Easily Form an S-Corp in Connecticut with Inc Authority

We’ve compared the leading platforms and recommend Inc Authority to handle your Connecticut S-corp setup. No service charge—just the state filing fee applies.

It has guided more than 250,000 businesses through incorporation — let them guide yours next.

Start Your S-Corp Today

1-Year Registered Agent Service Free

Inc Authority’s team prepares, reviews, and files your Connecticut S-corp paperwork at no cost.

You get one year of complimentary registered agent service to handle legal notices and ensure compliance.

You’ll get a free tax consultation and extra business tools to help you optimize your S-corp from day one.

Things to Know Before You Form an S-Corp in Connecticut

Getting your S-corp set up in Connecticut is a savvy move — but it pays to know the costs and legal requirements before you dive in. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect.

  • YTo kick things off, you’ll submit either a Certificate of Organization (LLC) or Certificate of Incorporation (corporation) online. A fee of $120 or $250, respectively, brings your business into existence.
  • Connecticut requires you to file an Annual Report each year at an $80 fee for LLCs and $150 for corporations. If you don’t, you’re looking at late fees and the possibility of losing your good-standing status.
  • Need things done in a hurry? For an extra $50, you can fast-track your Connecticut S-corp formation and get it done in just 24 hours. This is perfect when you have a hard launch date.
  • If you want to reserve a business name for your LLC or C-corporation, then you can do so by filing a form with the Connecticut Secretary of State. This costs $60 and reserves it for 120 days.

Connecticut keeps it simple and affordable for new S-corps. You’ll tackle formation, annual reports, and even expedited options entirely online — so you can focus on growth, not cutting through bureaucracy.

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1. Research and Select a Distinct Business Name

The first step to forming your S-Corp in Connecticut is choosing a business name and registering your company as either an LLC or C-corp. The legal business name should reflect your brand while following the state’s naming rules and guidelines.

When you have your top picks, search them in the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s registry. If your chosen business name is available, you can lock it in and move forward with the registration process for a Connecticut S-corp.

Choose a Business Name
Secure a Domain Name

2. Secure a Domain Name for Your Official Website

Most people will search for your business online before anything else, so securing a domain name that matches your business name is key. Once your S-corp is registered in Connecticut, it’s smart to secure your domain name ASAP.

You’re not expected to launch a full website right away. Think of this as saving your spot on the internet. And with a domain name in place, you can start using custom email addresses that give your brand a more polished and professional look.

3. Appoint a Connecticut Registered Agent

Forming an S-corp in Connecticut means appointing a registered agent with a Connecticut street address. This is a legal requirement for all new businesses. The agent’s name and address are a part of your public registration details.

This agent acts as your company’s go-to for legal and government communication. They’ll receive court documents, state letters, and tax forms, and ensure you get them promptly so you never miss an important deadline for your Connecticut LLC.

Appoint a Connecticut Registered Agent
Register a Connecticut LLC or Corporation

4. Register a Connecticut LLC or Corporation

An S-corp in Connecticut starts with a legal foundation, so you’ll need to form either an LLC or a corporation before anything else. That’s because the S‑corp is simply a tax status, not a legal entity type, so you need to form one before you get the status.

Submit your formation paperwork through the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s online portal, following all legal and administrative steps. When your business is officially registered, you’re eligible to file for the S-corporation election status.

5. Draft an Operating Agreement or Bylaws

After you’ve registered an LLC or corporation in Connecticut, you should decide how it will be run. That’s why you need to draft either an LLC operating agreement or corporate bylaws. These are important legal documents you will need.

Think of these as the ground rules for running your new business. They explain how your S-corp in Connecticut will make decisions, settle disputes, and define who’s in charge of what. It’s the kind of thing that seems small now but matters a lot later.

Draft an Operating Agreement or Bylaws
Apply for a Tax ID or EIN

6. Apply for a Tax ID or Employer Identification No.

Before you can officially start doing business in Connecticut, you’ll need to apply for an EIN, also known as a federal tax ID. This is how the IRS identifies your company, and it’s required for nearly all financial and legal activities.

You’ll need it for hiring, banking, and pretty much any official paperwork for your new S-corporation. For an S-corp in Connecticut, getting your EIN early keeps things moving and avoids delays when it’s time to deal with the state or the IRS.

7. Fill Out and File the Federal S-Election Form 2553

To turn your LLC or corporation into an S‑corp for tax purposes, you’ll need to file IRS Form 2553. You’ve got a limited window: up to a maximum of 75 days after the beginning of the tax year in which you want the status to take effect.

With Inc Authority, the form is handled for you, including step-by-step guidance and e-filing. Once approved, your S-corp in Connecticut gets the best of both worlds — corporate structure with more favorable tax treatment.

Fill Out and File the S-Election Form
Open a Business Bank Account

8. Open a Business Bank Account for Your New S-Corp

After setting up your S-corp in Connecticut, one of the smartest next steps is opening a separate business bank account. It keeps your company’s money in its own lane, which protects your personal assets and keeps your books clean.

Most lenders and tax authorities expect this level of separation between personal and business finances. A dedicated account also shows clients and vendors that you’re serious, and it’ll save you a lot of headaches come tax season.

9. Get All the Necessary Business Licenses and Permits

One of the easiest ways to protect your S-corp in Connecticut from future headaches is by getting the right licenses and permits. From selling products to offering services, most businesses require permits to legally operate.

Just because you run an online business or a freelance business from home doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Skipping this step can lead to costly surprises. Reach out to your local licensing office and get what you need before business gets rolling.

Get the Required Licenses and Permits
Get Your Connecticut S-Corp Insured

10. Get Your Connecticut S-Corp Insured to Protect It

Insurance might seem like a “later” task, but if something goes wrong, it quickly becomes a priority. Running an S-corp in Connecticut means being ready for curveballs, and that includes having solid insurance in place for your S-corp.

Whether it’s general liability or professional coverage, having the right insurance buys you peace of mind. It’s smart to talk to a couple of agents who understand your space — just enough coverage to protect you, not overwhelm you.

11. Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping Functions

A lot of new business owners underestimate how fast financial details pile up. But your S-corp in Connecticut will need clean books right away, especially as money starts flowing in. That’s why you need to hire the services of a bookkeeping business.

You’ll lean on bookkeeping for more than you think: managing payroll, tracking expenses, logging mileage, and categorizing income all fall under its umbrella. With clean books, your S-corp in Connecticut will always stay compliant.

Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping
Start a Business Website

12. Start a Business Website to Build an Online Presence

The moment someone hears about your business, they’ll probably Google you. A website ensures your Connecticut S-corp shows up with something professional. It’s more than just a marketing tool, it’s your business’s home base online.

You don’t need a full-blown website at launch. A clean homepage, contact page, and a short company bio are a great start. As your brand evolves, your site can too — adding product pages, client stories, or even a blog to boost your reach.

13. Get a Doing Business As if You Want a Trade Name

If your S‑corp in Connecticut has a formal legal name that doesn’t match your brand or marketing goals, filing a DBA (trade name) can help bridge the gap. Connecticut requires registration with your local town clerk to get a DBA.

A DBA lets you open bank accounts, print checks, and advertise under your trade name without creating a separate corporation or LLC. It lets you launch new product lines or market segments under different names without forming multiple LLCs.

Get a Doing Business As if Needed
Stay in Good Standing with the State

14. Stay in Good Standing with the State of Connecticut

Even after you’ve formed your S‑corp in Connecticut, you’re not totally off the hook. You’re required to file a Periodic Report once a year and pay your business taxes on time. It’s a small task with a big impact, as missing it could get you in trouble.

You should also keep your business records up to date with the Connecticut Secretary of State, including changes to your registered agent or business address. Set a recurring calendar reminder, so it’s off your mind until next year.

Why Should You Outsource S-Corp Formation to an Expert?

Setting up an S-corp sounds straightforward — until you’re buried in forms, deadlines, and state rules. Handing it off to an expert lets you skip the stress and focus on what you actually started the business for.

No Guesswork

No Guesswork

With a seasoned expert handling your S-corp setup, you won’t need to double-check every detail. They’ve done it before — and it shows.

No Delays Mistakes

No Delays/Mistakes

Typos and missed fields can delay your approval. An expert knows what the IRS and state want — and gets it right the first time around.

100_ Compliance

100% Compliance

Connecticut laws and IRS rules can be tricky. An expert makes sure your S-corp meets every legal and tax requirement from day one.

Tax Advice

Tax Advice

A good advisor won’t just file your paperwork — they’ll help you set up your Connecticut S-corp in a way that maximizes tax savings.

Time Savings

Time Savings

Letting a pro handle your Connecticut S-corp setup means fewer forms, fewer decisions, and less back-and-forth. It saves time.

Quick Filing

Quick Filing

Instead of spending weeks figuring things out, you can launch your S-corp in Connecticut fast with expert help. It’s simply quicker.

Why Choose Inc Authority to Form an S-Corp in Connecticut

Handling S-Corp formation alone means wading through complex legal paperwork — one stray typo can stall your timeline. Inc Authority manages every step, so your Connecticut filing sails through without hiccups. Here’s what makes it stand out.

Zero-Charge S-Corp Setup

Zero-Charge S-Corp Setup

Skip the inflated formation fees. Inc Authority helps you start your Connecticut S-corp without charging a dime for their service — just cover the state filing fee. They take care of preparing and submitting all the legal paperwork on your behalf, without slowing you down.

Registered Agent at No Cost

Registered Agent at No Cost

All Connecticut S-corps must appoint a registered agent with a real Connecticut address, and Inc Authority provides this for free for the first year. Your agent will receive state documents and legal notices on your behalf and make sure you’re always notified on time.

Unmatched Filing Expertise

Unmatched Filing Expertise

Forming an S-corp in Connecticut requires accuracy, and that’s where Inc Authority excels. Its team reviews your documents to ensure full compliance with the state’s laws. With over a quarter-million filings under their belt, they know how to get it right the first time.

Guidance Through Every Step

Guidance Through Every Step

Forming an S-corp in Connecticut can raise a lot of questions, especially for first-time founders. Inc Authority is there to explain the “why” behind each step and help you make informed decisions. You’ll always have someone in your corner who’s familiar with the process.

Tax Support Fron Day One

Tax Support Fron Day One

Taxes are one of the biggest pain points for any S-corp in Connecticut, but Inc Authority makes it easier. Its team will help you choose the right setup, explain your filing obligations, and walk you through deductions. You don’t need to be an expert to run your business.

Everything in One Place

Everything in One Dashboard

Managing an S-corp in Connecticut gets easier when everything you need is in one place. Inc Authority stores all your important docs and reminders in one easy-to-use dashboard, which you can access online from anywhere. From tax deadlines to official records, it’s all there.

Form an S-Corp in Connecticut for Free
free plan
starter

Starter

In addition to everything included in the Free Plan, you’ll also receive the following:

  • LLC Operating Agreement/Corporate Bylaws: Get customizable templates with simple instructions to create your core business governance documents.
  • Initial Meeting Minutes & Resolutions: Host your first official meeting, and the team will take care of minutes and formal resolutions to stay compliant.
  • Ownership or Stock Certificates: Issue personalized certificates that reflect business ownership, complete with compliant formats and simple tools.
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN): Get guided support to request your federal EIN so you’re ready for banking, taxes, and payroll setup.
  • Corporate Forms & Docs Library: Save time with a set of editable forms covering everyday business needs, from agreements to admin essentials.
  • Compliance Alerts: Never miss an important filing. You’ll get automatic reminders about deadlines so your S-corp always stays in good standing.
  • One-on-One Tax Guidance: Speak with a real tax expert to map out the smartest tax strategy for your S-corp in Connecticut and save where it counts.
  • Web Domain + 5 Business Email Addresses: Establish a digital presence with a free domain and five business-class email addresses.

This plan goes beyond just forming your S-corp in Connecticut. It’s ideal if you want a more complete solution to start, organize, and grow your business with confidence.

Fasttrack

This plan includes everything in the Starter package, plus these high-touch upgrades:

  • Customer Success Advisor: Get one-on-one support from a knowledgeable advisor who’s with you at every stage of setting up your S-Corp in Connecticut.
  • Private Banking Specialist: Get expert help opening a business bank account so your company’s money stays separate and organized from day one.
  • Tailored Business Guidance: Whether it’s your first business or your fifth, you’ll get guidance from people who’ve been there and know what actually works.
  • Priority Filing & Prep: Your filings are moved to the front of the queue, helping you speed through red tape and get your Connecticut S‑Corp set up fast.

Choose Fasttrack if you want a smoother ride from start to finish, backed by personal attention and faster turnaround. It’s the only plan that puts your paperwork on the express track.

FAQ

Yes, it does! Once the IRS grants your business S-corp status, Connecticut follows suit. That means your business income gets passed on to the individual shareholders and is taxed on their personal returns — not at the company level.

It helps you avoid getting taxed twice. Just remember: you’ll still have to file a few forms with the state and may owe a small business entity tax depending on your setup.

Thinking about electing S-Corp status? It comes with some strong benefits — but there are a few catches that can make it less appealing depending on your business goals.

Here’s what people often don’t tell you upfront:

  • You’re limited in who can invest. S-Corps can’t have more than 100 shareholders, and every one of them must be a US citizen or resident. That makes it tough for startups planning to bring in foreign investors or larger groups of partners.
  • There’s no flexibility in profit splits. With S-corps, profits (and losses) must be split strictly based on ownership percentage. So if you want to reward a partner more heavily, even if they’ve put in more time or money, your hands are tied unless you restructure ownership.
  • Inflexible Profit Distribution. All profits and losses must be distributed according to ownership percentages. You can’t reward one partner more than another unless you change the ownership structure.
  • The IRS watches your salary. If you’re working in the business, you have to pay yourself what the IRS calls a “reasonable salary.” Take too much as a distribution, and you could end up in audit territory. But take too little, and you might lose out on tax savings.
  • Limited stock options. Only one class of stock is allowed. That makes it harder to offer incentives to investors or employees, unlike C-Corps, which can create preferred shares or multiple tiers.
  • Compliance isn’t optional. From annual meetings and minutes to strict recordkeeping, S-Corps come with formalities. If you skip these, you risk losing your S-Corporation status.
  • Some states still charge taxes or fees. Even though you avoid the federal corporation business tax, some states (including Connecticut) still charge entity-level taxes or fees.

Overall, forming an S-corp in Connecticut has both advantages and disadvantages. You need to weigh both to make a final decision.

If you own more than 2% of an S-corp, the IRS doesn’t treat you like just another employee. That 2% threshold comes with specific tax rules, especially when it comes to fringe benefits.

These perks count as income, and you’ll need to handle them differently when filing.

Things like health insurance or group life insurance don’t get the usual tax-free treatment anymore. You still get to deduct some things, but it’s not quite the same as it is for rank-and-file employees.

Why does the 2% rule matter?

The 2% rule is the IRS’s way of separating owners from employees when it comes to tax benefits. The IRS wants to prevent owners from accessing employee-only tax benefits unfairly. So if you’re a major shareholder, you don’t get the same treatment as a W-2 employee of a corporation you don’t control.

Starting an S-corp in Connecticut is really just about getting the right paperwork in place and making smart early decisions. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to do—no fluff, just the essentials.

Here are the various steps involved in the process of forming an S-corp in Connecticut.

    1. Choose a Business Name: Think of a name that fits your business vibe, and then make sure no one else is using it. The state of Connecticut requires a unique name, so do a quick search before you fall in love with something.
    2. Secure a Domain Name: Got your business name? Great. Now head straight to a domain registrar and claim the web address that fits. It’s one of those “do it now, thank yourself later” steps.
    3. Appoint a Connecticut Registered Agent: You’ll need someone with a physical address in the state to receive official mail and legal documents. It can be a professional service or someone you trust — as long as they’re available during business hours.
    4. Register a Connecticut Corporation or LLC: You can’t run an S-corp in Connecticut without a legal business structure in place. That means filing your formation documents and paying the necessary state fee to get registered.
    5. Draft an Operating Agreement or Bylaws: These internal documents outline how your business will run. They aren’t always required, but it’s a smart move — especially if you have partners or investors.
    6. Apply for a Tax ID or EIN: Head to the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) website and get your federal Employer Identification Number. It’s free and you’ll need it to open a bank account, hire staff, and file taxes.
    7. Fill Out and File the S-Election Form: This is the key step. You’ll submit Form 2553 to the IRS to be taxed as an S-corp. Do this within 75 days of forming your entity (or within 75 days of the new tax year) to make it effective for the current year.
    8. Open a Business Bank Account: Don’t mix personal and business money. Set up a dedicated account to keep everything clean and trackable — it’s better for taxes and avoids headaches later.
    9. Get the Required Licenses and Permits: Don’t overlook this step: even something as simple as selling online or offering a service could require permits. Better to get it sorted now than scramble later during a compliance check.
    10. Get Your Connecticut S-Corp Insured: Look into insurance that fits your industry. At a minimum, most small businesses need general liability coverage. Others may need workers’ comp or professional liability.
    11. Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping: Don’t wait until tax time. Choose an accounting system (or accountant) early on. S-corps have specific rules, and good records will keep you compliant.
    12. Start a Business Website: Launching your business? Lock in your digital real estate. Your website is where your brand lives — it’s often your first pitch to the outside world. Even a one-pager with your mission and contact form can give your business a serious edge.
    13. Get a Doing Business As if Needed: If you’re using a name other than your legal business name, file a “Doing Business As” name with your local town clerk’s office. It’s usually a simple process.
    14. Stay in Good Standing with the State: Every year, you’ll need to file a report with the state and pay any necessary fees. Stay on top of deadlines — it’s easy to avoid penalties if you’re organized.

If you’re forming an S-corp in Connecticut, the whole process can usually be wrapped up in about 2 to 4 weeks, though some steps are quicker than others.

  • Filing your LLC (limited liability company) or C-corporation with the state? That part often takes 3–5 business days online.
  • Getting your EIN? That’s usually done the same day, if you file online with the IRS.
  • Filing your S-corp election (Form 2553)? That’s where the wait happens — the IRS might take up to 6 weeks, though many get confirmation earlier.

The key is to stay on top of paperwork and deadlines. A lot of folks lose time going back and forth on forms. If you want to move fast, online filing is the way to go.