how can i form a llc in colorado without a lawyer

To form an LLC in Colorado yourself, you need to follow all the steps select a name for your LLC, hire a Registered Agent, file Colorado Articles of Organization

which costs $50, create an Operating Agreement, and apply for an EIN. Forming an LLC in Colorado yourself can be difficult for you if you are completely unfamiliar with the system.

Full Answer

How do you start a LLC in Colorado?

Starting an LLC in Colorado is Easy. To form a Colorado LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization online with the Colorado Secretary of State, which costs $50.The Articles of Organization is the document that officially creates your Colorado limited liability company.

What are the requirements to become a LLC?

The basic requirements for an LLC name, regardless of state, are:

• That it be original.
• That it have the phrase “Limited Liability Company,” or some variation thereof, in it.
• That it not have any forbidden or restricted terms, unless authorized to have them.

How to name your Colorado LLC?

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1. Choose a Name for Your LLC. Under Colorado law, an LLC must contain the words or abbreviation "limited liability company," "ltd. ...
2. Appoint a Registered Agent. Every Colorado LLC must have an agent for service of process in the state. ...
3. File Articles of Organization. ...
4. Prepare an Operating Agreement. ...
5. Obtain an EIN. ...
6. File Periodic (Annual) Reports. ...

How do you get contractors license in Colorado?

• Provide proof of education and experience
• List previous licenses and certificates
• Sign an Affidavit of Lawful Presence

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Colorado?

$50How much does it cost to form an LLC in Colorado? The Colorado Secretary of State charges $50 to file the Articles of Organization. You can reserve your LLC name with the Colorado Secretary of State for $25.

How do I obtain an LLC in Colorado?

Here's what you need to know to start an LLC in Colorado.See if your desired business name is available.Register with the Colorado Secretary of State.Secure your business record.Create an operating agreement.Apply for an EIN.Open a business bank account.Get a business license.Open a wage withholding account.More items...•

Can I be my own registered agent in Colorado?

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent In Colorado? Yes, any owner or employee of a business can be its registered agent in Colorado as long as they are over the age of 18, and have a street address in Colorado.

How long does it take to establish LLC in Colorado?

How long will it take to form my Colorado LLC? If you order the Basic or Standard package, we will file your paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State within four to five business days and you'll receive your completed LLC documents one to two weeks later.

Can I be my own registered agent?

A registered agent is simply a person or entity appointed to accept service of process and official mail on your business's behalf. You can appoint yourself, or in many states, you can appoint your business to be its own registered agent.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?

An LLC will need an EIN if it has any employees or if it will be required to file any of the excise tax forms listed below. Most new single-member LLCs classified as disregarded entities will need to obtain an EIN. An LLC applies for an EIN by filing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

Does Colorado require a registered agent for LLC?

According to the Colorado Corporations and Associations Act (7-90-701), whether your business is a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, the state of Colorado requires the same from its registered agents: Must be a Colorado resident or a company that provides registered agent services.

Can you use a PO box for an LLC in Colorado?

Colorado's Secretary of State requires that your principal address is a legit street address, no P.O. boxes.

What does a registered agent do?

A registered agent is designated to receive service of process and other official documents on behalf of a registered business entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company. These documents are sent to the registered agent at the corporation's registered office.

How do I get an EIN number in Colorado?

The easiest and fastest way to apply for an EIN is to visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website, between the hours of 7 am – 10 pm EST, Monday – Friday. The online application process only takes about 5 minutes to file the EIN online, and the number will be ready in seconds.

What is better LLC or sole proprietorship?

A sole proprietorship doesn't protect your personal assets. A sole proprietorship should only be used for very small-scale, low-profit, and low-risk businesses. An LLC is the best choice for most small business owners because LLCs can protect your personal assets and LLCs are easy and inexpensive to start.

How much does it cost to start a business in Colorado?

a $50Start a Corporation in Colorado To file Articles of Incorporation for a corporation in Colorado, you must file your formation documents to the Secretary of State online along with a $50 filing fee.

How to form an LLC in Colorado?

The first step in forming an LLC is to choose a relatable name. The best policy is to make sure that the name chosen is suited for the business itself. That makes the business that much more searchable when clients are researching the business or similar terms online. In order to make sure the name has not already been claimed, you can perform an entity search on the State of Colorado’s website. Once you determine if the name is available, you can reserve the domain name so that it is still available when actually forming the LLC.

How to maintain LLC in Colorado?

To maintain an LLC in Colorado, there are certain filings that must be made. One of these is an annual report, which must be filed with Colorado’s Secretary of State. A detailed guide for filing an annual report can be found online.

How to start a business with a business plan?

Develop and analyze that idea until you can come up with a solid business plan. Take that business and form an LLC. Acquire any business permits or licenses required, register for required state taxes, and open a bank account for your business. Develop a brand by building an appealing website.

Is General Liability required for LLC?

Workers Comp is required for LLC’s who hire employees, but note that this may vary by state. General Liability is highly recommended, as well, but is not a required coverage in most states.

Does Colorado have a publication requirement?

In some states there are specific publication requirements. However, currently in Colorado there are no publication requirements noted at this time. If you need help forming an LLC in Colorado, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel’s marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site.

Steps to Form a Colorado LLC

Forming an LLC in Colorado on your own doesn’t have to be difficult. Just follow these simple steps below and your new business will be up and running in no time!

Steps After Forming Your Colorado LLC

First off, congratulations on forming your LLC! Taking this first big step shows that you are serious about your new business and shows its legitimacy to the rest of the world! Now that your LLC is formed and you have a separate legal business entity, you’ll need to take care of a few more things before you start selling.

Colorado LLC Periodic Report

Colorado requires LLCs to submit a Periodic Report each year to the Colorado Secretary of State. The report is a way to ensure your information is up to date. For more details on how to file a Periodic Report for your LLC, visit the Periodic Report Instructions page.

Colorado Secretary of State Contact Information

Mailing and Physical Address Colorado Secretary of State Business & Licensing 1700 Broadway Suite 550 Denver, CO 80290 Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Step 1: Name Your LLC

Naming your company is an essential first step because it has marketing and legal implications. The name that you pick for your business should be appealing to potential customers. It also needs to meet the naming requirements in the state of Colorado.

Step 2: Pick a Registered Agent

You have to appoint a registered agent to accept legal papers for the business. A registered agent can be a person or a company available during regular business hours and has a physical street address in Colorado for service of process. A P.O. Box isn't acceptable as a registered agent address.

Step 3: File LLC Articles of Organization

You have to file Articles of Organization to formally create your business entity. In Colorado, Articles of Organization can only be filed online.

Step 4: Compose Operating Agreement

The LLC operating agreement is an essential internal document. Typically, it contains information regarding ownership of the LLC, rights and responsibilities of members, liabilities, and procedures for admitting new members. You should keep a copy of the operating agreement in a safe place for reference in case a dispute or conflict occurs.

Step 5: Get an EIN

Most businesses are required to get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or Tax ID number from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). This number is essentially a social security number for your business. It's easy to get an EIN, and it's free to apply online.

Step 6: Get a Business Bank Account

Getting a business bank account and business credit card or debit card will help you keep your business and personal funds separate. This is important because you could lose your personal asset protection if you don't maintain a separation between your business and personal funds.

Step 1. Pick a name

Ready to start a company? Step one seems like the most simple but can take the longest – pick a name for your corporate identity.

Step 2. Choose a Registered Agent

You are required to choose a Registered Agent for your Colorado LLC. In most cases, this should be you.

Step 3. File the Articles of Incorporation

Everything you need to do to register your LLC with the State of Colorado can be done online for a cost of $50! Click here >>> Begin Online Application.

Step 4. Create an Operating Agreement

What is an Operating Agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of your LLC. This agreement allows you to form financial/working relationships with co-owners into an established system suitable to your business.

Step 5. Get a Federal Tax ID (EIN)

What is an EIN? The Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number, is used to identify a business entity. It is essentially a social security number for the company.

How to form a PLLC in Colorado?

To form your Colorado PLLC you'll need to: have the state licenses for professionals who will be a member of the company (licenses may be required for either some or all members depending on the profession)

What is the legal basis for PLLCs in Colorado?

Instead, the legal basis for PLLCs in Colorado—as well as for other forms of so-called professional service entities—derives from the state's various laws regulating professions and occupations (Title 12 of the Colorado Statutes).

What is LLC in business?

LLCs in general are businesses registered with the state that consist of one or more people—called LLC members—who own the business. Like other LLCs, PLLCs protect their individual members from people with claims for many (but not all) types of financial debts or personal injuries.

What is a PLLC?

A PLLC is Different From a Professional Corporation. A PLLC is not the same thing as a professional corporation (PC). A PLLC is a newer type of business entity than a PC. Here are some of the key differences: a PLLC, like other LLCs, is comprised of members, but a PC, like other corporations, is comprised of shareholders.

What is a PLLC in Colorado?

a PLLC, like other LLCs, is a so-called pass-through tax entity, meaning that in most states ( including Colorado) only the individual members have income tax obligations, while a PC, like other corporations, usually has its own income tax obligations. The tax differences between PLLCs and PCs can become complicated.

Is it a good idea to double check your state's PLLC laws?

Therefore, it's always a good idea to double check your state's PLLC laws, as well as your state's rules for your particular profession, regarding minimum insurance requirements . Meanwhile, you are personally responsible if: you personally guarantee repayment of a business loan.

Can a CPA provide other services in Colorado?

Moreover, the Colorado statute governing certified public accountants seems to state that PLLCs providing CPA services are not permitted to provide other kinds of services (with some exceptions). Check the statute for your particular profession or consult with a local business attorney for more details.