Start a Business in Colorado

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This guide on starting your business in Colorado provides step-by-step instructions on the paperwork to file formation documents, obtain tax IDs, and set up company records.

how to start a business

Step-By-Step Startup

Below is an overview of the paperwork, cost, and time to form each of the most popular business structures. Simply click on the link for your desired structure to view detailed step-by-step instructions.

  • If you have not decided whether you want to form an LLC, corporation, or other business structure, click here.
  • If wish to form your business in a different state than Colorado, click here.
Structure Paperwork Cost Time

Colorado Limited Liability Company

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  • Form ARTORG_LLC: Articles of Organization for a Domestic Limited Liability Company
  • Operating Agreement
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form CR-0100: Colorado Sales Tax Withholding Account Application
  • Form UITL-100: Application for Unemployment Insurance Account and Determination of Employer Liability, if required
  • Form UITL-100: Application for Unemployment Insurance Account and Determination of Employer Liability, if required
  • Formation: $50
  • Sales tax license, if required: $50 deposit
  • Formation: Immediately

Colorado Corporation

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  • Form ARTINC_PC: Articles of Incorporation for a Profit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • Form 2553: S-Corp Election, if desired
  • Form CR-0100: Colorado Sales Tax Withholding Account Application, if required
  • Form UITL-100: Application for Unemployment Insurance Account and Determination of Employer Liability, if required
  • Incorporation: $50
  • Form CR-0100: $50 deposit if retail sales tax license needed
  • Incorporation: Immediately

Colorado Nonprofit

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  • Form ARTINC_NPC: Articles of Incorporation for a Nonprofit Corporation
  • Bylaws
  • IRS Form SS-4: Obtain an EIN
  • IRS Form 1023: 501(c) Tax Exempt Application
  • IRS Determination Letter
  • Form CR-0100: Colorado Sales Tax Withholding Account Application
  • Form UITL-100: Application for Unemployment Insurance Account and Determination of Employer Liability, if applicable
  • Form DR-0715: Application for Sales Tax Exemption for Colorado Organizations
  • Form DR-0716: Statement of Non-Profit - Church, Synagogue, or Organization
  • Colorado Charitable Registration (onlin
  • Incorporation: $50
  • 501(c): $275 or $600 IRS fee
  • Colorado charitable license: $8
  • Colorado charitable registration: $10
  • Incorporation: Immediately
  • 501(c): 2 weeks to 3 months

Top 5 Tips on Registering a Business in Colorado

  1. The Colorado Secretary of State requires filing formation documents online; paper forms are not accepted. You can look at a sample and instructions before you file.
  2. The great news about filing online is you'll find out right away if your formation is approved. Immediately after formation setup Secure Business Filing on your record so that no one else can make changes to it. Also remember to print out a paper copy for your records (and to bring to the bank to open a business bank account).
  3. The Colorado Department of Revenue offers a consolidated state tax registration application online or you can file two registrations by mail.
  4. Colorado makes filing annual reports a breeze. You can sign up for an e-mail reminder from the Secretary of State. Then you file online (no paper forms).
  5. Starting a business in Colorado is amongst the easiest of states. The process is straight-forward, you can file entirely online, and the fees are more than reasonable. Know that if one day you expand your business beyond the borders of Colorado, at that point you might be shocked at what it takes to register in other states.
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