What an LLC Costs in California
The California LLC filing fee, the annual report fee, any state franchise or minimum tax, and other required costs, from the official state sources.
Short answer: Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) cost $70.00. A certified copy is an optional $5.00, and in-person paper submissions carry a $15 special handling fee (not charged for mailed submissions). California Secretary of State, Forms, Samples and Fees – LLCs (California Domestic); Form LLC-1
| LLC filing fee | Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) cost $70.00. A certified copy is an optional $5.00, and in-person paper submissions carry a $15 special handling fee (not charged for mailed submissions). |
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| Annual report | California LLCs file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days of registering and every two years after that, in the month of registration. The fee is $20.00. The Secretary of State warns that failing to file can lead to penalties assessed by the Franchise Tax Board and suspension or forfeiture. |
| State franchise or minimum tax | Every LLC doing business or organized in California must pay an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, even if it is not conducting business, until it is cancelled. The first year's tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after filing with the Secretary of State. An LLC with total California income of $250,000 or more also pays an LLC fee, estimated and paid by the 15th day of the 6th month: $900 ($250,000–$499,999), $2,500 ($500,000–$999,999), $6,000 ($1,000,000–$4,999,999), or $11,790 ($5,000,000 or more). The FTB notes a first-year exemption from the $800 tax that applied only to tax years beginning in 2021 through 2023. |
Where to get help in California
More California starting an llc & small business
- LLC Annual Report in California
- Registering a DBA (Assumed Name) in California
- All California starting an llc & small business rules
FAQ
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) cost $70.00. A certified copy is an optional $5.00, and in-person paper submissions carry a $15 special handling fee (not charged for mailed submissions).
Does an LLC have to file an annual report in California?
California LLCs file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days of registering and every two years after that, in the month of registration. The fee is $20.00. The Secretary of State warns that failing to file can lead to penalties assessed by the Franchise Tax Board and suspension or forfeiture.
What state taxes does an LLC pay in California?
Every LLC doing business or organized in California must pay an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, even if it is not conducting business, until it is cancelled. The first year's tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after filing with the Secretary of State. An LLC with total California income of $250,000 or more also pays an LLC fee, estimated and paid by the 15th day of the 6th month: $900 ($250,000–$499,999), $2,500 ($500,000–$999,999), $6,000 ($1,000,000–$4,999,999), or $11,790 ($5,000,000 or more).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.