How to form an LLC in California for $0 service fee.
California state filing fee is $70. Standard processing is 5 to 8 business days. We file Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State, obtain your EIN, file your BOI report with FinCEN, and provide California Registered Agent service free for the first year.
Why entrepreneurs file an LLC in California.
World's 5th-largest economy. $800 minimum annual franchise tax is the major ongoing cost. Heavy regulation but the largest market. Strong VC ecosystem. State income tax up to 13.3%.
Where California businesses are based.
You can form your Californian LLC from any of these metros (or anywhere in the state). Most founders form in the state where they live and operate.
The California formation rules at a glance.
- $70 filing fee, $800 minimum annual franchise tax, plus $20 biennial Statement of Information
- Processing: 5 to 8 business days ($350 expedited)
- Filed with the California Secretary of State in Sacramento
- Top industries: Technology & software, Entertainment & media, Agriculture
Our take Form in California if you operate in California. The $800 tax applies either way, so out-of-state formation adds friction without saving cost. Form in Delaware only if venture capital requires it.
Business Programs Division processes LLC formations from Sacramento. We file your Articles of Organization electronically with this office. Annual report obligation: $800 minimum annual franchise tax, plus $20 biennial Statement of Information.
FILED ELECTRONICALLY · 5 TO 8 BUSINESS DAYSA clean handoff, in four steps.
You give us the basics. We handle the state, the IRS, and the compliance clock so you can focus on the business.
A name that's actually available.
Real-time check against the state register, USPTO trademark database, and matching domains.
Filed with the Secretary of State.
We submit your Articles, pay the state fee on your behalf, and return the stamped certificate.
EIN + the right tax setup.
Federal Employer ID with the IRS, plus state tax accounts when your business needs them.
Registered Agent + deadline tracking.
Your agent on file in every state, with every renewal and annual report tracked in one calendar.
From form to filed in California, in four steps.
California vs neighbors.
If you can operate from multiple states, here is how California compares.
California business resources beyond formation.
After you file, these California-specific organizations help with mentoring, funding, exporting, and growth.
California-specific LLC questions.
Is the $800 California franchise tax mandatory?
Should I form my LLC in California or Delaware?
What is the CA Statement of Information?
How does California tax LLC income?
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
How long does it take to form an LLC in California?
Do I need to live in California to form an LLC there?
What is a California Registered Agent?
What about BOI reporting for my Californian LLC?
Start your Californian LLC in 5 minutes.
Tell us a few details. We file with the California Secretary of State, obtain your EIN, file your BOI, and set up your California Registered Agent.
Related searches: form LLC in California · Californian LLC cost 2026 · California Secretary of State LLC · best LLC service California · California business formation · how to start LLC in California · Californian LLC filing fee · California business registration
LLCs we have formed in California.
Recommended add-ons
Most customers add these to keep their business compliant year-round.
Registered Agent - Year 1
RecommendedRequired in every state. We act as your legal point of contact and forward filings same-day.
EIN / Federal Tax ID
Most orderedYour business identifier for taxes, bank accounts, hiring, and 1099s. Filed same business day.
Operating Agreement (LLC) / Bylaws (Corp)
State-compliant internal governance doc. Required by most banks at account opening.
Compliance Monitoring
Best valueTrack every annual report, registered agent renewal, and license deadline across all your entities.