Editor’s Note: Colorado had reduced the LLC filing and trade name registration cost from $50 to $1 each. But this ended in May, 2023. Colorado LLC filings are now $50 and trade names are $20. Even though the $1 filings have ended, our LLC formation service can help with your Colorado LLC filing for no additional cost aside from the state fees.
As of July 1, 2022, the cost to form a Colorado LLC is just $1. This is thanks to the implementation of the “Colorado Business Fee Relief Act” (House Bill 22-1001).
If you’re wondering what this means for business owners and entrepreneurs in the Centennial State, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the new Colorado LLC filing fees. We’ll explore which filings are $1, how long the new rates will be in effect, and anything that’s new about starting an LLC in Colorado.
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Which Colorado filings are now $1?
According to the Colorado Business Fee Relief Act, two specific filings are now $1. They include new limited liability company (LLC) formation and trade name registration. That means the following documents now cost $1 to file:
- Articles of Organization (Colorado LLC formation)
- Trade Name Statement (Colorado trade name registration)
Previously, the Colorado state fee to file Articles of Organization was $50, and the fee to file a Trade Name Statement was $20. The way House Bill 22-1001 works is that filers will now receive a credit against each of these filing fees of $49 and $19, respectively.
How long will the new rates be in effect?
A press release from the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office says the new rates will remain in place during Fiscal Year 2022-2023, or “until the amount of the general fund is exhausted.” The Department estimates this relief will last until June 30, 2023.
Why was the Colorado Business Fee Relief Act implemented?
According to Colorado Secretary of State, Jena Griswold, this relief act was passed to help and support Colorado business owners during a tumultuous time.
“I will always work to cut costs and red tape for Colorado businesses that are the backbone of our communities. This fee relief will keep money in the pockets of small business owners, many of whom have faced adversity and uncertainty over the last few years,” said Griswold.
Forming a Colorado LLC
While the Colorado Articles of Organization filing fee is now $1 instead of $50, the steps for forming an LLC in the state are still the same as before. To form a Colorado LLC, you’ll need to:
- Name your LLC
- Appoint a registered agent
- File Articles of Organization
- Create an operating agreement
- Apply for an EIN
Learn all about the process for starting an LLC in Colorado.
Registering a Trade Name in Colorado
The same is true for registering a trade name in Colorado. While the fee is now $1 instead of $20, the process remains the same.
If you want to conduct business under a different moniker than your official company name, you’ll need to register a trade name. This is commonly referred to as a “doing business as” or “DBA” name in other states.
Examples of when a trade name might be used include:
- A business with the official name “ABC Toys, LLC” wants to sell puzzles online as “ABC Puzzles”
- A business with the official name “ABC Toys, LLC” wants to sell on Amazon as simply “ABC Toys”
- A business with the official name “XYZ Electronics, Corp.” wants to sell MacBooks as “XYZ Macs”
To register a trade name in Colorado, you’ll file a Trade Name Statement with the Secretary of State’s Office and pay your filing fee (which is just $1 for Fiscal Year 2022-2023). We can also handle this for you.
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Ready to turn your dream of starting your own business into a reality? With Colorado LLC formation and trade name registration fees at just $1, there’s never been a better time to start a new business in the Centennial State. But you’ll need to act quickly, as the Colorado Business Fee Relief Act is only set to be in effect for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, or until the general fund is exhausted.
If the thought of trying to follow all the rules to form an official business entity seems daunting, don’t stress. We’re here to help you through the entire process. Let us cut through the red tape and handle everything from formation to compliance for you. Our team of formation experts can verify your business name availability, prepare your Articles of Organization, coordinate filing required legal documents with the Secretary of State, and more. Reach out to us today!
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
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