Form an LLC in California
How to start an LLC in California.
What the state asks for, what it charges, and what to file after you form. Fees checked against official California sources in .
A huge market, but every LLC pays at least $800 a year in state tax from year one.
California at a glance
- State filing fee
- $70
- Articles of Organization
- Annual tax
- $800
- Every year
- Filed with
- California Secretary of State
- Operating agreement
- Required by state law (it can be oral or written)
The $800 annual LLC tax generally applies from the first taxable year. Additional LLC fees apply at specified California income thresholds. These are the state's own fees, separate from ours, and they can change. Confirm with the California Secretary of State before you file.
Forming an LLC in California, step by step.
- 1
Choose a name and check it
Your name needs "LLC" or a similar designator and must be distinguishable from names on record. Search the California business database first.
- 2
Appoint a agent for service of process
Someone with a street address in California who accepts legal papers and official notices for the LLC. You can serve yourself or use a registered agent service.
- 3
File the Articles of Organization
File with the California Secretary of State. The state fee is $70.
- 4
Write an operating agreement
Required by state law (it can be oral or written). Either way it sets ownership, money, and decisions in writing. See the operating agreement guide.
- 5
Get an EIN
The business's federal tax ID, free from the IRS. Our EIN assistance can prepare it.
- 6
Register for sales tax if you sell taxable items
California issues a Seller's Permit through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Check local licenses too.
- 7
File your Annual tax
Every year: generally the 15th day of the fourth month of the taxable year. The fee is $800.
General information, not legal or tax advice. State rules and fees change; this page was last checked in October 2026. YaH Brands is not a law firm or an accounting firm.
Forming in California? We prepare and file it, keep track of the follow-ups, and a real person answers when you call.
Services for this step
Every service is available on its own. Add only what your business needs.
- LLC filingPrepare the LLC filing you choose.
- Registered agentKnow who receives official notices for your business.
- EIN application assistanceGet oriented to your business tax ID application.
- Business AddressGive your business an address that fits how it works.
- Business license & permit researchFind out which permissions your business may need.
- Sales tax permit assistanceGet clear on sales tax registration steps.
Keep reading
All LLC guides- Start here8 min read
How to start an LLC
The steps to form an LLC in any state: choose a state and name, appoint a registered agent, file, write an operating agreement, get an EIN, and handle what comes after.
Read the guide - Keep it running5 min read
Annual report
What an LLC annual report is, what it asks for, how often it is due, and what happens if you miss it, including late fees and administrative dissolution.
Read the guide - Set it up6 min read
Foreign vs. domestic LLC
What domestic and foreign LLCs are, when you need to register in another state, how foreign qualification works, and whether to form out of state.
Read the guide
California LLC questions
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $70. Plan for ongoing costs too, including the Annual tax fee of $800. The $800 annual LLC tax generally applies from the first taxable year. Additional LLC fees apply at specified California income thresholds.
Yes. California requires a Annual tax every year. The fee is $800, due generally the 15th day of the fourth month of the taxable year.
Required by state law (it can be oral or written). Having one is still a good idea for any LLC, and banks often ask for it.
Yes. Every California LLC must keep a agent for service of process with a physical address in the state to accept legal papers and official notices.