How to Form an LLC in California (2026 Guide)
Everything you need to form a California LLC: state filing fee ($70), processing time (5-10 business days), annual compliance, taxes, and the exact 7-step process. Reviewed by IRS Enrolled Agents.
To form an LLC in California, file the Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State (fee: $70), appoint a registered agent with a California street address, obtain an EIN from the IRS, and adopt an operating agreement. Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. The annual statement of information (biennial) is $20, due Within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years. With Gullia Filing, total first-year cost is $239 (all-inclusive: state fee, registered agent, EIN, operating agreement).
California LLC Cost Breakdown
Total transparent pricing for forming and maintaining a California LLC. No surprise upsells, no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California SoS filing fee | $70 | One-time, paid to the state |
| Expedited processing (optional) | +$350 | Reduces wait to 24 hours |
| Registered agent (year 1) | Included | Included free in every Gullia package |
| EIN (Federal Tax ID) | Included | Filed with the IRS, no extra charge |
| Operating agreement | Included | Attorney-reviewed, state-compliant |
| Gullia Filing Starter service fee | $149 | Flat fee, no upsells |
| Total first-year cost | $239 | All-inclusive, no surprises |
| Recurring: Statement of Information (biennial) | $20/yr | Due Within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years |
The 7-Step California LLC Formation Process
Every California LLC follows the same core process. Here is exactly what happens, in order, and what Gullia Filing handles on your behalf.
Choose a California LLC name
Pick a name that includes "LLC", "L.L.C.", or "Limited Liability Company" and is distinguishable from existing California entities. Our free name check tool verifies availability against the California Secretary of State database in seconds.
Appoint a California registered agent
California requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state to receive legal and tax notices. Gullia Filing provides this service in every package, protecting your privacy and ensuring you never miss a critical filing.
File the Articles of Organization
Submit formation paperwork to the California Secretary of State with a $70 filing fee. Expedited processing is available for $350 additional. We handle the filing electronically and forward your certified copy within 5-10 business days.
Obtain your EIN (Federal Tax ID)
Apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number, required to open a US business bank account, hire employees, and file federal taxes. Included free in every Gullia Filing package.
Draft an operating agreement
An operating agreement establishes member rights, profit distributions, management structure, and dispute resolution. Even single-member LLCs benefit from having one on file for bank account opening and to reinforce the corporate veil. We provide a state-compliant, attorney-reviewed template in every package.
Register for California taxes and licenses
Register with the California Department of Revenue for state tax IDs, sales tax permits if applicable, and any industry-specific licenses. Our compliance calendar tracks every deadline automatically.
Open a US business bank account
With your EIN, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement, you can open a US business bank account. We provide bank-ready document packages and can introduce you to fintech partners that accept remote onboarding.
California LLC Tax Obligations
State tax summary
$800 minimum franchise tax due every year regardless of income. LLCs earning over $250,000 in California pay an additional gross receipts fee ($900-$11,790).
Franchise tax: $800 minimum annual franchise tax on every California LLC, plus a gross receipts fee on revenues over $250,000.
Federal tax defaults
A single-member California LLC is treated as a disregarded entity federally (income flows to Schedule C or E of the owner's Form 1040). A multi-member LLC defaults to partnership taxation (Form 1065). You may elect S-Corp status (Form 2553) or C-Corp status (Form 8832) if it reduces overall tax.
See tax and accounting servicesWhy form your LLC in California
- Largest US state economy — sixth-largest globally by GDP.
- Deep talent pool in tech, entertainment, and biotech unavailable elsewhere.
- First-year franchise tax is waived for LLCs formed 2021-2023 (check current status).
Things to watch for in California
- The $800 annual franchise tax applies even if the LLC had zero revenue or never operated.
- California's 'doing business' test is aggressive — a Wyoming or Delaware LLC with any California nexus (employee, office, significant sales) owes the $800 too.
Top industries for California LLCs
Gullia Filing vs Alternatives (California)
The state filing fee is the same everywhere. What differs is the service fee, what is included, and how transparent the pricing is.
| Provider | Base service fee | Registered agent Y1 | EIN included | Operating agreement | Total first year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gullia Filing (Starter) | $149 | Included | Yes (free) | Yes (attorney-reviewed) | $219 |
| DIY (file yourself) | $0 | $50-150 or self | Self (free) | No (buy separately) | $70+ |
| Bizee (Silver) | $0 + upsells | Free Y1, $119/yr after | Upsell ($70) | Upsell ($99) | $239+ |
| LegalZoom (Basic) | $249 | Upsell ($299/yr) | Upsell ($79) | Upsell ($99) | $796+ |
| Northwest RA | $39 | $125/yr | Upsell ($200) | Yes (template) | $434+ |
| ZenBusiness (Starter) | $0 + $199/yr | Free Y1, $199/yr after | Upsell ($99) | Upsell ($99) | $269+ |
Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of 2026. State filing fee ($70) is paid to California and identical across providers. Verify current pricing directly with each provider before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions about forming an LLC in California, answered by our Enrolled Agents.
Compare California to nearby states
Ready to form your California LLC?
Flat $149 service fee. State fee $70 paid directly to California. EIN, registered agent, and operating agreement included. No upsells, no surprises.