Out-of-state companies doing business in Connecticut without registering with state government paid $1.76 million in fines during the fiscal year ended June 30, officials said.
A total of 353 firms paid the penalties, according to Attorney General George Jepsen and Secretary of State Denise Merrill, who coordinated the effort to locate companies operating without registrations.
It was the largest annual collection since the efforts began in 2007, they said. Last year, there were $1.6 million in fines. In 2013, companies paid $1.3 million.
Merrill said many of the companies self reported that they had not registered.
The registrations raise revenue for the state through fees and protect consumers who have grievances by requiring businesses to appoint an agent who can be served with legal papers.
The Washington Trust Co. paid the largest fine in fiscal year 2015, of $46,740.
