Colorado
LLC, Business License, Incorporation
With the 22nd largest population in the United States, Colorado services both large and small businesses. Colorado's major industries include technology, mining, and manufacturing. Regardless of your industry, we can help you take advantage of Colorado's business services.
Forming a Corporation in Colorado
Each state has its own set of rules for businesses seeking to form a corporation there. If you've decided to incorporate in Colorado, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Incorporation with the Colorado Secretary of State. We can also assist with many of your follow-up needs such as amendment filings, written consents, and annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Colorado's incorporation requirements:
Corporate Name Requirements
Colorado requires corporations to have names that can't be confused with any entity, reserved name, registered trade name or registered trademark name. When you incorporate with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Colorado's standards.
Permitted designations: Colorado corporate names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- Co.
- Company
- Corp.
- Corporation
- Inc.
- Incorporated
- Limited
- Ltd.
Restricted designations: The use of certain words and phrases in corporate names is considered "restricted" in Colorado, meaning they require special approval by the state. These include any derivatives of:
- Bank
- Banc
- Banker
- Banking
- Banque
- Credit Union
- Savings and Loan
- Trust
Filing Requirements
Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of your incorporation filing for you. This information is presented only for your reference.
Required documents: The state of Colorado requires businesses to file Articles of Incorporation electronically.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for incorporating a business in Colorado is 1-2 business days.
Follow-up filings: Not required.
Officers/Directors Information
Minimum number: Corporations are required to have one or more directors.
Appearance in articles: Not required. Directors' names and addresses do not have to appear in the Articles of Incorporation.
Principal office location
Colorado permits a corporation's principal office to be located outside of the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: Corporations must file annual reports with the Colorado Secretary of State electronically on or before two months following the month that marks the anniversary of incorporation.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 1 to 8 hours.
Filing extensions: Not permitted.
Forming an LLC in Colorado
Each state has its own set of requirements for businesses that plan on forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) there. If you decide to form an LLC in Colorado, incorporate.com will take care of all the details. We'll research the availability of your company name and help you prepare and file your Articles of Organization with the Colorado Secretary of State. We can also take care of many of your company's follow-up needs, including annual report preparation and filing.
Here are some helpful facts about Colorado's LLC requirements:
LLC Name Requirements
Colorado requires Limited Liability Companies to have names that can't be confused with any entity name or reserved, registered or trademark name on file with the Secretary of State.
When you form your LLC with incorporate.com's help, we'll research your company name to make sure it meets Colorado's standards.
Permitted designations: Colorado LLC names may be followed by several approved designations, including:
- L.L.C.
- LLC
- LTD
- LTD. Liability Company
- Limited
- Limited Liability Co.
- Limited Liability Company
- Ltd. Liability Co.
Restricted words: The use of certain words in LLC names is "restricted" in Colorado, meaning special approval by the state is required. These include:
- Banc
- Bank
- Banker
- Bankers
- Banking
- Banque
- Credit Union
- Savings and Loan
- Trust
Prohibited words: The state of Colorado prohibits the use of certain words in the names of LLCs, including:
- Altius
- Citius
- Fortius
- Olympic
Filing Requirements
Required documents: Companies that wish to form an LLC in Colorado must file Articles of Organization electronically. Remember, when you work with incorporate.com, we'll take care of this filing for you.
Turnaround time: In general, turnaround time for forming an LLC in Colorado is 1-2 business days.
Follow-up filing: Not required.
Managers/Members Information
Minimum number: LLCs are required to have one or more managers/members.
Principal Office Location: Colorado permits an LLC's principal office to be located outside of the state.
Annual Reports
Time to file: LLCs must file their annual report with the Colorado Secretary of State within two months following the month that marks the anniversary of formation. Reports must be filed electronically.
Turnaround time: Turnaround time at the state is 1-8 hours.
Filing extensions: Not permitted.
Get Colorado Business Licenses
Before your business can legally begin to operate, you must satisfy its license, permit, and tax registration requirements. Almost all state, county, and local governments require businesses to obtain one or more licenses and permits. Additionally, selling taxable goods and services or hiring employees requires that you register with tax authorities. All business license, permit, and tax registration requirements vary by your industry and location.
Examples of possible licenses required in Colorado:
- Real Estate License
- Lodging Tax License
- Worker's Compensation License
Too busy to research your licensing requirements? We can help.
Let's get to it.
Incorporate in any state, starting as low as
$79
plus state fees
