How do I get a business license?

Connecticut Secretary of the State (entity formation) / Connecticut Department of Revenue Services - DRS (sales tax permit) / Town for local licenses

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine your business structure: sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership
Register your business entity with the Connecticut Secretary of the State (for LLCs and corporations) at portal.ct.gov/sots/business-services - file online through the Business One Stop portal
Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS at irs.gov if forming an entity, hiring employees, or operating as a partnership
Register with the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) for a Sales and Use Tax Permit if you sell taxable goods or services in Connecticut - register online at portal.ct.gov/drs; required to collect and remit Connecticut sales tax
Register with Connecticut DRS for withholding tax if you have employees
Check with your specific town for a local business license or permit - requirements vary by town; many Connecticut towns require a local business certificate or registration; some towns have specific zoning or health permit requirements
Check for industry-specific state licenses: contractors (DEEP permits, contractor licensing), health professionals, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and many others require state professional licenses through the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) at portal.ct.gov/dcp
Renew entity annual report with Secretary of State; renew local license per town schedule

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Business name and type of activity
Business address in Connecticut
Entity formation documents if LLC or corporation
EIN or Social Security number
Industry-specific certifications if applicable

Fee

LLC formation: $120; corporation: $250; Sales and Use Tax Permit: free; annual report: $80 (LLC), $150 (corporation); local business license: varies by town ($50-$300+) RENEWAL: Entity annual report due annually - due date varies by entity type; local license per town schedule ONLINE OPTION: Yes - Business One Stop at business.ct.gov (entity formation, annual reports, permits); portal.ct.gov/drs (tax registration); city/town portals vary WHERE TO GO: Connecticut Secretary of the State (entity formation); Connecticut DRS (tax registration); Town Clerk or Zoning Office (local business license/permit)

Online Option

Yes - Business One Stop at business.ct.gov (entity formation, annual reports, permits); portal.ct.gov/drs (tax registration); city/town portals vary

Where to Go

Connecticut Secretary of the State (entity formation); Connecticut DRS (tax registration); Town Clerk or Zoning Office (local business license/permit)

Connecticut Notes

Important state-specific details

Connecticut LLC formation fee ($120) is higher than most states.
Annual report filing fees: LLC $80/year, corporation $150/year - must be filed online.
Connecticut Sales and Use Tax: state rate is 6.35%; some items taxed at different rates (luxury goods at 7.75%; motor vehicles at 6.35%; meals and prepared food at 7.35%).
Department of Consumer Protection (DCP): oversees professional licensing for contractors, electricians, plumbers, cosmetologists, home improvement contractors, and many others - portal.ct.gov/dcp.
Home Improvement Contractor Registration: all home improvement contractors doing work over $200 must be registered with DCP - portal.ct.gov/dcp.
DBA (Trade Name / Fictitious Name): if operating under a name other than your legal name, register a trade name with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
Connecticut has a state income tax (graduated rates); businesses pay Connecticut corporation business tax or pass-through income to individual returns.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Connecticut Secretary of the State, Business Services - business.ct.gov | (860) 509-6002; Connecticut DRS - portal.ct.gov/drs | (860) 297-5962; DCP (professional licensing) - portal.ct.gov/dcp | (860) 713-6300