Form Your California C Corporation
The investor-ready structure built for raising venture capital — issue stock, build your cap table, and scale in the heart of Silicon Valley
Filed in California
The Golden State · CA
- State filing fee$100
- Processing timeApprox. 24-48 hours online (5-8 business days during peak)
- Our formation feeFree (you pay $100 if you choose a paid plan)
- Annual report$25 Statement of Information + $800 min. franchise tax — due SI within 90 days, then annually; tax yearly
- State tax rate8.84% corporate tax rate
- Expedited option24 hours (+$350)
Form your California C-Corp — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your California C-Corp
Free formation means you pay only the $100 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS) filing
We prepare and submit your Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS) to the California Secretary of State.
Registered agent
Required in California — we act as your agent for the first year.
EIN from the IRS
Your federal Tax ID — required to open a US business bank account and file taxes.
Corporate bylaws
Professionally drafted corporate bylaws — defines ownership, voting, and profit splits.
Benefits of forming an C-Corp in California
California is the launchpad of choice for venture-backed C Corporations, offering direct access to Silicon Valley capital, world-class engineering talent, and the world's 5th largest economy. The state's tax burden is higher — an 8.84% corporate income tax plus an $800 minimum annual franchise tax — but for companies raising priced rounds and chasing scale, the proximity to investors and talent is unmatched.
The structure venture capitalists and institutional investors require to write a check
Issue stock and equity to founders, employees, and investors with a clean cap table
Perpetual existence — the corporation survives changes in ownership and management
Access to the world's largest state economy (California is the 5th largest economy on Earth)
Unmatched proximity to Silicon Valley venture capital, talent, and startup infrastructure
Raise priced rounds and SAFEs with a familiar, investor-ready legal vehicle
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS / Section 1202) benefits may apply to eligible shareholders
Strong intellectual property protections and a mature corporate-law framework
Key features of a California C-Corp
- Investor-ready structure preferred by venture capital and institutional funds
- Stock issuance and a cap table for founders, employees, and investors
- Board of directors and corporate bylaws govern the company
- Statement of Information due within 90 days, then filed annually
- $800 minimum annual California franchise tax applies regardless of income
- Perpetual existence independent of ownership changes
Major industries in California
Form your California C-Corp in 6 steps
We handle every step while you stay in the loop. Processing takes Approx. 24-48 hours online (5-8 business days during peak).
- 01
Choose Your Corporate Name
Your name must be distinguishable from existing entities and typically includes a corporate identifier such as 'Corporation,' 'Incorporated,' 'Inc.,' or 'Corp.' Check availability through the California Secretary of State's business search database.
- 02
Appoint an Agent for Service of Process
California requires every corporation to designate an agent for service of process with a physical street address in California. The agent receives legal and state documents on the corporation's behalf.
- 03
File Articles of Incorporation
Submit the Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS) to the California Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $100. Online filing through bizfile is the fastest method, with approval in approximately 24-48 hours.
- 04
Adopt Bylaws and Appoint a Board of Directors
Adopt corporate bylaws governing how the company is run and appoint a board of directors. The board holds an organizational meeting to authorize stock issuance, elect officers, and approve initial resolutions.
- 05
Issue Stock and File the 83(b) Election if Applicable
Issue founder and investor shares and record them on your cap table. Founders receiving restricted stock should consider filing an 83(b) election with the IRS within 30 days of receiving the shares.
- 06
Obtain an EIN and File the Statement of Information
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS, then file the initial Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State within 90 days of incorporation ($25). California also imposes an $800 minimum annual franchise tax.
California C-Corp costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
California C-Corp requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a California C-Corp in 2026.
- File Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS) with the California Secretary of State
- Designate an agent for service of process with a California street address
- Appoint a board of directors and adopt corporate bylaws
- Issue stock and maintain a cap table and stock ledger
- File the initial Statement of Information within 90 days, then annually ($25)
- Pay the $800 minimum annual California franchise tax
- Obtain an EIN and any required business licenses
Filing information
- Formation document
- Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS)
- Filing agency
- California Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Corporate bylaws
- Recommended
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $10 (60 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $100 California state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, corporate bylaws, and compliance.
Starter
- Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS) filing
- Name availability check
- Digital document delivery
- Formation status tracking
Booster
- Everything in Starter
- Registered agent (required in California)
- EIN / Federal Tax ID
- Expedited processing (1–2 days)
- Corporate bylaws
- Priority support
- Kicker Voice — 3-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 15 days
Founder
- Everything in Booster
- Business mailing address
- Bookkeeping — 3 months free
- Dedicated account manager
- Rush processing
- Kicker Voice — 6-day free trial
- Kicker Pay — free for 30 days
Kicker
- Everything in Founder
- ITIN filing & preparation
- Same-day priority processing
- 2nd year annual filing $0
- Kicker Voice 12-day + Kicker Pay 60 days free
Compare all plans on our pricing page.
California C-Corp questions, answered
Common questions about forming an C-Corp in California. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to incorporate a C Corporation in California?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Incorporation is $100, filed with the California Secretary of State. California also requires an $800 minimum annual franchise tax and a $25 Statement of Information within 90 days of incorporating.
How long does it take to form a California C Corporation?
Standard online processing through the California Secretary of State takes approximately 24-48 hours, though it can stretch to 5-8 business days during peak periods. Filing online via bizfile is the fastest route.
Why do investors prefer a C Corporation?
Venture capitalists and institutional investors almost always require a C Corporation because it cleanly issues stock and equity, supports a cap table, and accommodates priced rounds, SAFEs, and preferred shares. The board-and-bylaws structure and perpetual existence give investors the governance and continuity they expect.
How are California C Corporations taxed?
C Corporations pay a flat 21% federal corporate income tax on profits, and California adds an 8.84% state corporate income tax (plus the $800 minimum annual franchise tax). Because the corporation pays tax on profits and shareholders then pay tax on dividends, C Corps are subject to 'double taxation.'
What is the $800 franchise tax?
California imposes an $800 minimum annual franchise tax on corporations, payable to the Franchise Tax Board regardless of income or profitability. It is an ongoing cost of maintaining a California corporation in good standing.
What is an 83(b) election and do I need one?
If founders receive restricted stock that vests over time, an 83(b) election lets them pay tax on the stock's value at grant rather than as it vests. It must be filed with the IRS within 30 days of receiving the restricted stock — the deadline is strict and cannot be extended.
Can my California C Corporation qualify for QSBS benefits?
Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) under Section 1202 may offer significant tax benefits to shareholders of eligible C Corporations. Eligibility depends on several requirements and the rules changed in 2025, so consult a tax advisor to confirm whether the benefits apply to your situation.
Does my California C Corporation have to file a BOI report?
Under FinCEN's March 2025 interim final rule, U.S. domestic entities and U.S. persons are exempt from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. Only entities formed outside the U.S. and registered to do business in a U.S. state are still required to file.
California government filing resources
Filing fees for common C-Corp services
Official California state charges for the filings you may need after formation — our service fee is separate, and we confirm the current amount before filing.
$10.00 to reserve a corporation, LLC, or LP name for 60 calendar days (per Corp Code sec.
$5.00 flat fee, identical for all entity types (does NOT vary by entity type).
Learn more$5.00 per document for a certified copy when ordered online (corp/LLC/LP) - this is the certification fee.
$20.00 per apostille (per document).
$100.00 for a foreign STOCK corporation (covers both C-corp and S-corp - California does not distinguish at registration).
Learn moreThere is NO charge for a seller's permit (confirmed on CDTFA FAQ).
Learn more$25 total for Form SI-550 ($20 filing fee + $5 disclosure fee).
Learn moreNo fixed reinstatement fee and the FTB revivor application itself carries no filing fee.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your California C-Corp
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your California C-Corp?
Formation is free — you pay only the $100 California state filing fee. Personal-asset protection, pass-through taxation, and a complete document package, filed in Approx. 24-48 hours online (5-8 business days during peak).
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