California lesson 6 of 6
Stay compliant: Statement of Information and local licences
California's ongoing paperwork is light compared with its tax bill, but the deadlines are strict and the penalty for missing the Statement of Information is out of proportion to the $20 fee.
The Statement of Information
Every California LLC files a Statement of Information, Form LLC-12, within 90 days of formation and then every two years during the filing window that ends on the last day of the anniversary month. The fee is $20. It lists the LLC's addresses, its managers or members, its agent for service of process, and a brief description of the business.
File it online through bizfileOnline. Note that as of August 2026 the Secretary of State requires web user access to be set up before a Statement of Information can be filed online, which is a step worth doing early rather than on the deadline.
Missing the Statement of Information leads to a $250 penalty assessed by the Franchise Tax Board and eventual suspension of the LLC, which strips its right to sue or defend itself in California courts.
Local licences
California has no statewide general business licence. Instead, some cities and counties require local business licenses, tax certificates or other registrations for anyone operating within their limits, and the cost varies from a flat sum to a percentage of gross receipts. The state's CalGold tool maps your activity and location to the permits you actually need.
Federal beneficial ownership reporting
Beneficial ownership reporting under the Corporate Transparency Act is federal, not Californian, and its scope has changed. Check the current FinCEN guidance for who has to file before you assume you do.
Key takeaways
- First Statement of Information is due within 90 days, then every two years, at $20.
- The late penalty is $250 plus suspension, so diary it.
- Check your city and county for a local business licence or tax certificate; there is no statewide licence.
Official sources
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.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team