Start a California LLC
How to start an LLC in California →
Name, registered agent, Articles of Organization and bank account, step by step.
California LLC cost →
What it costs to form and to keep, and a three-year comparison.
California LLC name check →
Check a name against California naming rules before you file.
California operating agreement →
Not required by law, but every LLC needs one. Create yours free.
Run a California LLC
California Statement of Information →
Every two years. Due dates, first filing, and what happens if you miss it.
California LLC annual tax and LLC fee →
Who owes it, when it is due and how to file.
California registered agent →
Every California LLC needs one. Ours is included in year one.
Compliance deadline tracker →
Every federal and California deadline for your LLC.
Changing or closing it: add or remove a member, change your registered agent, move to another state, dissolve the LLC.
California LLC at a glance
Formed with
California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division
Formation document
Articles of Organization
Recurring filing
Statement of Information, every two years
Online filing
Yes
California LLCs file a Statement of Information every two years. It is due every two years during the filing window made up of the calendar month the Articles of Organization were filed and the five months before it.
Every LLC organized or doing business in California owes an annual LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board, first due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the start of its first taxable year and on the same schedule each year after. LLCs with higher total California income also owe an LLC fee that scales with that income, estimated and paid by the 15th day of the 6th month of the tax year. LLCs file Form 568 with the Franchise Tax Board.
Must contain "limited liability company", "L.L.C." or "LLC" ("Limited" may be abbreviated "Ltd." and "Company" may be abbreviated "Co."), and it must be distinguishable from names already on the California register.
- Failing to file the Statement of Information can lead to Franchise Tax Board penalties and suspension or forfeiture of the LLC.
- Articles of Organization and Statements of Information are filed online through bizfile Online.
Forming a California LLC from outside the US?
The steps above are written for people who live in the US. If you live abroad, the bank account and tax filings work differently.
California LLC for non-residents →Sources
Nearby states
All states
Frequently asked questions
How do I start an LLC in California?
Choose a name, appoint a registered agent in California, and file a Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division. Then write an operating agreement and open a business bank account. Our step-by-step guide covers each one.
How much does a California LLC cost?
California charges a one-time filing fee to form an LLC. With StartGlobal it is $399 in total, with that fee, your operating agreement and first-year registered agent included.
Does a California LLC file an annual report?
California LLCs file a Statement of Information every two years. It is due every two years during the filing window made up of the calendar month the Articles of Organization were filed and the five months before it.
Does California tax LLCs?
Every LLC organized or doing business in California owes an annual LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board, first due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the start of its first taxable year and on the same schedule each year after. LLCs with higher total California income also owe an LLC fee that scales with that income, estimated and paid by the 15th day of the 6th month of the tax year. LLCs file Form 568 with the Franchise Tax Board.
Is an operating agreement required in California?
No, but every California LLC should have one.
