California LLC Annual Requirements
Forming your California LLC is step one. Keeping it in good standing is the ongoing job. This page covers every recurring obligation so you know exactly what's due, when, and what happens if you miss it.
Annual Report Filing
California requires LLCs to file a biennial report with the California Secretary of State, along with a $20 fee. This report confirms or updates your LLC's basic information on file — entity name, principal address, agent for service of process, members or managers.
Frequency: every two years Fee: $20 Filed with: California Secretary of State (https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/)
California tax note: IMPORTANT: $800 annual franchise tax required by Franchise Tax Board (separate from SOS fees). LLCs with income over $250K pay additional fee ($900-$11,790 based on income). 24-hour expedite $350; same-day $750. First-year exemption (AB 85) expired after 2023.
Agent For Service Of Process Maintenance
Your LLC must maintain a agent for service of process with a physical California street address for as long as the entity exists. This is not optional — if the California Secretary of State has no valid agent for service of process on file, they can begin administrative dissolution proceedings.
A valid agent for service of process must:
- Have a physical street address in California (not just a PO box)
- Be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents
- Forward service of process and other official correspondence to you promptly
We handle this for you. Our agent for service of process service ensures your LLC always has a valid agent on file with the California Secretary of State.
What Happens If You Fall Out of Compliance
Missing your biennial report or losing your agent for service of process can lead to:
- Late fees and penalties — the California Secretary of State typically assesses penalties for late filings
- Administrative dissolution — the state involuntarily dissolves your LLC
- Loss of liability protection — once dissolved, the LLC no longer provides personal asset protection
- Difficulty reviving the entity — reinstatement usually requires paying back fees, penalties, and filing all missed reports
This is why compliance reminders matter. When you use our agent for service of process service, we send reminders ahead of every California deadline so nothing slips.
Federal Tax Obligations
Regardless of California's state-level requirements, every LLC has federal obligations:
- Federal income tax — single-member LLCs file on Schedule C (with personal return); multi-member LLCs file Form 1065
- Self-employment tax — LLC members typically owe self-employment tax on their share of profits
- Quarterly estimated taxes — if you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes, the IRS expects quarterly payments
- Employer taxes — if you have employees, you'll handle payroll taxes and filings
Stay on Top of It
Compliance isn't hard — it just requires knowing the deadlines and not missing them. We keep track so you don't have to.