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Trade Names

Trade Name Certificates
A Trade Name certificate is required under the Connecticut General Statutes for the purpose of identifying those individuals doing business in the state under a fictitious trade name, i.e., for consumer protection purposes. Any person conducting business under any assumed name shall file a Trade Name Certificate in the town they are doing business in. All people who are authorized to sign on behalf of the business must sign their name on the Trade Name Certificate. (CGS 35-1).

Trade name registration does not apply to:

  • Partnerships, if the partnership name includes the true Surname of at least one of the persons composing said partnership.
  • Limited Partnerships which have registered with the Secretary of State.
  • Limited Liability companies which have registered with the Secretary of State. Certain words related to banks, trusts and savings are prohibited from use. (CGS 35-2)

NOTE: A TRADE NAME CERTIFICATE DOES NOT PROTECT THAT NAME FROM USE BY SOMEONE ELSE.
Failure to file a Trade Name Certificate results in a $500 fine.

Forms
Trade Name Form Individual
Dissolution of Trade Name

Filing Cost
The fee to file a Trade Name is $13.00, and includes a certified copy.

Dissolution
Once filed, trade names are permanent; they do not need to be renewed. To remove a trade name, a Dissolution of Trade Name must be filed. A dissolution may consist of a notarized letter stating that the individual is no longer doing business in the town, or this template may be used. The fee to file a dissolution is $10.

Other Information
You must also obtain State and Federal Tax Identification Numbers. Contact the Internal Revenue Service for a federal ID Number and to get necessary forms. The phone number is 800-829-1040.  For the Connecticut ID Number, go to the Department of Revenue Services website for forms and information.  The phone number is 800-382-9463.

If your business is a corporation or LLC, you must file with the Connecticut Secretary of State.  You may call the Secretary of State at 860-509-6200  or 800-540-3764. The Secretary of State's Office offers information on its website that can be helpful to those considering opening a new business.

Special Note to Contractors: You MUST register with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.  Click here for Information on Department of Consumer Protection licensing.