade name (also known as a DBA or assumed name) in Colorado. A DBA allows your business to operate under a different name without having to form a new LLC. If you’re interested in registering a DBA for your LLC, consider our Trade Name Service. Once you’ve signed up for Colorado LLC Package, you’ll be able to select our Trade Name Service in your account and we’ll register your LLC’s DBA for $125 plus state fees.
2. Write Your Operating Agreement
While you can write your Operating Agreement at any time, it is best to do so as early as possible (our LLC Formation Service includes an attorney-drafted operating agreement template). Your Operating Agreement outlines the ownership and management of your Colorado LLC. It is where you designate your initial members, their contributions, and their ownership share. Management responsibilities and administrative procedures–such as annual meeting times and places–are also addressed here.
» Where do I file my Operating Agreement?
An Operating Agreement is an internal business document. It is not filed with any government agency.
» Do I need an Operating Agreement to open a bank account?
Yes. Most banks will require an Operating Agreement before they will open a bank account for your LLC.
3. Select a Colorado Registered Agent
You must list a Colorado registered agent on your Articles of Organization. It is best to select an agent early so that you can list their name on the Articles when you’re ready to file. Your registered agent is the point of contact if your LLC is ever sued. The court will issue a notice of the lawsuit, called a service of process, which will be delivered to your registered agent. Your agent must then contact you and forward the service of process to you in a timely manner.
» Does my registered agent have to be located in Colorado?
Yes. Your registered agent must have a physical address in Colorado. A PO box does not meet the legal requirement. They must also keep regular business hours so that they can accept any official certified documents coming to your business.
» Does my registered agent get all my business mail?
No. A registered agent accepts only service of process, official notices from the Secretary of State, and specific business communications. Your agent isn’t intended to receive all of your normal business mail.
Part 2: Forming Your Colorado LLC
Once you’ve selected a name, written your Operating Agreement, and selected a Colorado registered agent, you’re ready to file your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, form your LLC, and complete any additional filings that are necessary.
1. File Your Articles of Organization
The Articles of Organization are the official document that legally creates your LLC with the State of Colorado. The Articles are filed electronically with the Secretary of State. There is currently a $50 filing fee. Colorado processes the Articles usually within 24 hours and notifies you by email that your LLC is now formed and ready for business.
» What information is listed on the Articles of Organization?
The Articles list basic information about your business: the name of your LLC, your principal business office address, the name and address of your registered agent in Colorado, the name and address of your organizer (the individual who filed the Articles), and whether your LLC will be managed by its members or by an appointed manager. All of this information is listed in the public record.
» Can I keep my personal information out of the public record?
Yes. By hiring Colorado Registered Agent LLC, you will keep your personal information off the public record. We will act as your organizer, and we can legally list our registered office as your principal business address in Colorado. Your information will not be listed anywhere.
Listing our business information does not make Colorado Registered Agent LLC a member of your LLC. Membership and ownership of your LLC is determined strictly in your Operating Agreement.
» Can I file the Articles of Organization by mail?
No. The Secretary of State accepts only online filings of Articles of Organization.
Fast, Simple, Done Right
Get Colorado LLC Formation Filing Service for just $185 total
One year of Colorado registered agent service included!
2. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is similar to a Social Security Number, except that it is issued to businesses instead of individuals. You can get an EIN from the IRS. The number is used for filing your federal taxes and for federal withholding for all your employees. You can apply online for an EIN for free.
» Do I have to get an EIN?
Most Colorado LLCs will need an EIN. If you have employees, for example, you are required to have an EIN. However, not every LLC is required to apply. Holding companies, for example, will not likely need an EIN. The IRS has strict guidelines for which businesses need an EIN.
» Can I get an EIN if I don’t live in the US?
Yes, although it is a little more complicated. Anyone applying for an EIN must have a Social Security Number. If you do not have an SSN, then you must apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) first. Once you are issued an ITIN, you can then apply for your EIN.
Or you can hire us to obtain an EIN for your Colorado LLC. We can easily apply for the EIN for your business–just sign up at checkout.
3. Open a Business Bank Account
Your new Colorado LLC will need a business bank account to process all incoming and outgoing payments. Opening a business bank account is usually not much of a hassle, although most banks will require specific documents from you before opening the account: copies of your Articles of Organization and Operating Agreement, and your Employer Identification Number. Most accounts must be opened in person.
» Will a bank open an account without my EIN?
No. Most banks will not open a business bank account if you do not have an Employer Identification Number.
» Do all banks have the same requirements?
No. Each bank has its own unique requirements for opening accounts. One bank may want to see your Operating Agreement, while another doesn’t need to. Feel free to call around and ask what each bank requires.
Our LLC Package Includes:
Registered Agent
1 Year of Colorado Registered Agent Service
Operating Agreement
A Readable Operating Agreement You Can Understand
Compliance Support
Enrollment in Compliance Service and Periodic Report Reminders
1-Day Formation
Quick Filing with NO Expedite Fee
Business Address
Protect Your Privacy with a Permanent, Professional Business Address
Online Presence
Custom Domain Name, Secure Website, and Phone Service + Setup Assistance
Plus, access to additional filings and services to support and protect your LLC–from virtual office to trademarks.
Staying in Compliance
Once your Colorado LLC is formed and your business is up and running, you will need to maintain compliance with Colorado State law. This means filing an annual Periodic Report with the Secretary of State, as well as paying any taxes owed to the State. Failure to maintain your compliance will lead to your business authority being revoked by the Secretary of State.
Periodic Report
Every business in Colorado must file a Periodic Report with the Secretary of State every year. The Periodic Report is due within three months from your formation’s anniversary month. If your business was formed anytime in October, for example, then each year your window for filing would be between October 1st and December 31st. There is a $10 filing fee.
» How do I file my Periodic Report?
Periodic Reports must be filed online on the Secretary of State’s website. You cannot file a paper form.
» What happens if I don’t file my Periodic Report?
The Secretary of State will revoke your business authority. This means your business is no longer active and cannot legally conduct business in the State of Colorado or anywhere else. If this happens, you will be required to file Articles of Reinstatement and pay all appropriate fees in order to get your LLC reinstated.
» Do you offer Periodic Report compliance?
Yes. If fact, we include enrollment in our Compliance Service as part of our LLC package. We’ll monitor your compliance throughout the year, send you a notification as the deadline approaches, and then file well ahead of the due date. You’ll only be charged when we file ($100 + state fees). To file by yourself, simply cancel the service inside your online account.
