California LLC Cost Calculator & 5-Year Taxes
Initial state filing fee: $70. Ongoing annual report fee: $20 (biennial). Franchise tax: $800/yr minimum.
Check if your LLC name is taken on official California database
Every LLC name must be legally distinguishable on state records. Perform a free corporate name lookup on the official California Secretary of State (bizfile California) registry before submitting your $70 Articles of Organization.
How Much Does an LLC Cost in California?
An LLC in California costs $70 to form (one-time state filing fee) and $20 per year in biennial report fees. California also charges a $800/yr minimum franchise tax. The estimated total 5-year cost is $4,325, including state fees, annual reports, and registered agent service.
| Fee Component | Statutory Cost | Frequency | Due Date / Requirement | Recipient Entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Filing Fee) | $70 | One-time | Upon LLC formation | California Secretary of State (bizfile California) |
| Periodic Annual / Biennial Report | $20 | biennial | Due Every 2 years by end of anniversary month (Statement of Information) | California Secretary of State (bizfile California) |
| State Franchise Tax / Entity Fee | $800/yr | Annual | Annual tax schedule | State Tax Department |
| Registered Agent Service | $0 (Self) or $39–$125 | Annual | Continuous requirement | Appointed agent / Commercial service |
| Operating Agreement & Federal EIN | $0 (Free) | One-time | Internal record / IRS issuance | Internal Company Record / IRS |
| Initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | One-time | Statutory publication period | County designated publishers |
| Total Minimum Initial Formation | $90 (State statutory fees to open LLC) | |||
California LLC 5-Year Cost Model
CAChoose a state and assumptions. Your five-year estimate updates instantly.
Future years assume today's reviewed rates remain unchanged. Historical estimates are not enabled because older rules have not been fully verified.
This estimate covers liabilities incurred in five taxable years (2026–2030), even when payment is due later.
Rules: ca-llc-annual-tax-2026.1Future years use an unchanged-current-law assumption. Income tax, legal advice, penalties, and unselected optional services are excluded.
Initial formation fee ($70) + publication + registered agent
Biennial ($20 every 2 yrs) + franchise tax
Estimated liability for the selected inputs and disclosed scope in California.
Five taxable years by cost category(Click any year to inspect)
Select a year to inspect its included liabilities and applicable tax due date.
Tax year 2026 included items
Total: $9295-Year Budget Allocation by Cost Category
Save on your California filing fees & protect your personal privacy
Pro Tip: Filing directly through the state exposes your personal home address on public government records forever. You can keep your private details off the public registry and save time by using a top-rated Registered Agent service starting at $39 + state fees.
Open a zero-fee business checking account for your California LLC
Separate your business finances immediately to preserve limited liability corporate veil protection.
California LLC Statutory Framework & Compliance Guide (2026)
Statutory requirements and fee schedules under the California Secretary of State (bizfile California).
Initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)
Must be filed within 90 days of formation ($20 fee).
California Franchise Tax & Business Privilege Tax Rules
The standard $800 annual LLC tax applies in the first year for a typical LLC formed in 2026. The broad 2021-2023 first-year exemption has expired. Additional LLC fees apply when California total income reaches $250,000; special exceptions are outside this estimate.
| Revenue Threshold | Description / State Fee Assessment |
|---|---|
| $250,000+ | CA LLC Fee for Gross Revenue $250k - $499,999: $900 |
| $500,000+ | CA LLC Fee for Gross Revenue $500k - $999,999: $2,500 |
| $1,000,000+ | CA LLC Fee for Gross Revenue $1M - $4,999,999: $6,000 |
| $5,000,000+ | CA LLC Fee for Gross Revenue $5M+: $11,790 |
Advantages of a California LLC
- Massive local market and VC ecosystem
- Large local market and established business ecosystem
Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
- $800 annual LLC tax generally applies from the first taxable year
- Additional fee on gross revenue above $250k
- Strict foreign qualification enforcement
Founder Pro-Tip for California
Even if you form a Delaware or Wyoming LLC, if you live or do business in California, you MUST register as a Foreign LLC in CA and pay the $800/yr anyway!
Step-by-Step California LLC Formation Checklist (2026)
Choose an Available Entity Name
Must include "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and be distinguishable on the California Secretary of State (bizfile California) registry.
Appoint a California Registered Agent
Must have a physical street address in California (no P.O. boxes) to receive official service of process during regular business hours.
File Articles of Organization ($70 State Fee)
Submit electronically to the California Secretary of State (bizfile California). Approval is typically granted within 3-5 business days online.
Execute an Operating Agreement & Obtain Federal EIN
Establish member capital contributions, voting rights, and obtain a free 9-digit EIN from IRS.gov for business checking accounts.
Maintain Ongoing Legal Good Standing (Every 2 years by end of anniversary month (Statement of Information))
Submit the biennial report with the $20 fee to prevent automatic forfeiture or late fee assessments.
California LLC Cost FAQ
Common questions about forming and maintaining an LLC in California.
How much does it cost to start an LLC in California?
The state filing fee to form an LLC in California is $70, paid to the California Secretary of State (bizfile California) when you file your Articles of Organization. With a registered agent service ($39–$125/yr) and the mandatory Initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) ($20), expect to pay approximately $129 in your first year.
What is the California LLC filing fee for 2026?
The California LLC filing fee is $70. This is a one-time fee paid to the California Secretary of State (bizfile California) to register your Articles of Organization. Expedited processing is available for an additional $350. Normal processing time is 3-5 business days online.
What are the annual fees for an LLC in California?
California charges a biennial report fee of $20, due Every 2 years by end of anniversary month (Statement of Information). Additionally, California imposes a franchise tax of $800/year minimum. The standard $800 annual LLC tax applies in the first year for a typical LLC formed in 2026. The broad 2021-2023 first-year exemption has expired. Additional LLC fees apply when California total income reaches $250,000; special exceptions are outside this estimate.
How much does it cost to maintain a California LLC per year?
The annual cost to maintain a California LLC includes the biennial report fee ($20), the state franchise/entity tax ($800/yr minimum), and a registered agent ($39–$125/yr). Over 5 years, the estimated total cost is $4,325.
Does California have a franchise tax for LLCs?
Yes. California imposes a franchise tax on LLCs: The standard $800 annual LLC tax applies in the first year for a typical LLC formed in 2026. The broad 2021-2023 first-year exemption has expired. Additional LLC fees apply when California total income reaches $250,000; special exceptions are outside this estimate. The minimum annual franchise tax is $800.
Can I form an LLC in California if I live in another state?
Yes, you can form a domestic LLC in California regardless of where you live. However, if your principal business operations are in a different state, you will also need to register as a Foreign LLC in that state. In California, foreign LLC registration costs $70 plus $820/year in ongoing fees — often resulting in paying double.
Compare California with Rival & Neighboring States
Evaluating formation options? Review fee structures in competing jurisdictions: