LLC Cost CalculatorBy Offshore Labs LLC
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California LLC cost

Ranked #12 of 51 on total first-year cost.

First year

$223

then $940/yr

Cost breakdown

Your breakdown3 items
  • California state feeState

    $73
  • Statement of InformationState

    Due within the first year

    $21
  • Registered agent (1 year)Service
    $129
True first-year cost

All state charges included

$223

Estimates only, based on published state fees. Optional service prices are our standard rates.

The facts

State fee (as charged)
$73
Statement of Information
$20 / 2 yrs
Minimum state tax
$800
Standard processing
3-4 weeks
Expedited
$350 · 1-5 days
Publication
Not required

Forms & deadlines

Formation document
Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
Recurring filing
Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) + FTB Form 3522
Report due
Statement of Information due every 2 years by the anniversary month
Tax deadline
$800 franchise tax due April 15; Form 568 due March 15

Tax treatment

$800 minimum annual franchise tax, due even at zero revenue, plus a gross-receipts fee above $250k.

Official CA filing page →
Form an LLC in CA →Customise this estimateCompare with other states

Step by step

How to form an LLC in California

Every cost below matches the breakdown above, including the card processing the state adds at checkout. See the full done-for-you California formation flow →

  1. 1

    Pick and check your California LLC name

    Free

    Search the California business registry for your exact name, make sure it ends with "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and avoid restricted words like bank or insurance. Name reservation is optional in most states.

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    $0 yourself · ~$129/yr commercial

    Every California LLC needs a registered agent with a physical in-state street address available during business hours. You can act as your own agent if you live in the state; otherwise use a commercial agent.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)

    California state fee — $73

    File the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) online with the California Secretary of State at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Standard approval takes 3-4 weeks. The state fee is charged as $73 at checkout.

  4. 4

    Optional: pay for expedited processing

    $350

    California will move your filing to the front of the queue and approve it in 1-5 days instead of 3-4 weeks.

  5. 5

    Get your EIN from the IRS

    Free direct · $80 with our EIN service

    Apply online at IRS.gov once your LLC is approved. It is free and issued immediately for US residents; non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax or mail, or use our EIN service.

  6. 6

    Write an operating agreement

    Free template · ~$50 drafted

    Not filed with the state, but banks ask for it and it settles ownership, profit splits and what happens if a member leaves.

  7. 7

    File your BOI report with FinCEN

    Free direct · $50 with our BOI service

    Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN within the deadline that applies to your formation date. Filing directly is free.

  8. 8

    Open a US business bank account

    Varies by provider

    Use your approved Articles, EIN letter and operating agreement. Non-residents typically use Wise, Payoneer, Airwallex or Mercury-style accounts.

  9. 9

    Calendar your Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) + FTB Form 3522

    $20

    California requires the statement of information every two years (Statement of Information due every 2 years by the anniversary month), and it is already due in your first year. Missing it risks penalties and administrative dissolution.

  10. 10

    Plan for the minimum state tax

    $800 minimum

    $800 minimum annual franchise tax, due even at zero revenue, plus a gross-receipts fee above $250k. Deadline: $800 franchise tax due April 15; Form 568 due March 15.