LLC Formation Cost in California (2026)
Complete guide to California LLC filing fees, annual costs, and requirements
California LLC Cost Calculator
California LLC Costs — Complete Breakdown
| Cost Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $70 | One-time |
| Annual report / registration fee | $800 | Annual |
| Registered agent service | $50–$300 | Annual |
| Operating agreement | $0–$500 | One-time |
| EIN (Employer ID Number) | $0 (free via IRS) | One-time |
| Business bank account | $0–$15/mo | Monthly |
| Special requirement | Varies | $800/yr minimum franchise tax (due 15th day of 4th month), $20 Statement of Information every 2 years |
Forming an LLC in California: What You Need to Know
California has a deceptively low $70 filing fee — but all California LLCs must pay an $800/year minimum franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board, regardless of income or even if the LLC has no activity. Plus, LLCs with gross receipts over $250,000 pay an additional annual LLC fee ($900–$11,790). This makes CA one of the most expensive states for ongoing LLC maintenance.
Money-Saving Tips for California LLC Formation
Many California business owners consider forming in Wyoming or Nevada if they can maintain business addresses there — but if you operate in California, you'll typically need to foreign-register anyway and still pay the $800 franchise tax. Consult a CPA on CA-specific strategies. The first $800 franchise tax isn't due until the 15th day of the 4th month — giving some relief for new LLCs.
Form Your California LLC Today
Bizee handles all California LLC paperwork for $0 service fee (you only pay the $70 state filing fee) and includes 1 year of free registered agent service — saving you $125 immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
Forming an LLC in California requires a $70 state filing fee (Articles of Organization). Add $125/year for a registered agent service and $$800/year for the annual report — total first-year cost is approximately $995. Important additional cost: $800/yr minimum franchise tax (due 15th day of 4th month), $20 Statement of Information every 2 years.
Should I form my LLC in California or another state?
If you conduct business primarily in California, form your LLC here. Forming in another state (Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico) and then operating in California requires paying foreign registration fees in California anyway — you end up paying both states' fees. Wyoming or New Mexico make sense only if you genuinely have no state-specific business presence and want lower costs or more privacy.
Do I need a registered agent in California?
Yes — California law requires every LLC to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in California during normal business hours. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a California address, but most business owners use a professional service ($50–$300/year) for privacy (your name and address are kept off public records) and reliability (someone is always available during business hours).
What are the annual costs to maintain an LLC in California?
Annual California LLC costs: Annual report fee: $800. Registered agent: $50–$300/year. Special costs: $800/yr minimum franchise tax (due 15th day of 4th month), $20 Statement of Information every 2 years. Add bookkeeping/accounting ($100–$500/month) and business insurance ($500–$2,000/year) for a realistic total operating cost.
California LLC Facts
- State filing fee
- $70
- Annual report fee
- $800/yr
- Registered agent
- $50–$300/yr
- Processing time
- 5–10 business days
- First year total
- ~$995
Compare Filing Fees
State LLC filing fees