Secretary of the State doubling most fees

The cost of filing corporate names, annual reports, adoption papers and other registrations with the Secretary of the State will rise Oct. 1.

Susan Bysiewicz said the $20 million in fee hikes became law in the new state budget approved by lawmakers on Sept. 8.

The increases are aimed at narrowing the record $8.5 billion budget deficit for fiscal 2010-2011, she said.

Bysiewicz said her office has sent advance notice of all fee changes to many organizations and firms in the business and legal communities, in an effort to notify those who prepare and file many of the documents turned into the Secretary of the State’s office. 

Despite the rising fees, businesses have an incentive to register with the state, Byscewicz said.

Foreign entities operating in Connecticut without registration will fined $300 per unregistered month, nearly double the previous fine of $165 per month.