Colorado Foreign Qualification

Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Colorado is the process by which a business that was originally formed in another state registers to do business in Colorado. This allows the business to legally operate in Colorado and ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.

Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Colorado or use Mosey to do it.

Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Colorado.

Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.

Get started Learn more

Colorado Foreign Qualification for Professional Corporation, LLP, LLC, Corporation

You must file a Statement of Foreign Entity Authority (SOFEA) with the Secretary of State if you are "transacting business" in Colorado. Like most states, Colorado does not define "transacting business" but provides a list of activities considered not "transacting business." Note: Unlike most states, Colorado does not require a Certificate of Good Standing to obtain foreign entity authority.

Establish a Registered Agent
All entities on record with the Secretary of State must have a registered agent listed with a Colorado address, even if their business is in a different state. A registered agent receives service of process and other legal documents for your business.
Conduct True Name Search
A true name search will verify that your business's legal name is available in Colorado. You must choose an assumed entity name to transact business in Colorado if your business's true name (the name it's formed under) is not available in Colorado.
File Statement of Foreign Entity Authority (SOFEA) Online
Visit the Secretary of State's Business Organizations page online to file a Statement of Foreign Entity Authority (SOFEA). In addition, you'll need to provide information about your business, such as the true name (and the assumed entity name, if any), the jurisdiction of the formation, the principal office address, and the start date of your business. Your Colorado registered agent information is also required.

What else do I need to know?

Once you are registered with the Secretary of State, you may have additional requirements to maintain your "good standing" in the state. Failing to do so can result in fines, back taxes, and forfeiting certain priveleges within the state.

Maintaining a Registered Agent

Most states require that you have a registered agent that can receive important mail from the Secretary of State should they need to contact you. There are many commercial options available or you can use Mosey to be your registered agent and keep your information private in Colorado.

Annual Reports and Taxes

In addition to maintaining a registered agent, most states require you to file a report annually. Registration can also trigger state taxes such as a franchise tax or income tax. You can use Mosey to identify these additional requirements to maintain good standing in Colorado.

Colorado's Foreign Qualification Agencies

Colorado Secretary of State

Employment Law Cases: Solved with Automation

As Halloween approaches, it’s not ghosts or goblins that scare HR leaders most—it’s compliance failures lurking in the shadows. These real employment law cases show just how quickly manual processes can turn into costly nightmares that haunt companies for years. Multi-state compliance is complex enough without relying on spreadsheets and sticky notes. When federal agencies come knocking or an employee files a complaint, the consequences ripple through entire organizations. From wrongful termination claims to discrimination lawsuits, these cautionary tales prove that manual HR processes leave companies dangerously exposed.

Employee Benefits Compliance: A Guide for Employers (2025)

Employee benefits are one of the most important elements of attracting and retaining top talent, and offering these perks comes with significant responsibilities for employers. Complying with federal, state, and local laws governing benefits is critical to avoiding legal trouble, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Mosey’s guide provides a comprehensive overview of employee benefits compliance for 2025 and offers actionable steps for employers to meet their obligations.

What Is PTO (Paid Time Off): A Guide for Employers

Paid time off (PTO) is a progressive policy implemented by businesses to provide employees with a bank of hours that the employee can use to take paid leave from work. This includes time off for various reasons, such as vacation days, sick days, personal time, and sometimes even holidays. PTO is considered an essential part of an employee’s benefits package, offering a lump sum of time based on certain criteria like the number of hours worked or seniority, which employees can use at their discretion.

The Platform for State and Local Compliance