Colorado LLC Cost
The minimum cost to form an LLC in Colorado is $50, which covers the filing fee for submitting your Articles of Organization with the state.
However, the overall cost of forming a Colorado LLC can vary depending on your specific business needs and personal preferences.
In this Colorado LLC Cost guide, we’ve outlined all the expenses associated with forming and maintaining an LLC in Colorado, so you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
More than 84% of our readers form their LLC through a professional service to save time and avoid mistakes.
Northwest ($29 + State Fees)
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LLC Cost Summary |
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| Requirement | Fee | |
| Articles of Organization | $50 | |
| Registered Agent | $35 – $150+ | |
| LLC Name | $0-$45+ | |
How Much Does a Colorado LLC Cost
Below you can find a summary of the main requirements and associated fees for forming an LLC in Colorado.
Colorado LLC Filing Fee ($50)
To legally register your LLC in Colorado, you must submit the Articles of Organization to the Colorado Secretary of State and pay a $50 filing fee, either online or by mail.
If you choose to use a professional LLC formation service, the overall cost will be slightly higher as it will include Colorado’s state filing fee plus a service fee.
These services generally start from around $29, with additional costs depending on the options you select. Having said that, LLC formation services can be priced even lower (i.e., $0), or a lot higher (e.g., $300+) depending on the provider in question.
Have a look at our in-depth review of the best and most affordable LLC Formation Services in 2024.
Colorado Registered Agent ($0-$35+)
When forming your LLC in Colorado, you must appoint a registered agent — this individual or entity is responsible for receiving legal, tax, and governmental correspondence for your LLC.
You are able to act as your own registered agent at no additional cost, though many business owners choose to hire a professional registered agent service instead. This helps ensure compliance with state regulations and protects your personal information by using the agent’s address instead of your own.
Professional registered agent services typically start around $125 per year and can go up to as much as $300 per year (or more), depending on the number of features provided.
It’s worth noting that many of these services also offer additional benefits, such as compliance reminders and document management, though these will naturally add to the price you end up paying.
Get a Free Registered Agent Service
Form an LLC with Northwest Registered Agent to get one year of registered agent services free of charge ($29 + State Fees).
Colorado LLC Name ($0-$45+)
While the process of naming your Colorado LLC doesn’t incur a direct cost, there are two potential expenses to be aware of.
Reserving a Name
If you’ve chosen a name but aren’t ready to form your LLC immediately, you can reserve your desired name by filing a Statement of Reservation of Name with the Colorado Secretary of State ($25), which will keep it safe for 120 days.
It’s advisable to check the availability of your desired name beforehand by using the Colorado Secretary of State’s online Name Availability Search tool.
Additionally, we also encourage you to perform a quick domain search in order to ensure that your name will be available as a similar URL for your business website.
Doing Business As (DBA) Name
If you plan to operate your LLC under a name other than the one listed in its Articles of Organization, you’ll need to file for a DBA name, known as a trade name in Colorado.
In order to do this, you’ll need to submit a Trade Name Statement to the Colorado Secretary of State and pay a $20 fee.
Sole proprietors and general partnerships must renew their trade name registration annually for a $5 fee, though this renewal requirement doesn’t apply to corporations and LLCs in good standing.
Optional Colorado LLC Formation Costs
Beyond the standard formation costs, there are several additional expenses that Colorado LLCs may encounter based on their specific circumstances.
In the sections below, we’ve provided a deeper look into each of these costs.
Colorado LLC Operating Agreement
While not legally required, it’s highly recommended to have an operating agreement in order to outline the roles, responsibilities, and ownership structure of your LLC’s members or managers and help to prevent future disputes.
You can draft the operating agreement yourself at no cost, or hire an attorney or online service to create one for you — which typically costs a few hundred dollars.
Local Business Licenses
The cost of obtaining a business license in Colorado varies widely (often between as low as $25 to several hundred dollars) depending on the local regulations of the city or county in which your LLC operates.
For this reason, it’s advisable to check with your local city or county office for the specific requirements and costs that will apply to your business.
Certificate of Good Standing
A Colorado Certificate of Good Standing is often required for various business purposes, such as opening a business bank account or securing a loan. This certificate verifies that your LLC is properly registered and in compliance with state regulations.
You can obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for free through the Colorado Secretary of State’s website and it will remain valid for as long as your LLC maintains its good standing with the state.
Certified Copies of Business Documents
In some cases, you may need certified copies of your LLC’s formation documents or other official filings. These documents can include your LLC’s Articles of Organization, amendments, and annual reports.
You can request certified copies from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, which are available for free for documents under 20 pages.
Ongoing Costs to Maintain a Colorado LLC
In addition to the initial formation costs, there are several ongoing expenses associated with maintaining an LLC in Colorado.
We’ve discussed all of the main ongoing costs you should be aware of in the sections below.
Annual Periodic Report
Colorado LLCs are required to file an annual Periodic Report through the Secretary of State’s website in order to maintain their good standing. This report is due during a specific five-month window that starts two months before and ends two months after the anniversary of your LLC’s formation.
The purpose of this report is to update or confirm the core information of your LLC — such as its principal office address and registered agent details. The filing fee for the Periodic Report is $25 and it can be submitted online.
Note: Failure to file the report on time will result in a $50 late fee.
Registered Agent Maintenance
If you continue using a professional registered agent service, you’ll need to pay an annual fee, typically ranging from $125 to $300 depending on the provider you choose.
While not required, using a professional registered agent is recommended for compliance and privacy protection.
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Colorado LLC vs Other States
Colorado is known for its relatively low filing and maintenance fees, which makes it a very competitive state when it comes to LLC formation.
The state also offers certain services for free — such as obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing.
Having said that, you should keep in mind that the best state to form your LLC is (generally speaking) always the state in which you plan to conduct most of your business.
This is because this will ensure that you do not need to pay registration and maintenance fees more than once, as you’ll only need to comply with one state’s regulations.
Colorado LLC Cost FAQ
In the state of Colorado, the basic filing fee for setting up an LLC is $50. This fee is paid to the Colorado Secretary of State when submitting the required Articles of Organization.
While the main cost to form an LLC in Colorado is the $50 filing fee, other potential costs include obtaining necessary licenses and permits for your specific business, setting up a registered agent, and ongoing costs like the periodic report filing fee.
Yes, Colorado requires LLCs to file a Periodic Report each year, for which a $10 fee is charged. This report keeps your LLC in good standing and updates the state on any changes in your business, such as addresses or managing members.
There are no "hidden" costs per se, but it's essential to understand all the potential costs involved. Apart from the state filing fee and possible business licensing fees, you might incur costs for professional services like accounting or LLC formation services, which can assist with the filing process.
While it's entirely possible to form an LLC in Colorado by yourself, there are advantages to using an LLC formation service. These services typically charge a fee, but they can streamline the process, ensure accuracy, and save you time, which could be more valuable to you in the long run.
The cost of using an LLC formation service can vary, typically ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the level of service required. Some offer basic services for a lower cost, while others provide comprehensive packages that include services like obtaining an EIN, drafting an operating agreement, and more.
While the initial filing fee to form an LLC in Colorado is a one-time expense, it's important to remember the ongoing costs. These include the annual report filing fee, any required licenses or permits, and potentially the costs of maintaining a registered agent service.
If you want to change your Colorado LLC's name, you'll need to file a Statement of Change Changing the Entity Name form with the Colorado Secretary of State. The filing fee for this document is $20.
The cost to form an LLC in Colorado does not increase if you have more members. The state filing fee remains the same whether your LLC is single-member or multi-member. However, multi-member LLCs may have more complex operating agreements, which could potentially incur additional costs if you use a service to draft this document.
Yes, when changing or appointing a new Registered Agent in Colorado, the new agent must officially consent by checking the appropriate box electronically during the filing process.
Article Sources
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies:
https://dpo.colorado.gov/
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Colorado Secretary of State:
https://www.coloradosos.gov
SBA - Apply for Licenses and Permits:
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - Colorado Chamber of Commerce List:
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/colorado.html