Form Your California LLC
Build your business in the Golden State with access to the world's largest state economy, top talent, and unmatched innovation ecosystem
Filed in California
The Golden State · CA
- State filing fee$70
- 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$20 (Statement of Information) — due Within 90 days of formation, then biennially
- State tax rate8.84% corporate tax rate
- Expedited option24 hours (+$350)
Form your California LLC — pay only the state filing fee, nothing more.
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Everything to launch your California LLC
Free formation means you pay only the $70 state filing fee. All core services are included at no extra charge.
Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) filing
We prepare and submit your Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) 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.
Operating agreement
Required in California — we prepare your operating agreement.
Benefits of forming an LLC in California
California offers unparalleled market access and business opportunities as the world's 5th largest economy. While the tax burden is higher than many states, the access to talent, capital, and consumers makes it the top choice for many entrepreneurs, especially in tech, entertainment, and biotech.
Access to the largest state economy in the US (5th largest in the world)
World-class talent pool from top universities and tech companies
Unmatched access to venture capital and startup funding
Diverse consumer market of nearly 40 million people
Innovation ecosystem in Silicon Valley, Hollywood, and biotech
Strong intellectual property protections and business infrastructure
Key features of a California LLC
- Operating Agreement is legally required
- $800 minimum annual franchise tax
- Statement of Information due within 90 days, then biennially
- Access to the world's largest state economy
Major industries in California
Form your California LLC 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 LLC Name
Your name must include 'Limited Liability Company,' 'LLC,' or 'L.L.C.' Check name availability through the California Secretary of State's business search database.
- 02
Appoint an Agent for Service of Process
California requires every LLC to designate an agent for service of process. This person or entity must have a physical address in California.
- 03
File Articles of Organization
Submit Form LLC-1 (Articles of Organization) to the California Secretary of State. The filing fee is $70. Online filing through bizfile is the fastest method.
- 04
File Statement of Information
Within 90 days of formation, you must file Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information) with the California Secretary of State. The filing fee is $20.
- 05
Create an Operating Agreement
California law requires LLCs to have a written or oral Operating Agreement. This document defines the management structure, member rights, and operating rules.
- 06
Obtain an EIN and Pay Franchise Tax
Apply for a free EIN from the IRS. California requires an $800 minimum annual franchise tax, due by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation.
California LLC costs at a glance
Kicker formation is free — you pay only the required state fees. No hidden charges.
California LLC requirements checklist
Everything you need to form and maintain a California LLC in 2026.
- File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with California Secretary of State
- Designate an agent for service of process in California
- File Statement of Information within 90 days (Form LLC-12)
- Create an Operating Agreement (legally required in California)
- Pay $800 minimum annual franchise tax
- Obtain an EIN and necessary business licenses
Filing information
- Formation document
- Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
- Filing agency
- California Secretary of State
- Registered agent
- Required
- Operating agreement
- Required
- EIN
- Required
- Name reservation fee
- $10 (60 days)
Free formation — pay only the state fee
Kicker formation is free. You pay the $70 California state filing fee and nothing more for the Starter plan. Optional plans add registered agent, EIN, operating agreement, and compliance.
Starter
- Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) 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)
- Operating agreement
- 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 LLC questions, answered
Common questions about forming an LLC in California. Can't find an answer? Talk to our team.
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
The state filing fee is $70. However, California also requires an $800 minimum annual franchise tax. Our service fee starts at $100 plus the state fee. You also need to file a $20 Statement of Information within 90 days.
What is the $800 franchise tax in California?
California requires all LLCs to pay a minimum $800 annual franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board, regardless of income. This is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC is formed, and annually thereafter by April 15th.
Is an Operating Agreement required in California?
Yes. California is one of the few states that legally requires LLCs to have an Operating Agreement. It can be written or oral, but a written agreement is strongly recommended for legal protection.
How long does it take to form a California LLC?
Standard online processing takes approximately 24-48 hours (5-8 business days during peak periods). Expedited 24-hour processing is available for an additional $350.
Can I avoid the $800 franchise tax in California?
New LLCs formed after January 1, 2024 are exempt from the $800 minimum franchise tax for their first taxable year if their total income is less than $250,000. Check current regulations for the latest updates.
What is the Statement of Information?
Form LLC-12 must be filed within 90 days of formation and every two years thereafter. It provides the state with current information about your LLC's management and registered agent. The filing fee is $20.
California government filing resources
Filing fees for common LLC 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).
There is NO charge for a seller's permit (confirmed on CDTFA FAQ).
Learn moreNo fixed reinstatement fee and the FTB revivor application itself carries no filing fee.
Learn moreEverything you need to run your California LLC
Formation is the first step — stay compliant and operational with these services.
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Ready to form your California LLC?
Formation is free — you pay only the $70 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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