Foreign qualification with the Secretary of State in Connecticut refers to the process by which a business entity that was originally formed in another state seeks permission to operate in Connecticut. This legal requirement ensures that the business complies with the state's regulations and can conduct its operations within Connecticut's jurisdiction.
There are 2 different ways to foreign qualify in Connecticut depending on your legal entity type and tax classification. Follow the guide below to help you register with the Secretary of State in Connecticut or use Mosey to do it.
Use Mosey to register with the Secretary of State in Connecticut.
Avoid the hassle of doing it yourself and use Mosey to automate foreign qualification, annual reports, and registered agent service.
Connecticut Foreign Registration for C Corporation
If you are "transacting business" in Connecticut, you must obtain a Certificate of Authority from the Connecticut Secretary of State. Connecticut has a non-exhaustive list of activities that do not constitute "transacting business" in the state. The name of the foreign corporation must contain word or words of corporate designation.
Create a CT.gov Account
Register an account on CT.gov to be able to electronically file for a Certificate of Authority.
Obtain Certificate of Good Standing
Get a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, issued within the last 90 days.
Establish a Registered Agent
Connecticut law requires foreign businesses to continuously maintain a registered office (that may be the same as its place of business) and a registered agent. The agent may be any resident of Connecticut, a corporation formed in the state, or foreign entities who have received a Certificate of Authority in Connecticut, as well as the Secretary of State.
File for a Certificate of Authority
Login to CT.gov to electronically file your application for a Certificate of Authority.
Connecticut Foreign Registration for LLC
If you are "transacting business" in Connecticut, you must file a Foreign Registration Statement with the Connecticut Secretary of State. Connecticut has a non-exhaustive list of activities that do not constitute "transacting business" in the state. The name of the foreign limited liability company must contain word or words of LLC designation.
Create a CT.gov Account
Register an account on CT.gov to be able to electronically file for a Certificate of Authority.
Obtain Certificate of Good Standing
Get a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, issued within the last 90 days.
Establish a Registered Agent
Connecticut law requires foreign businesses to continuously maintain a registered office (that may be the same as its place of business) and a registered agent. The agent may be any resident of Connecticut, a corporation formed in the state, or foreign entities who have received a Certificate of Authority in Connecticut, as well as the Secretary of State.
File Your Foreign Registration Statement
Login to CT.gov to electronically file your Foreign Registration Statement.
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 Connecticut.
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 Connecticut.
