- Choose a Name for Your LLC
Under Colorado law, an LLC must contain the words or abbreviation “limited liability company,” “ltd. liability company,” “limited liability co.,” “ltd. liability co.,” “limited,” “l.l.c.,” “llc” or “ltd.,”Limited Liability Company,” “Limited Company,” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.,” “L.C.,” “LLC,” or “LC.” The word “Limited” may be abbreviated as “Ltd.,” and “Company” may be abbreviated as “Co.”
Your LLC’s name must be distinguishable from the names of other business entities already on file with the Colorado Secretary of State. Names may be checked for availability by searching the Colorado Secretary of State business name database.
An available name may be reserved for 120 days by filing a Statement of Reservation of Name with the Colorado Secretary of State. The form must be filed online at the Secretary of State website with the applicable fee.
- File Articles of Organization
A Colorado LLC is created by filing articles of organization online with the Colorado Secretary of State. You can view and download a sample articles of organization form on the Secretary of State’s website.
The articles must include the LLC’s name and address; the name and address of LLC’s registered agent, the name and address of the person forming the LLC whether the LLC will be run by a manager or members, and a few other details.
The articles of organization must be filed online with the applicable filing fee.
- Appoint a Registered Agent
Every Colorado LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. This is an individual or business entity that agrees to accept legal papers on the LLC’s behalf if it is sued. The agent should agree to accept service of process on behalf of the limited liability company prior to designation. The registered agent may be (1) an individual who is a full-time resident of Colorado, (2) a Colorado business entity with its principal place of business in Colorado, or (3) a foreign entity authorized to do business in Colorado and that has a usual place of business in the state.
- Prepare an Operating Agreement
An LLC operating agreement is not required in Colorado, but is highly advisable. For help creating an LLC operating agreement, you can contact us, a lawyer, or find examples online. If an operating agreement is created, it need not be filed with the Articles of Organization.
- Obtain an EIN
EIN: If your LLC has more than one member, it must obtain its own IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN), even if it has no employees. If you form a one-member LLC, you must obtain an EIN for it only if it will have employees or you elect to have it taxed as a corporation instead of a sole proprietorship (disregarded entity). You may obtain an EIN by completing an online application on the IRS website. There is no filing fee.
- Register with Colorado Department of Revenue.
Business Licenses: Depending on its type of business and where it is located, your LLC may need to obtain other local and state business licenses.
- File Periodic (Annual) Reports
Colorado LLCs must file a Periodic Report with the Colorado Secretary of State each year. The report must be filed online at the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $10. The periodic reports are due during the three month period beginning on the first day of the anniversary month of the month when the LLC was formed. For example, if you formed your SMLLC on June 15, the report would be due each subsequent year between June 1 and August 31. You can also file the report up two months early. You may sign-up for email notification from the Secretary of State to alert you when the Periodic Report is due.