Data status: Reviewed sample row · Last reviewed 2025-01-15
California LLC fees & ongoing costs
Figures below are modeled from our dataset. Informational only. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Fees and rules change; confirm with official agencies.
- Formation filing (dataset)
- $70
- Confirm on the official filing office site.
- Periodic report (SOS-style)
- $20 · biennialStatement of information (biennial, SOS) + FTB annual tax modeled separately
- Franchise / privilege tax (modeled)
- $800–$800 / yr (band)
- Many LLCs see at least the FTB annual minimum tax—your facts may differ; confirm with the Franchise Tax Board.
- SOS filing and FTB taxes are separate systems—budget both, not just the Articles fee.
- Publication / notice
- Not flagged as a publication state in our dataset
- Registered agent
- Usually required — ~$149/yr commercial assumption
- Expedited filing
- ~$350 (estimate)
Baseline first-year (modeled)
$219
Self-file, registered agent on, no expedite—same as featured cards. Open the calculator to change assumptions.
Baseline annual recurring (modeled)
$959
Includes annualized biennial fees and midpoint taxes when modeled.
Official source
Confirm fees, forms, and due dates on the state site before filing: California business filings.
Notes
Low formation fee, high ongoing load for many businesses: FTB minimum tax is often the dominant annual line item alongside SOS compliance.
FAQ
Why is California’s ongoing cost high even with a low filing fee?+
Many California LLCs owe at least the annual minimum tax to the Franchise Tax Board, separate from the Secretary of State filing. Your actual liability can differ—verify with official guidance.
Is forming in Nevada cheaper if I work in California?+
If you operate in California, you may still need to register in California. Compare total compliance in every state where you have activity, not only the formation state.