California LLC Cost: $70 to File Articles (2026)

Fact-checked and updated September 14, 2026.

A California LLC costs $70 to file Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the Secretary of State. Within 90 days, file the initial Statement of Information for $20. Separately, every California LLC owes the Franchise Tax Board $800 annual LLC tax—and for 2026 formations the temporary first-year exemption has expired, so budget first-year $800 unless a qualifying short-form cancellation exception applies. You can file through bizfile Online or use ZenBusiness Starter for a $0 formation service fee plus the same $70 Articles fee. Optional services cost extra.

This guide is for creating a new California LLC. If you already have an LLC formed in another state, check California’s foreign LLC registration and tax rules before creating a second company.

California LLC costs: required fees and optional extras

Start with the California SOS business-entities fee schedule and the FTB LLC page. SOS and FTB charges are separate from anything a formation company bills you.

Budget example: $70 Articles + $20 initial SOI + $800 first-year annual tax equals $890 in those core government charges for a typical 2026 formation—before any graduated LLC fee, city licenses, insurance, or professional help. The 2021–2023 first-year $800 exemption window is closed on current FTB guidance.

Confirm SOS expedite prices on the Service Options page before paying rush premiums beyond the base $70/$20 amounts.

Should you file on bizfile or use ZenBusiness?

Choose DIY if you are comfortable completing LLC-1, calendaring the 90-day Statement of Information, and registering with FTB for the $800 tax. Choose a filing service if you prefer a guided questionnaire and help preparing the Articles. Either way, you remain responsible for SOI timing and FTB payments unless a paid compliance product actually files them—and you should verify that it did.

ZenBusiness lists Starter at $0 without a base-plan renewal. Its optional first year of Worry-Free Compliance renews at $199/year; registered-agent service is listed at $199/year (intro pricing may show about $99 for the first year—confirm at checkout). EIN and operating-agreement services are separate Starter purchases. Check the current package terms and checkout selections.

A free introductory service can become a recurring expense. Before paying, review the initial total, renewal amounts, and cancellation terms. Keep a copy of your selections. A reminder is not confirmation that SOI or FTB Form 3522 was filed, and California’s $800 tax remains separate from any ZenBusiness fee.

Can you be your own California agent for service of process?

Yes. California requires continuous maintenance of an agent for service of process: an individual California resident with a street address, or a corporation that has complied with Corp. Code § 1505 (corporate agents are listed by name only on the Articles). A member may serve if they are a California resident individual. See Corp. Code § 17701.13 and the LLC-1 instructions on SOS forms.

Consider whether you can reliably receive legal documents at a California street address during business hours. If your work keeps you on job sites, a commercial agent may be more practical. Compare delivery procedures and renewal costs before choosing.

Plan your address use before filing. SOS records are public. The designated office address, mailing address, and agent address are separate fields. Hiring an agent does not automatically privatize every address on the filing. Supply accurate information in every field.

How to file your California LLC: a practical checklist

1. Check the name. Search bizfile business search and confirm the name includes “limited liability company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC” and meets Corp. Code § 17701.08 restrictions. Optional name reservation is available. Filing acceptance is not a trademark clearance.
2. Gather addresses and agent details. Have the California designated-office street address (and mailing if different), agent information, and management structure ready. Do not enter someone else’s signature without permission.
3. Decide who manages the company. Choose member-managed or manager-managed as required on LLC-1. Ask your bank what ownership records it needs for an account.
4. File Articles of Organization. Prefer bizfile Online and pay $70. Check the current processing dates; they move. Optional expedite services exist—confirm current prices before paying premiums.
5. Confirm acceptance, then file SOI and register with FTB. Save the filed Articles. File LLC-12 within 90 days ($20). Calendar the $800 annual tax due date (15th day of the fourth month after Articles filing for the first year) and later biennial SOI periods.

How long does approval take?

bizfile Online is the fastest SOS path, but processing dates still apply—do not treat payment as automatic approval. Expedite options can shorten SOS handling when purchased. A service’s preparation time is separate from California’s review. ZenBusiness lists standard preparation at 7–10 business days before state processing; faster service preparation does not guarantee immediate state approval.

If a lease, financing, or opening date depends on the LLC, leave room for name issues, processing backlog, and the separate SOI/FTB steps. Completing an online questionnaire is not the moment the company is approved.

Statement of Information and the $800 annual LLC tax

California’s ongoing entity compliance has two parallel tracks: SOS Statements of Information and FTB annual tax (plus any LLC fee).

Statement of Information. File the initial LLC-12 within 90 days after the Articles are filed, then biennially during the applicable filing period (Corp. Code § 17702.09). The fee is $20. Missing it can trigger a $250 SOS penalty collected by FTB.

$800 annual LLC tax. Every LLC organized or doing business in California owes $800 to FTB each tax year, generally even if inactive, until the LLC is cancelled with the SOS. Pay with FTB Form 3522. First-year tax is typically due by the 15th day of the fourth month after the SOS accepts the Articles. The temporary first-year exemption for tax years beginning on/after January 1, 2021 and before January 1, 2024 has expired—treat 2026 new LLCs as owing first-year $800 unless FTB’s short-form cancellation exception applies.

If total California income reaches $250,000 or more, an additional graduated LLC fee may apply ($900 to $11,790 depending on the tier). Estimate with FTB Form 3536 and file Form 568 as required. See FTB’s LLC guidance.

Starting near year-end? Forming late in the year still starts the 90-day SOI clock and the first-year $800 due-date clock from the Articles filing date. Choose the formation date around real operations, then calendar both SOS and FTB deadlines immediately.

After filing: get the business ready to operate

• Document how the LLC works. California recognizes operating agreements broadly (Corp. Code § 17701.02). A written agreement is strongly advisable to set ownership, contributions, voting, and exits, and to vary certain default rules with informed consent (§ 17701.10). Do not file the OA with the SOS.
• Get an EIN when needed. Form the entity first, then use the free IRS application if eligible. An EIN service fee pays someone to assist; it is not an IRS charge.
• Separate business finances. Ask the bank for its document checklist—many California banks want filed Articles, EIN confirmation, and an operating agreement. Keep trade-name (DBA) filings consistent with contracts.
• Check taxes and operating permissions. Formation does not issue a city business license, seller’s permit, or professional credential, and it does not by itself elect S-corporation taxation. Review IRS LLC tax classifications, FTB accounts, CDTFA sales/use tax if applicable, and local requirements for your work.
• Check the current BOI rule. As of this review, FinCEN exempts entities created in the United States from beneficial-ownership reporting. A newly created California LLC falls within that exemption. Consult FinCEN directly before buying a BOI filing add-on.

For a simple one-owner operation, use a short checklist. Complex ownership or tax elections need more than formation paperwork—and the $800 tax still applies while the LLC exists.

Match insurance to the work your LLC performs

Entity formation and insurance solve different problems. Ask the insurer to identify the correct business and operations; ask clients or landlords what coverage and certificate of insurance they require. Use the relevant guide to compare coverage:

• California cleaning business insurance
• California food truck insurance
• California HVAC insurance
• California landscaping insurance
• California daycare insurance

Continue with the California business guide for the broader startup process.

California LLC questions before you file

What is the cheapest way to form a California LLC?

Articles of Organization (LLC-1) cost $70. Filing directly avoids a third-party preparation charge; ZenBusiness Starter also advertises a $0 formation service fee plus the same $70 state fee. Budget the $20 initial Statement of Information within 90 days and the $800 Franchise Tax Board annual LLC tax—the temporary first-year exemption window has expired for 2026 formations.

Is the $800 California LLC tax due in the first year?

Yes for typical 2026 formations. FTB’s first-year exemption applied only for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2021 and before January 1, 2024. New LLCs generally owe the $800 annual tax by the 15th day of the fourth month after the Articles are filed with the Secretary of State, unless a qualifying short-form cancellation exception applies.

When is the Statement of Information due?

File the initial Statement of Information (LLC-12) within 90 days after the Articles are filed, then biennially during the applicable filing period. The fee is $20. Failure can trigger a $250 penalty collected by FTB.

Does forming an LLC give me a California business license?

No. Formation creates the entity with the Secretary of State. City business licenses, seller’s permits, professional licenses, and tax accounts are separate steps before you open.

Can I get an EIN without buying a service?

Yes. The IRS issues EINs free. Form the LLC first, then check eligibility for the IRS online application or use its alternative application instructions.