California LLC Annual Compliance Checklist

Maintaining your California LLC in good standing requires meeting specific deadlines each year. Missing these can result in penalties, late fees, or administrative dissolution. Use this checklist to stay compliant.

For the formation process, see our formation guide.

Required Filings

Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)

• Due: within 90 days of formation, then biennially
• Fee: $20
• Filed with: California Secretary of State
• Portal: bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov
• What it contains: Current agent for service of process info, principal address, member/manager names

Consequence of missing: Franchise tax due April 15. Statement of Information due biennially. Failure to file SOI = suspension.

Federal Tax Return

• Due: March 15 (partnerships/S-corps) or April 15 (single-member/sole proprietor)
• Extension: File Form 7004 for 6-month extension (partnerships) or Form 4868 (personal)
• What to file: Form 1065 (multi-member), Schedule C on Form 1040 (single-member disregarded entity), or Form 1120-S (S-corp election)

State Tax Obligations

$800 annual franchise tax (FTB). LLCs with income over $250K pay additional fee ($900-$11,790). First-year exemption expired after 2023.

Quarterly Estimated Taxes

If you expect to owe $1,000+ in federal taxes:

• Q1: April 15
• Q2: June 15
• Q3: September 15
• Q4: January 15 (following year)

Maintenance Tasks

Agent for service of process

• Confirm your agent for service of process is still active and at the address on file
• If using a professional service, confirm renewal payment
• If your agent's address changes, file an update with California Secretary of State

Operating Agreement Review

Annually review and update if:

• Members changed
• Ownership percentages shifted
• Management structure evolved
• Capital contributions made

Business Licenses and Permits

• Verify all local business licenses are current
• Renew any expiring permits
• Confirm compliance with industry-specific regulations

Insurance Review

• General liability policy renewal
• Workers' compensation (if employees)
• Professional liability (if applicable)
• Adjust coverage as business grows

Calendar Summary

What Happens If You Miss a Deadline

1. Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) missed: Franchise tax due April 15. Statement of Information due biennially. Failure to file SOI = suspension.
2. Tax deadline missed: IRS and state penalties accrue (failure-to-file 5%/month, failure-to-pay 0.5%/month)
3. Agent for service of process lapses: The state may send notices to your last known address; eventual administrative dissolution risk

Tips for Staying Compliant

1. Set calendar reminders 30 days before each deadline
2. Use a professional agent for service of process service — we send filing reminders before deadlines
3. Automate estimated tax payments through EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)
4. Keep a compliance folder — all filings, receipts, and confirmations in one place
5. Review annually — dedicate one hour each January to review all compliance obligations

FAQ

What if my LLC had no income this year?

You must still file Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) and maintain agent for service of process regardless of income. Federal tax returns may still be required (Form 1065 for partnerships must be filed even with zero income).

Can I handle compliance myself?

Yes. All filings can be completed through bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov and irs.gov. No attorney or accountant is required for routine compliance, though they are helpful for tax planning.

What does administrative dissolution mean?

If you fail to file required reports, the state can involuntarily dissolve your LLC. This means you lose liability protection. See our reinstatement guide if this has happened.

For more guides, see our knowledge-base overview.