How to Form an LLC in California
California reviews filings for statutory adherence, which takes business days. Here is what it costs, how long it takes, and what you get.
| Total cost, standard filing | $199 |
|---|---|
| Total cost, expedited filing | $299 |
| State filing fee | Included |
| State form filed | Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) |
| You receive | Articles of Organization |
What it costs
Forming an LLC in California costs $199 in total. That is one price covering both the California Secretary of State's filing fee, which we pay on your behalf, and our service for preparing and filing the paperwork. There is nothing else to pay to get your LLC formed.
How long it takes
California reviews filings for statutory adherence, which takes business days. The state publishes its current processing dates, and we track your filing against them. Expedited buys faster preparation and filing on our side rather than a state-level rush.
Where California filings get tripped up
These are the things we have actually run into filing in California, in plain English.
- The $800 annual franchise tax is the real cost of a California LLC
- California charges every LLC a minimum $800 per year to the Franchise Tax Board, regardless of revenue. Budget for the $800 before you form.
- A Statement of Information is due within 90 days
- It is then due every two years. Missing it leads to penalties and eventually suspension.
- California's rush service is charged per submission
- California's expedited handling applies to each submission, so a filing that is rejected and resubmitted has to be rushed twice. That is the reason we check the name against the state register before anything is submitted rather than after.
What we need from you
Your business name, the address for the company, and the names of the members. That is the whole application, and it takes a few minutes. We prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) for you, and handle the state's payment.
What you get
Your stamped Articles of Organization from the state, delivered straight to your account as soon as California issues it. From there you can add an EIN, an operating agreement, membership certificates, or registered agent service.
Start your California LLC — $199One price. The California state filing fee is included.
Filing in another state?
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · Colorado · Connecticut · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Nebraska · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin
Common questions
- How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
- $199 total for standard filing, with the California state filing fee included in that price. Expedited filing is $299. There are no other fees to get your LLC formed.
- How long does it take to form an LLC in California?
- California reviews filings for statutory adherence, which takes business days. The state publishes its current processing dates, and we track your filing against them.
- What do I receive?
- Your stamped Articles of Organization from the California Secretary of State, delivered to your account. You can add an EIN, an operating agreement, and registered agent service at checkout or afterwards.
- Do I need a registered agent in California?
- Yes. Every California LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal mail. You can serve as your own, or use our service to keep your home address off the public record.