How much does it cost to start an LLC in Colorado in 2026?

Forming an LLC in Colorado requires a one-time initial filing fee of $50 paid to the Colorado Secretary of State. When accounting for standard registered agent compliance ($39-$125/yr), expect initial Year 1 costs to be approximately $89.

What are the annual recurring fees for a Colorado LLC?

Colorado charges an annual report fee of $10 filed on a annual basis (due Anniversary month (Periodic Report)). There is no state franchise tax on standard LLCs in Colorado.

What is the true 5-year cost of maintaining a Colorado LLC?

Over 5 years, the true cost of a Colorado LLC is approximately $285. This includes initial formation ($50), recurring annual reports ($10), statutory franchise taxes, and compliance support.

Can I form an out-of-state LLC (e.g. Wyoming or Delaware) if I live in Colorado?

While you can legally form an entity in Delaware or Wyoming, if your principal place of business, employees, or operations are located in Colorado, you must register as a Foreign LLC in Colorado. In Colorado, the foreign qualification filing fee is $100 plus ongoing maintenance of $10/year, often resulting in double fees.

Verified 2026 Statutory Guide

Colorado LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes

Initial state filing fee: $50. Ongoing annual report fee: $10 (annual). No state franchise tax.

Compare Colorado vs Others

Direct Answer • 2026 Official Fee Schedule

Starting an LLC in Colorado costs $50 for the one-time Articles of Organization filing fee, plus $10/yr in recurring annual report fees. Over 5 years, maintaining a Colorado LLC costs an estimated $285.

Initial State Filing$50One-time payment

Annual Report$10Due Anniversary month (Periodic Report)

Franchise Tax$0none

Registered Agent$39–$125Annual service

Statutory Department: Colorado Secretary of State

Verify on State Website (.gov)

Colorado LLC 5-Year Cost Model

Adjust parameters below to model state filing fees, recurring franchise taxes, and compliance overhead.

Popular:

1. State of LLC FormationInitial: $50

Approval speed: Instant online•Public Privacy: Standard

2. Where do you conduct business?

If you reside or hire employees in a different state from your LLC, that state requires Foreign Qualification registration.

3. Estimated Annual Gross Revenue$150,000

Colorado Tax Rule: Colorado does not impose a state franchise tax on LLCs.

4. Registered Agent ServiceMandatory by law

5. Expedited State Processing

Standard Processing (Included)

Colorado already processes online filings within 1-3 business days.

Deciding where to incorporate?

Compare Colorado vs Wyoming & Delaware →

Year 1 Setup Cost

$89

Initial formation fee ($50) + registered agent

Annual Maintenance

$49 /yr avg

Annual report ($10/yr)

5-Year True CostAll Hidden Fees Included

$285(~$5/mo)

Total 5-year statutory commitment to maintain legal compliance in Colorado.

5-Year Cost Trajectory & Fee Composition(Click any year to inspect)

Notice how initial filing fees are often dwarfed by recurring franchise taxes and maintenance.

Inspecting: Year 1 ($89)

$89

Year 1Formation

$49

Year 2Renewal

$49

Year 3Renewal

$49

Year 4Renewal

$49

Year 5Renewal

State Formation & Expedited

Franchise & Entity Taxes

Annual / Biennial Reports

Special Mandates (Publication, etc.)

Registered Agent Compliance

Home State Foreign Qualification

Year 1 Itemized Line Items

Total: $89

State Filing$50

Franchise Tax$0

Annual Report$0

Special / Pub$0

Registered Agent$39

Foreign Qual.$0

5-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category

Total State Filings

$50

18% of 5-yr budget

Total Franchise Taxes

0% of 5-yr budget

Annual / Biennial Reports

$40

14% of 5-yr budget

Registered Agent Service

$195

68% of 5-yr budget

Publication / Mandates

0% of 5-yr budget

Recommended Business BankingFDIC Insured up to $5M

Open a zero-fee business checking account for your Colorado LLC

Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.

Explore Mercury ($0 Monthly Fees)

Colorado LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)

Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the Colorado Secretary of State.

Official State Portal (.gov)

Annual Report Due DateAnniversary month (Periodic Report)Frequency: ANNUAL

Normal TurnaroundInstant onlineExpedited: Fast / Included

Public Record PrivacyStandardRegistered agent protects personal address

State Personal Income Tax4.4% flat taxLLC pass-through profits flow to owners

Colorado Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules

Colorado does not impose a state franchise tax on LLCs.

Advantages of a Colorado LLC

Among the cheapest states nationwide ($50 formation + $10/year)
Instant automated online approval

Drawbacks & Hidden Costs

Public database displays organizer and registered agent names

Founder Pro-Tip for Colorado

Colorado periodic reports are only $10 if filed online within the due window.

Step-by-Step Colorado LLC Formation Checklist (2026)

Choose an Available Entity Name

Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the Colorado Secretary of State registry.

Appoint a Colorado Registered Agent

Must have a physical street address in Colorado (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.

File Articles of Organization ($50 State Fee)

Submit electronically to the Colorado Secretary of State. Approval is typically granted within Instant online.

Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN

Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.

Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Anniversary month (Periodic Report))

Submit the annual report with the $10 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.

Compare Colorado with Rival & Neighboring States

Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions:

Filing: $100

Filing: $110

Filing: $300

Filing: $70