Q: I am trying to rename the LLC I have in Connecticut and want to make sure I am doing it right. What is the process and cost to change my Connecticut LLC name?
Thank you to a client from Connecticut for that great question! To change your LLC name in Connecticut, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Amendment with the state, inform the IRS, and update all your public forms to reflect your new name. Let’s go through each step of changing your LLC name.
1. Check your LLC name availability.
In Connecticut, the name of your limited liability company must be distinguishable and unique from other LLCs in the state. You may, however, get written consent from another company in Connecticut that has a similar name to the one you want to use, giving you the right to register your new name without any issue. To check if your proposed new name is available, use Connecticut’s Business Records Search.
Your new LLC name will also have to follow the same requirements as your old LLC name:
- must not contain language implying the company is something it’s not like ‘hospital,’ ‘lawyer,’ or ‘federal.’
- you’ll need to include an entity identifier like “limited liability company” or the abbreviation “L.L.C.” or “LLC.”
Learn more about forming an LLC in Connecticut.
2. File a Connecticut LLC Certificate of Amendment.
When changing the legal name of your Connecticut LLC, you need to file a Certificate of Amendment with the Connecticut Secretary of the State, Commercial Recording Division and pay a $120 filing fee.
Learn more about filing a Connecticut Certificate of Amendment.
How do I file a Connecticut Certificate of Amendment?
File your Connecticut Certificate of Amendment either by mail or in-person.
By mail:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the Statement
P.O. Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115-0470
In-person:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the Statement
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106
How much does it cost to file the Connecticut Certificate of Amendment?
The filing fee for your Connecticut Certificate of Amendment is $120.
How long will Connecticut take to process my Certificate of Amendment?
The regular processing time for a Connecticut Certificate of Amendment is 7-10 days. You can have your Certificate of Amendment processed in 24 hours for an extra $50.
3. Submit a Letter to Department of Revenue Services.
You’ll also need to submit a letter to the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services updating them to your LLC name change and verifying you’ve made the necessary updates with the state. You can send your letter by mail to:
Department of Revenue Services
Registration Unit
450 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT 06103
4. Contact the IRS.
Once you’ve updated your Connecticut LLC name with the necessary state departments, you need to inform the IRS of your name change. The type of form you file depends on how your LLC is taxed. If your business is a…
- Sole proprietorship, or if your business has already filed its taxes for the year, write to the IRS at the address where you filed your tax return, informing them of your name change. This notification must be signed by someone authorized by your LLC.
- Partnership, use Form 1065 (Page 1, Line G, Box 3).
- S-corp, use Form 1120-S (Page 1, Line E, Box 3).
- C-corp, use Form 1120 (Page 1, Line H, Box 2).
5. Update operating agreement.
After all state and federal updates have been made, you’ll need to update your Operating Agreement to reflect the new change as well. Your operating agreement is the legal document outlining your LLCs rules, structures, and processes. While Connecticut does not require LLCs to have Operating Agreements, if you’ve drafted them for your LLC, they’ll need to have the new name placed on them. Depending on what you’ve instructed in your Operating Agreement, you’ll need to get a certain percentage of member approval if you own a multi-member LLC before making any changes.
5. Update your LLC marketing materials.
The last step in changing your Connecticut LLC name is updating all your public marketing materials and notifying your customers.
Update materials like:
- your business cards
- websites
- social media
- email signatures
- storefront signage, if applicable