California LLC fee table
| Item | Fee | How often | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $70 | One time | verified source |
| Initial Statement of Information | $20 | One time | verified source |
| Annual LLC tax | $800 | annual | verified source |
| Statement of Information (every two years after initial statement) | $20 | biennial | verified source |
| Name reservation (optional) | not verified | One time | unverified |
| Expedited processing (optional) | Not verified | Per filing | unverified |
| Foreign LLC registration (out-of-state LLCs) | $70 | One time | unverified secondary source |
| Registered agent | $0 if you serve yourself; typically $100–150/yr paid | Yearly | typical market range |
State tax: $800 minimum annual LLC tax (FTB), generally due from the first year; plus an LLC fee if gross receipts are $250,000+. source
Deadlines
Initial $20 statement within 90 days, then every two years. Annual tax generally due 15th day of fourth month. The $800 subtotal models ordinary 2026 tax; eligible first taxable years beginning 2027-2029 use $400 instead.
Cheapest legal way to form in California
- File online directly with the state; a paid service is optional.
- Be your own registered agent if you have a California street address.
- Skip name reservation and expedite unless you need them.
- Get your EIN free from the IRS.
California LLC cost calculator
2What it costs
California LLC cost FAQ
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
The state filing fee for the articles of organization is $70. Known state charges in year one come to about $890, before optional services.
What are the ongoing state fees for a California LLC?
Annual LLC tax $800 (annual); Statement of Information (every two years after initial statement) $20 (biennial). Averaged per year that is about $810. $800 minimum annual LLC tax (FTB), generally due from the first year; plus an LLC fee if gross receipts are $250,000+.
When is the California LLC report due?
Initial $20 statement within 90 days, then every two years. Annual tax generally due 15th day of fourth month. The $800 subtotal models ordinary 2026 tax; eligible first taxable years beginning 2027-2029 use $400 instead.
Does California require LLC newspaper publication?
No. California has no newspaper publication requirement for LLCs (only New York, Arizona and Nebraska do).
Can I be my own registered agent in California?
Usually yes, if you have a physical street address in California (not a P.O. box) where you can accept legal papers during business hours. Paid agents typically cost about $100–150 a year.
How much does it cost to register an out-of-state LLC in California?
Foreign LLC registration costs $70 (per a secondary source; not confirmed on the official page in our latest check), plus California's ongoing report fees.
Sources
Checked October 28, 2026. Fees change; confirm on the official site before filing.
- https://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-1.pdf
- https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/cannabizfile/cannabis-forms-and-fees/limited-liability-companies-llc-california
- https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/limited-liability-company/
- https://registeredagentguides.com/blog/foreign-llc-cost-by-state/
Would electing S-corp save you tax? Hiring in California →
Payroll taxes, SUTA, workers' comp Quarterly taxes →
What to pay the IRS each quarter