How Much Does an LLC Cost in California? (2026 Fees & Taxes)
California charges $70 to file Articles of Organization and $20 for the Statement of Information, due within 90 days and then every two years. Every California LLC also owes the Franchise Tax Board an $800 annual tax. Here is what you pay at checkout and what comes due afterward.
Last reviewed October 2026. State fees change; confirm current amounts with the official California sources linked at the end of this page.
The short answer
California charges a $70 filing fee for the Articles of Organization. After formation, the LLC owes a $20 Statement of Information within 90 days (then $20 every two years) and an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board. Together these listed government charges come to a baseline of $890 in the first year. That baseline excludes registered agent costs, local licences, professional fees and any additional LLC fee based on California income.
California LLC cost breakdown
What you pay at checkout (Gold package)
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization, paid to the Secretary of State) | $70 | At checkout |
| Gullia Filing Gold package service fee (first-year registered agent, EIN application, operating agreement) | $199 | At checkout |
Gold package checkout price: $269. This is not the complete first-year cost.
Government charges due after checkout
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Information (paid to the Secretary of State) | $20 | Within 90 days of registration, then every two years |
| Annual LLC tax (paid to the Franchise Tax Board, Form FTB 3522) | $800 | First year: by the 15th day of the 4th month after filing with the Secretary of State. Then by the 15th day of the 4th month of each taxable year |
| Additional LLC fee (Franchise Tax Board) | Depends on California income | Only if total income from all sources derived from or attributable to California is $250,000 or more |
Optional and other costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered agent renewal | $120 per year | After the first year included in the Gold package. You may act as your own agent if you qualify. |
| Expedited state processing | Set by the Secretary of State | Optional. Check the Secretary of State for current expedite fees and processing times. |
| Local business licences or city taxes | Varies by city or county | Depends on where and how the business operates. |
The $800 annual LLC tax is owed every year the LLC is organized in or doing business in California, even with no income, until the LLC is cancelled. An additional LLC fee applies when total income from all sources derived from or attributable to California is $250,000 or more.
California LLCs have their own state tax filings, including Form 568 and the FTB 3522 annual tax voucher. If you want help with these returns, see our US tax preparation services.
What founders in California overpay for
- The $800 annual tax is due even if the LLC had no revenue, until the LLC is formally cancelled.
- Forming in another state does not automatically remove California obligations. An out-of-state LLC that is doing business in California may need to register with the Secretary of State and pay the annual tax, depending on the facts.
- Late filing penalties. Late or missing Statements of Information can lead to penalties and suspension. Check the Secretary of State for current rules
- Franchise tax. Every LLC doing business in or organized in California owes the $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board. An additional LLC fee applies when total income from all sources derived from or attributable to California is $250,000 or more.
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California LLC cost FAQs
Official California sources
Gullia Filing is a private filing service, not a government agency. Fees are set by the state and can change, so verify current amounts directly:
- California Secretary of State: Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
- California Secretary of State: Statements of Information
- California Secretary of State: Business Entity Forms and Fees
- California Franchise Tax Board: Limited liability company (annual tax and LLC fee)
- California Franchise Tax Board: Business due dates
Start your California LLC: Gold package $269 at checkout
Gold package checkout price: the $70 California filing fee plus our $199 service fee, which includes first-year registered agent service, EIN application and an operating agreement. The $20 Statement of Information, the $800 annual LLC tax and any additional LLC fee are paid later and are not included in this price.