$70
to file the Articles of Organization
$810
state cost per year after
$0–$99+
registered agent per year
How to start an LLC in California, step by step
- Choose and check your LLC name. The name must be distinguishable from other businesses on file in California and include “LLC” or “Limited Liability Company”. Search the state’s business records first. Optional: reserve it ($10 for 60 days).
- Appoint a registered agent. Every California LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in the state. The LLC itself cannot act as its own agent. A California-resident member or manager can serve as an individual. Commercial services start at $99 a year among those we compared.
- File the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1). File with the California Secretary of State — bizfile Online. State fee: $70. Then file a Statement of Information ($20) within 90 days and pay the $800 annual tax.
- Complete the initial Statement of Information. Within 90 days of registering your LLC with the Secretary of State. Fee: $20. If you don't file, the Secretary of State notifies the Franchise Tax Board, which assesses a penalty; the LLC can also be suspended or forfeited.
- Sign an operating agreement. It sets out ownership, management and what happens if a member leaves. Banks often ask for it, and it helps show the LLC is separate from you.
- Get an EIN from the IRS. Free, online in minutes if the responsible party has an SSN or ITIN; by phone or fax for owners outside the US.
- Open a business bank account. Keep LLC money separate from personal money. Online business accounts with $0 monthly fees are available.
- Set up a business phone, email and website. A separate number and an email on your own domain keep your personal details private and help with banks and card issuers. Virtual numbers start around $14–$15 a month.
- Get licenses, permits and insurance. Check city and county licenses for your industry, and consider general liability insurance before you start working with clients.
- Put recurring state filings on your calendar. California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): Every two years, by the last day of your formation month — in even years if you formed in an even year, odd years if odd ($20); California $800 annual LLC tax: The 15th day of the 4th month of your tax year — April 15 for calendar-year LLCs ($800).
Registered agent services
Prefer to hire a registered agent in California?
Commercial agents receive legal and state mail for you and keep your home address off public records. These are the three lowest yearly prices we verified on each provider’s site; confirm at checkout. Full comparison.
Zenind
First year: $99. After that: $99/yr.
Best for: Lowest ongoing price · non-US founders
Read our Zenind review →See California pricingNorthwest Registered Agent
First year: $0 with $39 LLC formation, or $125. After that: $125/yr.
Best for: Privacy + business address · multi-state
Read our Northwest Registered Agent review →See California pricingBizee
First year: $0 with LLC formation. After that: $149/yr standalone price (renewal after the free year not published).
Best for: Forming a new LLC (first year free)
Read our Bizee review →See California pricingWe may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we’re funded.
All California LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a California LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $810 a year ($800 annual LLC tax + $20 Statement of Information every two years).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 for 60 days | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | Within 90 days of formation, then every two years |
| California initial Statement of Information | $20 | Once, after formation |
| California $800 annual LLC tax | $800 | Every year |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $20 (filed on a new Statement of Information) | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Status | $5 | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Fictitious business name | Set by each county | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Dissolution (LLC-3) / Certificate of Cancellation (LLC-4/7) / Short Form Cancellation (LLC-4/8) | No fee | Once, to close the LLC |
After you form your California LLC
Most of the work comes after formation. Open a business account, get insured and keep your yearly filings on time — missing them costs late fees and, eventually, your LLC’s good standing (California filing details).
Mercury
$0/mo
- $0 monthly fee, no minimum balance, no opening fees
- Free ACH and free domestic wires, sent and received
- Free outgoing USD international wires
Watch out: No cash deposits
NEXT Insurance
General liability from $19/mo
- Buy online in about 10 minutes, coverage effective after payment
- Unlimited free certificates of insurance (COI), 24/7
- General liability from $19 a month
Watch out: Starting prices are not guaranteed
Gusto
From $49/mo + $6/person
- Solo plan built for paying yourself a reasonable salary as an S corp
- Unlimited payrolls with automatic tax filings
- Contractor payments and 1099s
Watch out: Per-person fee adds up with larger teams
Free California deadline reminders
We email you 60, 30 and 7 days before each filing is due.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start an LLC in California?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) is $70. California initial Statement of Information: $20. After that, expect about $810 a year in state fees ($800 annual LLC tax + $20 Statement of Information every two years), plus a registered agent if you use a service.
How long does it take to form an LLC in California?
Processing times vary with the state’s workload; filing online is usually fastest. Check the California Secretary of State for current times and expedite options.
Do I need a registered agent to start an LLC in California?
Yes. An individual agent must provide a physical California street address. The agent's name and address are public record.
Can I be my own registered agent in California?
The LLC itself cannot act as its own agent. A California-resident member or manager can serve as an individual.
What does a California LLC have to file every year?
California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) — Every two years, by the last day of your formation month — in even years if you formed in an even year, odd years if odd. Fee: $20. California $800 annual LLC tax — The 15th day of the 4th month of your tax year — April 15 for calendar-year LLCs. First year: the 15th day of the 4th month after you file with the Secretary of State. Fee: $800.
Do I need an operating agreement in California?
It’s strongly recommended: banks often ask for it, and without one the state’s default rules govern ownership, profits and buyouts.
Can a non-US resident start an LLC in California?
Yes. You don’t need to be a US citizen or resident. You’ll need a registered agent in the state, an EIN (by phone or fax without an SSN) and a bank that accepts non-resident owners.