1. Does Colorado Require an LLC Annual Report?
Yes—Colorado LLCs generally have a recurring yearly filing, but Colorado typically calls it a Periodic Report (many people call it an annual report). The Periodic Report is filed with the Colorado Secretary of State to keep your company details current and your LLC in good standing.
2. What Colorado LLCs Must File Each Year
For many Colorado LLCs, the main state-level recurring filing is the Periodic Report. Your exact compliance obligations can vary based on your business activity, taxes, and whether you have employees, but these are common recurring items:
Annual compliance checklist
- Colorado Periodic Report: yearly report filed with the Colorado Secretary of State
- Registered Agent renewal (if using a service): keep a valid agent/address to receive official notices
- Federal tax return (IRS): depends on SMLLC vs partnership vs S-corp election
- Bookkeeping + records: maintain clean records to avoid issues with banks and payment processors
- Other filings if applicable: payroll filings, sales tax filings, and required licenses depending on your activity
3. The Colorado “Annual Report” Equivalent: Periodic Report
Colorado’s annual reporting requirement for most LLCs is the Periodic Report. It updates basic company information and keeps your entity active in the state database.
What the Periodic Report typically covers
- Confirms your LLC’s current information (address / registered agent, etc.)
- Helps maintain good standing for contracts, banking, and vendor verification
- Keeps your public record up to date in the Colorado SOS system
- Acts as the primary recurring “annual report” for most Colorado LLCs
- Supports ongoing status until you formally dissolve/withdraw
If you only remember one thing: Colorado LLC “annual report” = Colorado Periodic Report.
4. Colorado Periodic Report Filing Window (Due Dates)
Colorado uses a filing window tied to your entity’s Periodic Report month. In simple terms, you typically have a 5-month window to file without penalty: 2 months before your Periodic Report month, the report month itself, and 2 months after.
How to think about it (easy)
- Your LLC has a specific Periodic Report month (shown on the entity Summary page)
- You can usually file early (2 months before) or late (2 months after) without penalty
- Filing online is the standard option for most LLCs
What can cause problems?
- You miss the filing window
- You forget to update addresses/registered agent details
- You ignore status changes like Noncompliant or Delinquent
- You wait until the last day and hit payment/portal issues
STAY COMPLIANT
Click below and our team will guide you through Colorado’s Periodic Report filing—fast and correctly.
Get Compliance Help5. Where to File + What You’ll Need
Colorado Periodic Reports are typically filed through the Colorado Secretary of State business database. Before you file, keep your basics ready so you can submit without errors.
What you should keep ready
- Legal LLC name and Colorado entity ID
- Principal address and mailing address (if different)
- Registered agent details
- Any updated management/contact information required by the filing
- A payment method for the filing fee
Why founders use a compliance service
- Avoid missed windows and late penalties
- Reduce errors and rejections
- Keep clean records for banking and payment processors
| Feature | FormLLC | Provider A | Provider B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built for non-US founders | ✅ Deep non-resident focus | ➖ Limited support | ➖ Generic templates |
| End-to-end compliance guidance | ✅ State + federal clarity | ➖ Partial | ➖ DIY-heavy |
| Transparent pricing | ✅ No surprise upsells | ⚠️ Hidden add-ons | ⚠️ Tiered upsells |
| Human support (WhatsApp / email) | ✅ Dedicated support | ➖ Ticket-based | ➖ Slow response |
*Sample stats for illustration. Add your real numbers and link to verified reviews.
Staying in good standing in Colorado is simple for most LLCs: file the Periodic Report during your filing window, keep your registered agent active, and store confirmations. This avoids issues with banks, payment gateways, and vendor verification.
6. How to File the Colorado Periodic Report (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Find your LLC in the Colorado SOS database
Search your business name or entity ID in the Colorado Secretary of State business database and open your LLC’s Summary page. This page typically shows your Periodic Report month and filing options.
Step 2: Start the Periodic Report filing
Choose the Periodic Report filing option and review your LLC details. Update any changed information (addresses, agent details, etc.).
Step 3: Submit and pay the filing fee
Complete the online submission and pay the fee. Save proof (confirmation and a copy of your filed report) for your records.
Step 4: If you’re late, file the late report ASAP
If your LLC is showing as Noncompliant or Delinquent, don’t ignore it. File the required late report and follow the SOS steps to return to good standing.
7. Tips to Stay Compliant
- Note your Periodic Report month and file early (don’t wait for the last day)
- Keep your registered agent and addresses updated
- Store confirmations and receipts in a single folder
- Check your entity status periodically (Good Standing / Noncompliant / Delinquent)
8. Fees, Penalties & Good Standing
- Periodic Report fee (online): commonly listed as $25 on the Colorado SOS fee schedule
- Late report penalty: fee schedule commonly lists a $50 late report/penalty
- Registered Agent (if using a service): typically $50/year
- Status changes: missing deadlines can move your LLC into Noncompliant and later Delinquent
| Compliance Item | Typical Timing | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Periodic Report | Annually (within your filing window) | $25 (commonly listed) |
| Late Periodic Report / Penalty | If you miss the on-time window | $50 (commonly listed) |
| Registered Agent Renewal | Annually | $100–$300 |
| Federal Income Tax Return | Annually | Varies |
9. Federal Compliance That Impacts Colorado LLCs
1. Federal tax return (IRS)
Your federal filing depends on classification: single-member LLCs often report on the owner’s return, partnerships file an informational return, and S-corp elections follow S-corp filing rules.
2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Many LLCs use an EIN to open bank accounts and work with payment processors. Keeping EIN/IRS confirmation letters helps during compliance and verification checks.
3. BOI updates (Corporate Transparency)
If your ownership or key information changes, you may need to update beneficial ownership information (where applicable). This is separate from Colorado’s Periodic Report, but often comes up during yearly reviews.
4. Other recurring federal obligations
- Payroll tax filings if the LLC has employees
- Information returns (such as 1099 forms) when required
- Clean bookkeeping for audits, banking, and compliance reviews
10. Conclusion
The biggest takeaway: Colorado’s LLC “annual report” is usually the Colorado Periodic Report. File it during your allowed filing window, keep your registered agent active, and store confirmations.
With FormLLC, you can stay compliant without confusion—our team helps you follow the right schedule, file the right report, and keep your business in good standing.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—Colorado LLCs commonly file a Periodic Report each year (often called an annual report). It’s filed with the Colorado Secretary of State to keep the LLC active and in good standing.
Colorado uses a filing window around your Periodic Report month. Many entities can file 2 months before or 2 months after the report month without penalty. Your exact month appears on your entity Summary page.
Colorado charges a filing fee for the Periodic Report, and late filings can require a late report/penalty. Fees can change—always confirm on the Colorado SOS fee schedule before filing.
Yes. Most Colorado LLCs file online through the Colorado Secretary of State business database. You search your entity and complete the Periodic Report online.
Missing the filing window can move your entity into a noncompliant/delinquent status. You may need to file a late report and possibly a statement curing delinquency to restore good standing.
Often, yes. Even with no income, many LLCs still need to file the Periodic Report to keep the entity active and in good standing. Your tax filing obligations are separate and depend on your tax classification.
Your Periodic Report month is typically displayed on your entity’s Summary page in the Colorado Secretary of State business database.