Do I need a separate DBA in California?

Only if you trade under a name different from the LLC's registered name. That is filed as a fictitious business name statement with the county clerk where your business is located, not with the Secretary of State.

Can two California businesses share a name?

Not on the LLC register. A trademark is a separate question, and clearing your name with the USPTO is worth doing before you invest in branding.

Does California list LLC members publicly?

Not in the Articles of Organization. Managers or members are disclosed later on the Statement of Information, which is a public record.

Can a non-US resident form a California LLC?

Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement for members. Your agent for service of process, however, must be in California.

Can I avoid the $800 by forming in Wyoming or Nevada?

No, if you are actually doing business in California. The Franchise Tax Board applies the $800 to out of state LLCs that do business here, and you would then be paying two states instead of one.

Is the $800 deductible?

It is generally a deductible business expense on the federal return. Confirm the treatment with your accountant for your particular facts.

California state guide - 6 lessons

How to start an LLC in California

Forming a California LLC costs $70 on Form LLC-1, but the ongoing cost is what matters: every California LLC owes the Franchise Tax Board an $800 annual tax whether or not it trades, and an additional annual LLC fee of $900 to $11,790 when total California income reaches $250,000 or more. On top of that you file a Statement of Information within 90 days of formation and every two years after, at $20, with a $250 penalty for missing it, and some cities and counties require local business licenses, tax certificates or other registrations. This guide works through each step in the order you will do it, with the official page behind every figure.

California LLC facts at a glance

California LLC facts at a glance
Official filing agency	California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division
Formation document	Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
State filing fee	$70
Filing methods	Online through bizfileOnline, Mail to Sacramento, In person at the Sacramento counter
Typical processing (recent)	5-10 business days
Typical expedited processing	24 hours for an extra $350
Registered agent	Called the agent for service of process. Must be a California resident aged 18 or over, or a corporate agent that has filed Form 1505 with the Secretary of State.
Statement of Information (biennial)	$20, due Within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years
Late penalty	$250
State-level business tax	$800 minimum annual franchise tax on every California LLC, plus an additional annual LLC fee based on total California income of $250,000 or more.
Publication requirement	None
Name reservation	$10 for a 60 day reservation, optional
Annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board	$800 minimum every year, due by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation and annually thereafter
LLC fee on California income	$900 from $250,000, $2,500 from $500,000, $6,000 from $1,000,000, $11,790 from $5,000,000
Statewide business licence	None. Some cities and counties require local business licenses, tax certificates or other registrations.

Processing times reflect recent official guidance and change often. Check the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division current processing calendar before you rely on a date.

File it yourself

California accepts filings directly from business owners. You do not need us, or any other company, to form your LLC. Here is the official portal.

bizfileOnline, the Secretary of State filing portal

The California lessons

Start lesson 1

Related Gullia Filing pages

Or let us file your California LLC for you

Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1), act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.

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Official sources

Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team, Corporate formation specialists and registered agents