Decide on the legal structure of your business. See our business tax structure page. Common options include:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Partnership
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• C-Corporation (C-Corp)
• S-Corporation (S-Corp)
• Nonprofit

For more information, see our Tax Structure Guide!

Before registering, ensure your desired business name is available:

• Check Name Availability: Colorado Business Entity Search 

Submit the necessary formation documents based on your business structure to the Colorado Secretary of State:

• LLC: File Articles of Organization.
  • Fee: $50.
  • File Online 
• Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation.
  • Fee: $50.
  • File Online 

If operating under a name different from your legal business name, register a Trade Name with the Colorado Secretary of State:

• Fee: $20.
• File a Trade Name Online 

If your business will hire employees or sell goods, register with the Colorado Department of Revenue:

• Sales Tax License: Apply for a Sales Tax Account Number.
  • Register Online 
• Employer Taxes: Register for withholding and unemployment taxes if you have employees.
  • Employer Registration 

Check for state, county, or local licenses your business may need:

• Use Colorado's Business Express Tool to identify required licenses:
  • Business Express Tool

Separate your personal and business finances by opening a business bank account using:

• Your EIN (Employer Identification Number).
• Formation documents or operating agreement.

• Colorado Secretary of State – Business Division
• Colorado Department of Revenue
• Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC)