California LLC Formation

Start an LLC in California — The Right Way

California is one of the largest business markets in the world. Forming an LLC here gives you liability protection, tax flexibility, and access to millions of customers. Brendat handles your Articles of Organization, EIN, registered agent, and all compliance — so you can launch with confidence.

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Important: California $800 Annual Franchise Tax

Every California LLC must pay a minimum $800 annual franchise tax to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) — regardless of revenue or profit. This is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC formation date, and every April 15th after that. New LLCs formed on or after January 1, 2021 are exempt from the $800 tax for their first taxable year only.

Formation & Compliance
Banking & Bookkeeping
Tax Advice and Filing
Expert Customer Support

Step-by-step guide

How to Form an LLC in California

Six straightforward steps — Brendat handles the paperwork while you focus on your business idea.

Choose a Name for Your California LLC

Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from existing businesses registered in California. It must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."

California Naming Rules:

Must include: "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company"
Cannot include: Words implying government affiliation (e.g., "FBI," "Treasury," "State Department")
Restricted words: "Bank," "Insurance," "Attorney," "University" require additional approval
Check availability: Use the California Secretary of State business search before filing

Pro Tip

Once you find an available name, Brendat checks it for you before filing. You can also reserve a name for 60 days with the California SOS for a $10 fee if you're not ready to file yet.

Appoint a California Registered Agent

Every California LLC must designate a registered agent — a person or company with a physical California street address — to receive legal documents, lawsuits, and official state notices during business hours.

Who can be your registered agent?

You (the owner): Must have a physical CA address and be available during business hours
A trusted individual: Friend, family member, or colleague with a CA address
A registered agent service: Like Brendat — professional, reliable, and keeps your home address private

Brendat provides registered agent service in California

Our California address is listed on your formation documents, keeping your personal address off the public record. Included in Standard and Premium packages.

File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)

The Articles of Organization is the official document that legally creates your California LLC. You file it with the California Secretary of State (SOS) — online, by mail, or in person.

Method	Fee	Processing Time
Online (recommended)	$70	~5 business days
By Mail	$70	4–6 weeks
In Person (drop-off)	$70 + $15 handling	Same day

What's included in Form LLC-1?

LLC name and address
Registered agent name and California address
Purpose of the LLC (general or specific)
Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
Organizer's signature

California Franchise Tax Reminder

After your LLC is approved, you must pay the $800 minimum franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) — due by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation. This is separate from the $70 filing fee paid to SOS.

File Initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)

Within 90 days of forming your California LLC, you must file an Initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the California Secretary of State. This provides updated information about your LLC's address, members, and managers.

Fee: $20
Due: Within 90 days of formation
Ongoing: Every 2 years after the initial filing (during a 6-month filing window)
Late penalty: $250 if not filed on time

Don't miss this deadline

Failing to file the initial Statement of Information within 90 days can put your LLC in "delinquent" status with the state. Brendat tracks this deadline for you on Standard and Premium plans.

Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN is your LLC's federal tax ID — required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. You apply through the IRS.

US residents: Apply free online at IRS.gov — instant approval
Non-US residents: Apply by fax (Form SS-4) — takes 4–6 weeks
Brendat handles this: Included in Standard and Premium packages

Also create an Operating Agreement

California law does not require an operating agreement for single-member LLCs, but it is strongly recommended. It outlines ownership percentages, profit distribution, and management rules — and protects your LLC's liability shield if ever challenged in court.

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is critical for maintaining your LLC's liability protection. With your EIN and LLC approval letter from the California SOS, you can open a business bank account at any major US bank or credit union.

What you'll need:

Your EIN confirmation letter from the IRS
Articles of Organization (approved copy from CA SOS)
Operating Agreement
Government-issued ID

You're officially in business!

Once your bank account is open, your California LLC is fully operational. Remember to pay the $800 franchise tax annually and file your Statement of Information every 2 years to stay in good standing.

Transparent pricing

How Much Does a California LLC Cost?

Here's a full breakdown of every cost involved in forming and maintaining a California LLC — no surprises.

State Filing Fee

$70

One-time fee paid to California Secretary of State to file your Articles of Organization

Annual Franchise Tax

$800

Minimum annual tax paid to California Franchise Tax Board. Waived in year 1 for LLCs formed on/after Jan 1, 2021

Statement of Information

$20

Filed every 2 years with the California Secretary of State. Initial filing due within 90 days of formation

Registered Agent

Included in Brendat Standard & Premium packages. Required — every CA LLC must have one

EIN (Federal Tax ID)

Free from the IRS directly. Included in Brendat Standard & Premium packages

Operating Agreement

Included in Brendat Standard & Premium packages. Strongly recommended for all California LLCs

Total with Brendat Standard Plan

$149 + $70 state fee

$149 Brendat service fee + $70 California state fee · $800 franchise tax may be waived year 1

Choose your plan

California LLC Formation Packages

All packages include accurate, state-specific filing. Pick what fits your needs.

Basic

Brendat service fee

+ $70 California state fee

Get Started Free

Articles of Organization filed
Name availability check
Email support
Digital copy of filed documents

Standard

$149

Brendat service fee

+ $70 California state fee

Start for $149 →

Everything in Basic
EIN / Federal Tax ID
Operating Agreement
Registered Agent (1 year)
Statement of Information support
Priority processing

Premium

$299

Brendat service fee

+ $70 California state fee

Get Premium

Everything in Standard
Business bank account setup
Franchise Tax Board registration
Compliance calendar & reminders
Annual report filing (year 1)
Dedicated account manager

California vs Other States

Is California the Right State for Your LLC?

California is the best choice if you live or operate there. Here's how it compares to other popular LLC states.

Feature	California	Wyoming	Delaware	Nevada
State Filing Fee	$70	$100	$90	$75
Annual Franchise Tax	$800 min	$60 min	$300 min	$0
Annual Report	$20 (2 yr)	$60/yr	$300/yr	Annual list fee
Privacy Protection	Moderate	Strong	Moderate	Strong
Best For	CA businesses	Non-residents	Investors/VC	Non-residents

Foreign LLC Warning

If you form an LLC in Wyoming or Nevada but operate in California, you'll still need to register as a foreign LLC in California — paying the $70 foreign registration fee AND the $800 annual franchise tax. In most cases, forming directly in California is simpler and cheaper for CA-based businesses.

Why choose us

Why 10,000+ Entrepreneurs Choose Brendat

Fast Filing

We submit your California Articles of Organization within 1 business day of your order. No delays, no back-and-forth.

100% Accuracy Guarantee

We review every filing before submission. If the state rejects your documents due to our error, we fix it at no charge.

Privacy First

Your home address stays off the public record. We list our California registered agent address on all formation documents.

Compliance Reminders

Never miss a California deadline. We track your Statement of Information and franchise tax due dates and send you reminders.

Non-US Residents Welcome

No citizenship or US residency required to form a California LLC. We assist international entrepreneurs with EIN and compliance.

Real Support

Reach our team by phone at (303) 246-8693 or email. We answer questions in plain English — no confusing legal jargon.

Our reviews

What Our California LLC Customers Say

Common questions

California LLC — Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about forming and running an LLC in California.

Still have questions?

(303) 246-8693

How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?

The California state filing fee is $70 paid to the Secretary of State. In addition, every California LLC must pay a minimum $800 annual franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). New LLCs formed on or after January 1, 2021 are exempt from the $800 tax for their first taxable year. Brendat's service fee starts at $0 (Basic) or $149 (Standard, which includes EIN, operating agreement, and registered agent).

What is the California $800 LLC franchise tax?

The $800 franchise tax is a minimum annual fee that every California LLC must pay to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), regardless of whether the LLC made any profit. It's due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC is formed, and every April 15th after that. LLCs formed on or after January 1, 2021 are exempt from paying this fee in their first taxable year only.

How long does it take to form an LLC in California?

Online filings with the California Secretary of State are typically processed in approximately 5 business days. Mail filings can take 4–6 weeks. In-person drop-off (Sacramento office) can be processed same-day with a $15 handling fee. Brendat submits your filing within 1 business day of your order.

Does California require an annual report for LLCs?

California requires LLCs to file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) every 2 years, not annually. The fee is $20. You must file an initial Statement of Information within 90 days of forming your LLC, and then every 2 years during a 6-month filing window based on your formation month. Late filing incurs a $250 penalty.

Can a non-US resident form a California LLC?

Yes. There is no citizenship or US residency requirement to own a California LLC. Non-residents need a registered agent with a physical California address (Brendat provides this). For your EIN, non-residents must apply by fax (IRS Form SS-4) since the online IRS application requires a US Social Security Number — Brendat assists with this process.

Does California require an Operating Agreement?

California law does not require LLCs to have a written operating agreement, but it is strongly recommended for all California LLCs — especially multi-member ones. An operating agreement establishes ownership percentages, profit sharing, and management rules. Without one, California's default LLC rules under the California Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA) will govern your LLC.

Should I form my LLC in California or another state?

If you live in California or your business primarily operates in California, you should form your LLC in California. Forming in Wyoming or Nevada and then doing business in California still requires registering as a foreign LLC — meaning you'll pay fees in both states plus the $800 franchise tax anyway. Out-of-state formation only makes sense for businesses with no California presence.

Ready to Start Your California LLC?

Let Brendat handle your Articles of Organization, EIN, registered agent, and all compliance — so you can focus on building your business in California.

Form My California LLC

$149 + $70 CA state fee · 100% accuracy guarantee