- Filing fee
- $70
- Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)
- $20
- First-year gov. cost
- $890
- Publication
- Not required
The steps, in order
Pick a name California will accept
Requires standard designators like LLC or Limited Liability Company. Restricts terms implying the business is a bank, trust, or insurance company without proper licensing.
Search existing California business names before you commit. California naming rules in detail.
Appoint a registered agent
Must be an individual residing in California or a registered corporate agent. The address must be a physical street address, not a PO box.
You can serve as your own agent, but your address will be public. Compare California registered agent options.
File the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
Submit it to the California Secretary of State through the official filing portal and pay $70. Applies uniformly whether filed online or via mail, though in-person drop-offs incur an additional $15 special handling fee.
Processing: online Prioritized, fluctuates based on state backlog; by mail Fluctuates based on state backlog. Expedite: 24-hour processing for $350, Same-Day processing for $750 online. 4-hour processing for $500 requires in-person drop-off and $500 preclearance..
Write an operating agreement
Required by statute (either oral or written) to govern internal affairs, but strictly internal and must never be filed.
Get an EIN from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number is free from IRS.gov. You'll need it for a business bank account and, if you hire, for payroll.
Stay in good standing
File the Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) ($20), due Initial within 90 days, then every two years. $250 penalty assessed by the Franchise Tax Board California report deadlines.
Every California LLC fee
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 | Applies uniformly whether filed online or via mail, though in-person drop-offs incur an additional $15 special handling fee. |
| Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | biennial, Initial within 90 days, then every two years |
| Minimum state tax | $800 | Owed regardless of income |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 60 days |
| Change of registered agent | $20 | Requires filing a Statement of Information. |
| Amendment | $30 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $5 | |
| Registration of Foreign Entity (Form CONV-1A) | $70 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| Certificate of Cancellation | $0 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 to $100 | county |
How California compares nationally
- California's filing fee of $70 is the 12th lowest of 51 jurisdictions (median $104).
- California's first-year government cost of $890 is the highest of 51 jurisdictions (median $125).
- California's yearly cost after that of $800 is the highest of 51 jurisdictions (median $45).
See every state side by side in our LLC cost by state table.
File it yourself or use a service?
Filing directly with the California Secretary of State costs $70 and nothing else, but you'll need a registered agent with a California street address, and that address goes on the public record. A formation service files for you and acts as your agent. Here's what that adds over three years, before California's own fees:
| Route | Year one with California fee | 3-year service fees |
|---|---|---|
| File yourself, be your own agent | $70 | $0 |
| Northwest | $109 | $289 |
| Bizee Basic | $70 | $298 |
Bizee vs Northwest, compared · All LLC services ranked
State taxes to plan for
Every LLC must pay an $800 annual franchise tax to the FTB. If gross total California income reaches $250,000, it owes an escalating LLC fee starting at $900. Progressive personal income tax system up to 13.3%.
What's different about California
- The $800 annual tax is due regardless of profitability or activity level.
- If an entity is suspended for failing to file its Statement of Information, it loses the right to its name and cannot legally operate or defend itself in court.
- California does not issue a general statewide business license for standard operations; standard licenses are obtained at the local city/county level.
More California LLC guides
California LLC questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
The California Secretary of State charges $70 to file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1). Counting mandatory first-year items, expect about $890 in government fees (Comprising the $70 formation, the $20 initial statement, and the $800 minimum tax.).
How long does it take to form an LLC in California?
Online: Prioritized, fluctuates based on state backlog. By mail: Fluctuates based on state backlog. Expedited: 24-hour processing for $350, Same-Day processing for $750 online. 4-hour processing for $500 requires in-person drop-off and $500 preclearance..
Does a California LLC have to file an annual report?
Yes. California requires the Statement of Information (Form LLC-12), which costs $20, filed biennial. Due: Initial within 90 days, then every two years. $250 penalty assessed by the Franchise Tax Board
Can I be my own registered agent in California?
Yes. Must be an individual residing in California or a registered corporate agent. The address must be a physical street address, not a PO box. Your agent's address becomes public record.
Does California require publishing a notice for a new LLC?
No. California has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs, based on our latest check.
Is an operating agreement required in California?
Required by statute (either oral or written) to govern internal affairs, but strictly internal and must never be filed.
What taxes does a California LLC pay to the state?
Every LLC must pay an $800 annual franchise tax to the FTB. If gross total California income reaches $250,000, it owes an escalating LLC fee starting at $900. Progressive personal income tax system up to 13.3%.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: state tax.escalating tiers.