Colorado Corporation Requirements

Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Colorado incorporation.

What is the cost to incorporate in Colorado?

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Colorado corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

• BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
• State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Colorado with standard turn-around.
• Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
• 24-hour turn-around. Colorado has a 24-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
• Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.

Corporate name

The corporation's name must contain the word "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. The name must not imply the corporation is organized for any purpose not stated in its charter or Articles of Incorporation.

Director information

The following are Colorado’s requirements for directors of corporations:

• Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
• Residence requirements. Colorado does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
• Age requirements. Directors must be at least 18 years old.
• Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.

Requirements for the Articles of Incorporation

The document required to form a corporation in Colorado is called the Articles of Incorporation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. Colorado's requirements include:

• Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
• Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
• Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Colorado. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.

Professional services businesses

Colorado allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Colorado corporations.

Corporate records

Colorado corporations are required to keep the following items with their corporate records at their principal place of business:

• The Articles of Incorporation and bylaws
• Minutes from all director and shareholder meetings over the past three years
• All written communications to shareholders over the past three years
• A record of all actions taken by directors or shareholders without a meeting
• A record of all actions taken by a committee of the board of directors in place of a meeting
• A record of all waivers of notices of meetings of the shareholders, directors or any committee of the board of directors
• A record of the names and addresses of all shareholders, arranged alphabetically and by class of shares
• A list of the names and business addresses of current directors and officers
• A copy of their most recent annual report
• All financial statements for the past three years

Corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees in Colorado:

• Annual report. Colorado requires corporations to file an annual report, which is called a Periodic Report. The due date is determined by the company’s incorporation date. Cost is $100, or $10 if filed online.
• Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Colorado corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Colorado.
• Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
• State tax identification number. Colorado does not require a state tax identification number.

Business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Colorado recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Colorado information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Colorado:

• Colorado LLC Formation