How to Start an LLC in California
Form your California LLC online with transparent pricing, registered agent service and real human support. Incofile prepares and files your Articles of Organization for you.
Start My California LLCStart your California LLC in minutes
We handle the paperwork with the state.
California LLC filing fee & timeline
To form an LLC in California you file your Articles of Organization with the state and pay the state filing fee of $70. Incofile adds a flat, one-time service fee on top — no monthly charges — and your total is always shown before you pay.
Most California LLC filings are prepared and submitted within one business day. State approval time depends on California's current processing queue, typically ranging from a few business days to a few weeks, with expedited options available in many states.
Why form an LLC in California
California is the largest state economy in the US and one of the busiest places to form an LLC. Filing is cheap ($70) and fast online, but California charges every LLC a minimum $800 franchise tax each year, plus a Statement of Information every two years — so it pays to plan the ongoing costs before you file.
California LLC at a glance
| State filing fee | $70 (Articles of Organization, Form LLC-1) |
|---|---|
| Document filed | Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) |
| Standard approval time | Usually a few business days when filed on bizfile Online |
| Expedited options | 24-hour $350 · same day $750 (state fees, in addition to the filing fee) |
| Statement of Information | $20 — first one within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years |
| Annual franchise tax | $800 minimum every year, first payment due by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation |
| Gross receipts fee | Extra $900–$11,790 a year once California income reaches $250,000 |
| Late penalty | $250 for a late Statement of Information; FTB penalties and interest on late franchise tax |
| Registered agent | Required ("agent for service of process"); a California resident or a registered corporate agent |
State figures checked against the California Secretary of State (bizfile Online), September 2026. State fees are set by California and can change; the exact total is shown before you pay.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in California?
| Cost | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (state filing fee) | $70 | Required, one time |
| Statement of Information | $20 — within 90 days, then every 2 years | Required |
| Annual franchise tax | $800 minimum every year | Required, first due the 15th day of the 4th month |
| Gross receipts fee | $900–$11,790 a year | Only once California income reaches $250,000 |
| Registered agent | $0 if a California resident acts as agent; otherwise a registered agent service | Required, ongoing |
| EIN from the IRS | Free from the IRS | Needed for a bank account and taxes |
| Expedited processing | 24-hour $350 · same day $750 | Optional |
These are state, IRS and other outside costs — not Incofile fees. Your Incofile package price is shown separately at checkout, and your full total is always shown before you pay. Estimate every cost for your state with our LLC cost calculator.
How to form an LLC in California — 4 steps
Choose your package
Pick the Incofile package that fits your goals. Your California state filing fee is shown before you pay.
Tell us about your LLC
Complete our short form with your company name, address and ownership details — about ten minutes.
We check & file with California
We confirm your name is available and file your Articles of Organization with the California state office.
Get your documents
Your approved California LLC documents land in your dashboard, with reminders for your annual report and other deadlines.
How to start an LLC in California: step by step
Here is exactly what forming a California LLC involves, whether you file it yourself or let Incofile handle the paperwork.
Choose and check your LLC name
Pick a name that includes “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company” and is distinguishable from existing California businesses. Check it with our free business name search. Words suggesting a bank, trust or insurance company are restricted.
Appoint an agent for service of process
California requires an agent for service of process: a California resident with a street address or a registered corporate agent. If you live outside California, Incofile can act as your agent.
File the Articles of Organization
File Form LLC-1 on bizfile Online and pay $70. Online filings are usually approved within a few business days; 24-hour ($350) and same-day ($750) service are available.
File your Statement of Information
Within 90 days of formation, file Form LLC-12 ($20), then every two years. Missing it brings a $250 penalty.
Create an operating agreement
California does not ask you to file an operating agreement with the state, but it records who owns the LLC, how profits are shared and how decisions are made. Banks commonly ask for it.
Get an EIN
Apply to the IRS for your Employer Identification Number (EIN). You need it to open a business bank account, hire staff and file federal taxes. The IRS issues it free; non-US owners without an SSN apply by phone, fax or mail, and our Gold package handles it for you.
Pay the $800 franchise tax and get local licences
Pay the $800 minimum tax to the Franchise Tax Board by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation, then by the 15th day of the 4th month of each tax year (15 April for most LLCs). Get your city or county business licence, and a free seller’s permit if you sell taxable goods.
California LLC filing requirements: what you need
- A business name that is available and meets California's naming rules (it must include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”).
- A registered agent with a physical address in California — Incofile can be your agent.
- Articles of Organization filed with the California state office — we prepare and submit these for you.
- An operating agreement and EIN to open a business bank account (included in our Gold and Platinum packages).
- Ongoing compliance — California's reports, taxes and registered agent rules (see below). We track the deadlines and remind you.
Operating agreement
An operating agreement sets out who owns the LLC, how profits are split, how decisions are made and what happens if a member leaves. California does not ask you to file it with the state, but banks usually want to see it, and without one the state's default rules apply. Incofile includes a customised operating agreement in the Gold and Platinum packages.
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is the federal tax ID for your LLC. You need it to open a business bank account, hire staff and file taxes. The IRS issues it free — online in minutes if you have a Social Security number, or by fax or mail (one to eight weeks) if you don't. Our Gold and Platinum packages include it, and it is also available as a separate service.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you're unsure which structure is right, compare LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp.
California LLC naming rules
The name must end with "Limited Liability Company", "LLC" or "L.L.C." ("Limited" may be abbreviated to "Ltd." and "Company" to "Co."), and must be distinguishable from every entity on the California register. Words suggesting a bank, trust or insurance company are restricted. Check availability with our free business name search.
Keeping your California LLC compliant
$800 franchise tax
Every California LLC owes the Franchise Tax Board a minimum of $800 a year, whether it makes money or not. The first payment is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the LLC is formed (an LLC approved in October pays by 15 January), and each year after by 15 April. The temporary first-year exemption for 2021–2023 has ended.
Statement of Information
File Form LLC-12 within 90 days of formation, then every two years in your anniversary period. It costs $20 and confirms your address, managers and agent. Missing it brings a $250 penalty and can lead to suspension.
Registered agent
California calls it an "agent for service of process". It must be a California resident with a street address or a registered corporate agent. If you live outside California, you will need a professional agent — Incofile can act as yours.
Licences
Most California cities and counties require a local business licence or business tax certificate, and many regulated trades need a state licence. Selling taxable goods requires a seller's permit from the CDTFA, which is free.
Incofile clients get every California deadline tracked in their dashboard with email reminders — see registered agent service.
Official California resources
California LLC — frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in California?
Incofile charges a flat, one-time formation fee (Silver, Gold or Platinum) plus the California state filing fee of $70. There are no monthly charges, and the total is shown before you pay.
How long does it take to form an LLC in California?
We prepare and submit your California Articles of Organization within one business day. State approval times vary from a few business days to a few weeks; expedited filing is available in many states.
Do I need a registered agent in California?
Yes. California requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal and state mail. Incofile can serve as your California registered agent so you stay compliant and keep your address private.
Can I start an LLC in California if I live in another state or country?
Yes. You do not need to live in California to form an LLC there. Incofile can act as your registered agent and provide a business address, so you can form and run your California LLC from anywhere.
Do I really have to pay $800 even if my LLC makes no money?
Yes. California's $800 annual LLC tax is a minimum tax, owed every year the LLC exists, regardless of income. The only way to stop it is to formally cancel the LLC with the Secretary of State.
When is the first $800 payment due?
By the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC is formed. For example, an LLC approved on 10 October owes its first $800 by 15 January. Paying late adds penalties and interest from the Franchise Tax Board.
Is California a good state for a non-resident LLC?
Usually only if you actually do business in California. If you do, you must register there anyway. If you do not, a state like Wyoming or Delaware is normally cheaper to maintain.
How fast can California approve my LLC?
Online filings on bizfile Online are usually approved within a few business days. California also sells 24-hour ($350) and same-day ($750) expedited service.
What is the total yearly cost of a California LLC?
At minimum $800 a year in franchise tax, plus $20 every two years for the Statement of Information. Larger LLCs also pay a gross receipts fee once California income reaches $250,000. Add a registered agent service and any local business licence.
Ready to launch your California LLC?
Most orders are prepared and submitted within one business day.
Start My California LLC