File · budget · verify
California LLC costs
Start with the quoted state fees. Check the missing pieces before you file.
Verified core feesQuoted-fee subtotals · 1 and 3 years
- 1-year quoted-fee subtotal
- $890
- 3-year quoted-fee subtotal
- $2,510
Formation + quoted recurring fees with a verified schedule. Excludes publication, variable taxes, extra filing charges and optional services. These are subtotals, not a complete startup budget.
By the DollarScout team · Updated · Methodology · How we make money
State fees, with the evidence
Year 1 is the formation year. Open a row’s source text for conditions and the exact quote.
| Filing or obligation | Fee / rule and source |
|---|---|
| Formation filing | Show the source text$70 Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026Formation - Articles of Organization Form LLC-1 (PDF) $70.00 |
| Statement of information | Every 2 years; first due in year 1 (formation is year 1). Show the source text$20 Every Years: 2 First Year: 1 Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026Statement of Information : Due within 90 days of initial registration and every two years thereafter. Form LLC-12 (PDF) $20.00 |
| Annual minimum LLC tax | Every 1 year; first due in year 1 (formation is year 1). Show the source text$800 Every Years: 1 First Year: 1 Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026Annual Tax Every LLC that is doing business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800. This yearly tax will be due, even if you are not conducting business, until you cancel your LLC. You have until the 15th day of the 4th month from the date you file with the SOS to pay your first-year annual tax. |
| Franchise / privilege tax rule | Show the source textRule: In addition to the modeled annual minimum LLC tax, income-based LLC fees apply under the quoted income brackets. They are variable and excluded from fixed recurring totals. Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026LLC fee If your LLC will make more than $250,000, you will have to pay a fee. LLCs must estimate and pay the fee by the 15th day of the 6th month, of the current tax year. California income rounded If the total California income rounded to the nearest whole dollar is: The fee amount is: $250,000 - $499,999 $900 $500,000 - $999,999 $2,500 $1,000,000 - $4,999,999 $6,000 $5,000,000 or more $11,790 Use Estimated Fee for LLCs (FTB 3536) , to remit the estimated fee payment. |
| Publication requirement | |
| Expedite options | |
| Processing note | Show the source textNote: Online filing: 5 days or less; PDF forms: 10+ days. Official source (opens in a new tab) ↗Checked Oct 30, 2026File Online for fastest response 5 days or less California LLCs PDF Forms 10+ days |
Build your California estimate
Use the same math as our LLC cost calculator. Add your own agent and formation-service quotes.
3-year quoted-fee subtotal
$2,510
Formation + quoted scheduled obligations + your optional quotes.
- Year 1$890Formation filing fee · Statement of information · Annual minimum LLC tax
- Year 2$800Annual minimum LLC tax
- Year 3$820Statement of information · Annual minimum LLC tax
Unknown charges, variable taxes, publication and expedited filing are excluded. Review the state’s fee evidence.
What to verify
- Confirm the current formation fee and any payment, name-reservation or initial-report charges with California Secretary of State.
- Confirm recurring reporting frequency, your first due date and any tax or publication obligations that apply to your business.
- Review each item marked not verified yet. Get a quote for variable and conditional charges before treating this subtotal as your budget.
- Keep provider subscriptions, agent renewals and state processing times separate.
Choosing a filing service?
Compare published plans, registered-agent billing, renewal conditions and refund policies, with links to each provider’s evidence.
Neighbouring states
Costs are one part of deciding where to form. Check your obligations where your business operates.