Key Takeaways
- Connecticut law does not mandate an LLC to have an operating agreement.
- However, it’s highly recommended to create one to define internal operations, ownership structure, and member responsibilities, reducing potential conflicts. Use our free Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement template to ensure compliance with state laws.
- To form an LLC in Connecticut, you’ll need to file Articles of Organization with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, appoint a registered agent, and pay the required filing fee.
Connecticut LLC Operating Agreement Templates by Type
Single Member LLC
Basic Single Member LLC Operating Agreement
Used 4,920 times
Are you required to uphold your limited liability corporation status in accordance with state law? If the business is sued, the owner’s assets may be safeguarded by this agreement.
When a single individual owns an LLC in Connecticut, this operating agreement template is customized to address the unique requirements of sole ownership.
Multi Member LLC
Multi-Member LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,872 times
Ensure that your newly formed LLC is run the right way by having a multi-member operating agreement in place.
In Connecticut, when multiple individuals or entities co-own an LLC, this operating agreement template is designed to facilitate effective collaboration and governance among members.
50/50 LLC
50/50 LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,872 times
This free 50/50 LLC Operating Agreement template for businesses with equal ownership.
When two partners equally share ownership and management responsibilities within an LLC in Connecticut, this operating agreement template offers a structured approach to their partnership.
Member-managed LLC
Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement Template
Used 4,919 times
A manager is chosen by the firm owners to oversee day-to-day operations in a manager-managed LLC. Use this Member-Managed LLC Operating Agreement Template right away.
If management responsibilities of an LLC in Connecticut are delegated to appointed members, this operating agreement template provides clear guidelines for the management structure.
Legal Requirements
While Connecticut doesn’t mandate an LLC Operating Agreement, it’s often beneficial. Absent an agreement, disputes default to state law (CT Gen Stat Ch. 613a § 34), which may not suit complex ownership structures or those desiring more operational flexibility. The agreement also helps distinguish personal and business matters, which is crucial for single members’ limited liability status.
Despite not being state-required, such agreements can be vital when interacting with business partners, investors, or banks, as they often require a formal agreement to understand the operation and dispute resolution methods.
How to Form LLC in Connecticut
If you’re considering setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Connecticut, here are the key steps you need to follow:
- Choose a Business Name: The first step is deciding on a unique LLC name. You can check the availability of your chosen name through the search engine for the state website’s business records. The name must include “limited liability company” or an acceptable abbreviation. You can reserve your chosen name for up to 120 days by completing an Application for Reservation of Name form.
- Appoint a Registered Agent: A registered agent is required to form an LLC in Connecticut. This person or entity receives state or legal documents for your business. As a Connecticut resident, you can act as your registered agent.
- File Your LLC Documents: After settling the above details, you can file your LLC documents.
- Get an EIN: Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS website is crucial for most businesses, except for single-member LLCs with no employees who can opt to use their SSNs. However, EINs offer added security against identity theft and privacy concerns.
- Operating Agreement: Develop an operating agreement for your Connecticut LLC to outline business operations, member responsibilities, and decision-making processes. This internal document aids in resolving disputes and clarifying financial obligations.
- Annual Report: File annual reports to maintain updated LLC information, with a $80 filing fee applicable for both domestic and foreign entities. Online filing is mandatory, although exceptions may be granted for mail submissions.
- Paying Taxes: Fulfill tax obligations based on your LLC’s tax classification, whether as a sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corporation, or C-corporation. Connecticut LLCs may be subject to pass-through entity taxes or corporate income taxes, depending on their tax status.
Remember, while an LLC Operating Agreement isn’t mandatory in Connecticut, it’s often recommended. This agreement outlines the structure of the LLC’s ownership, identifies the owners, and delineates the management procedures.
Please note that depending on the nature of your business, you may need to secure one or more business licenses.
Connecticut LLC Laws
The Connecticut Limited Liability Company Act is a crucial legal framework that oversees the establishment and operation of Limited Liability Companies within the state. This law, also known as the Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, was enacted on July 1, 2017. It replaced the previous Connecticut Limited Liability Company Act and is based on the Uniform Limited Liability Company Act.
- This new Act applies to all LLCs, including those formed before July 1, 2017. However, it doesn’t necessitate LLCs established before this date to adopt new governing documents like an operating agreement. The law specifies that it doesn’t alter the obligations of any contract existing before July 1, 2017.
- Furthermore, if you had an LLC with an operating agreement executed before July 1, 2017, the new Act doesn’t change your operating agreement’s terms or require you to enter into a new deal. However, it might be a good time to update your LLC’s governing documents to benefit from the new Act’s clarity and modernization.
- For LLCs formed on or after July 1, 2017, or if you plan to create an LLC and execute an operating agreement, you’ll need to do so within the new Act’s parameters.
The new Act governs the following aspects:
- Internal affairs of an LLC
- Liability of a member as a member and a manager as a manager for the debts, obligations, or other liability of an LLC
The Act also provides guidelines for the terms of an operating agreement. It outlines the relations among the members, rights, and duties of a manager under the Act, activities, and affairs of the company, as well as conditions and means for amending the operating agreement. The new law also prohibits operating agreements from containing certain items.
