The full cost picture for a California LLC — state filing, annual compliance, any franchise or privilege taxes, and what our $299 flat service covers.
Most state filings price themselves in pieces — one fee for the Articles, another for an expedited option, a third for a certificate of good standing, and an annual report on top. The list below is what actually hits your card (or the state's portal) when you form a California LLC with us.
California imposes an $800 minimum annual franchise tax on every LLC, payable to the Franchise Tax Board regardless of income. It is owed every year the LLC exists, even in a loss year, and is separate from the Secretary of State filing fees. LLCs with gross receipts above $250,000 owe an additional gross-receipts fee on top of the $800 minimum.
California biennial report: $20 every two years.
California tax notes: IMPORTANT: $800 annual franchise tax required by Franchise Tax Board (separate from SOS fees). LLCs with income over $250K pay additional fee ($900-$11,790 based on income). 24-hour expedite $350; same-day $750. First-year exemption (AB 85) expired after 2023.
Agent for service of process service is $119/year after the included first year. It's optional — you can designate yourself, an employee, or a different commercial agent at any time by filing a change-of-agent form with the California Secretary of State.
The $299 is a flat service fee. It is not:
Reservation takes three minutes. A formation specialist in Sacramento handles the rest.