Form Your California LLC
Start your California LLC today. File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State for just $70. Be aware: California imposes an $800 annual franchise tax on all LLCs starting in the first taxable year .
California LLC Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Formation document | Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) |
| Filing fee | $70 |
| Filed with | CA Secretary of State (bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov) |
| Processing time | 3-5 business days (online) |
| Statement of Information | $20 (due within 90 days) |
| Annual franchise tax | $800/year (no first-year exemption — AB 85 expired after 2023) |
| State income tax | 1%-13.3% |
| Agent terminology | Agent for Service of Process (not "registered agent") |
| Series LLC | Not available in California |
| Professional LLC | Not available (use Professional Corporation) |
What to Know Before Forming
- $800 annual franchise tax — owed every year regardless of revenue, starting in the first taxable year
- No first-year exemption — the AB 85 exemption expired after 2023; LLCs formed 2024+ owe $800 from year one
- LLCs cannot be agents — your agent must be an individual or a corporation (unique to CA)
- No Series LLC — each entity needing liability protection is a separate LLC ($800/year each)
Filing fees and requirements verified as of May 2026. Check your state's filing authority website for current information.
Get Started
See our complete step-by-step California LLC formation guide or start your order.
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