How to Register a Business in Colorado

Be sure to check with all required departments when registering your business.

Registering a business in Colorado is done through the Colorado Secretary of State's Office and filed electronically. Businesses that need to register with the State of Colorado include individuals under a sole proprietorship, general partnerships and unincorporated non-profit associations.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of business you will be starting and the legal structure that you want to run the business under, such as sole proprietorship or limited liability corporation. Seek legal advice if needed.

2. Determine the name of your business and search the Colorado State Business directory to verify that the name is not currently registered in the state of Colorado. Be sure to include the exact name with the appropriate business designators such as "LLC" or "Ltd" (example: John Doe Business, LLC). Pick a new name if the database verifies the searched name has already been registered.

3. Obtain a tax ID number, also known as an Employer Identification Number (EIN), from the IRS by applying online at their website (IRS.gov). In addition to needing this number to register your business, you will also use this number for opening bank accounts and filing your tax returns.

4. Click on the appropriate link from the Secretary of State's website to register your business. Provide all required information including business name, owner's name, address and business designation.

5. Check the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Division of Registrations to determine if you need to register your business with them. Architects, barbers, chiropractors, dentists and pharmacists are just a few of the businesses required to register with this organization. A complete list is available on their website (dora.state.co.us).

6. Register with both the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and Colorado Department of Revenue if you plan on hiring employees for your business. You need to establish an unemployment insurance tax account with the Department of Labor and sales and wage withholding tax accounts with the Department of Revenue.

7. Verify with your attorney or tax accountant if there are any other Colorado departments that your business is required to register with.

References

• Teresa Riemenschneider, Ten Key Accounting Llc
• Colorado Secretary of State: Business search
• IRS: Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online
• DORA Division of Registrations: Professions and businesses regulated by the Division of Registrations
• State of Colorado: New employer registration site

Resources

• Colorado Secretary of State: Business Division