How to Start a Business in Colorado (Step by Step Guide)

Colorado Business formationAre you thinking about starting your own business in the state Colorado?  If so, then you have come to the right place!

On this page, you can find step by step instructions on how to incorporate your business in Colorado. From selecting the business entity type to forms to be filled, we have covered it all.

Let’s get Started

The first step in setting up your business is to select the business structure.

Broadly there are 4 types of business entities:

  1. Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  2. Corporation
  3. Sole Proprietorship
  4. Partnership

Each business structure differs on the basis of taxation, asset liability and estate planning. We have written a detailed tutorial on how to choose a business entity type for your business here.

Below we have given a broad outline of the steps involved in registering an LLC or Corporation in Colorado.

Clicking on each step, opens up a detailed guide on how to complete it.

How to Start an LLC in Colorado

Agency NameColorado Secretary of State
Form(s) to be filledArticles of Organization
ModeOnline
Name ReservationOptional, Fee $10 (Online)
Filing Fee$50
TimeInstant
LawStatutory references: 7-90-301 and 7-80-204, C.R.S.


Summary:

  1. Search for business name availability
  2. File for Business name reservation
  3. Select Registered Agent
  4. Fill Articles of Organization
  5. Draft an Operating Agreement
  6. Get Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  7. Get Colorado State Tax Identification Number
  8. Obtain relevant licenses and permits
  9. (Ongoing) File periodic report (Fee: $10)



How to start a Corporation in Colorado

Agency NameArticles of Incorporation for a Profit Corporation
Form(s) to be filledArticles of Organization
ModeOnline
Name ReservationOptional, Fee $10 (Online)
Filing Fee$50
TimeInstant
LawColorado Revised Statutes Title 7


Summary:

  1. Check for Business Name Availability
  2. File for Business Name Reservation
  3. Select Registered Agent
  4. File Articles of Organization
  5. Write Corporate Bylaws
  6. Get Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  7. Get Colorado State Tax Identification Number
  8. Obtain relevant licenses and permits
  9. (Ongoing) File periodic report (Fee: $10)


References:
https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/info_center/laws/index.html

Fact-checked on 24/07/2018