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Back to LLC Formation Cost Guides
Written by: Natalie Fell
Natalie is a business writer with experience in operations, HR, and training & development within the software, healthcare, and financial services sectors.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Updated on March 17, 2023
If you’re thinking of starting a limited liability company (LLC) in California, you’ll want to know in advance how much it’s going to cost. LLC formation fees vary by state, so it’s wise to do a bit of research and prepare yourself, and your new business, for the necessary steps.
| Requirement | Cost/Fee |
|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $70 |
| Certified Copy – Articles of Organization | $5 |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Free |
| Name Reservation | $10 |
| Registered Agent Service | $50 – $300 |
| Operating Agreement | $0 – $2500 |
| Annual Report | $20 |
| Franchise Tax | $800 |
| Business Licenses and Renewals | varies – check with state and local government |
In California, you form an LLC by filing articles of organization, which requires a $70 fee. It’s a simple process you can do online at the Secretary of State website.
If you need a certified copy of the articles of organization, there is a $5 fee. If you need a certificate of good standing, it is free of charge if you request a copy online. If you’d like the state to hold your LLC name before you register, you can apply online here for $10 to reserve it for 60 days.
In California, you are required to have a registered agent, also known as an agent of service in process. A registered agent is a person or business authorized to accept and respond to legal, tax, and financial documents on behalf of your business.
In California, you can be your own registered agent, or it can be another member of the LLC. An individual who is not a member or a professional agency can also serve as the registered agent for your LLC.
Costs for a registered agent service range from $50 a year up to $300 or more. Several online firms, such as ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent, provide quality services at reasonable rates.
Starting an LLC requires obtaining the required licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments. Fees for these vary, but most costs are minimal.
Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as, health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific permits.
You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments to learn more.
Business license fees depend on the type of business and the agency issuing the license or permit. On average, business licenses cost between $100 and $300+, plus renewal fees.
You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package ($149 + state fees). They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.
In California, your LLC is not required to have an operating agreement in place. But it’s highly recommended, as an effective operating agreement can help avoid disputes and lawsuits that could threaten the stability of your LLC.
An LLC operating agreement is an important legal document that details who owns the business and provides essential information pertaining to member duties. An LLC operating agreement establishes the financial relationship between members and the basics of the working relationships between those members and the managers who oversee daily operations.
The operating agreement is not filed with the state, but instead remains private. It’s advisable to hire an attorney to ensure your operating agreement is thorough and legally binding.
Creating an operating agreement is free if you just draw it up yourself. Alternatively, you can pay around $100 for guidance from an online business advisory.
This is an extremely important document, so it’s recommended that you use the services of a specialist or legal firm. If you choose to hire an attorney, the price will be around $500 for a single-member LLC and $2,500 for a multi-member LLC.
Forming an LLC in California tends to involve a lot of red tape and paperwork, so for many entrepreneurs just starting out it’s a good idea to hire an experienced service provider.
Some of the best services for forming an LLC are ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent. LLC Formation service will take care of all the key steps, keeping you updated while allowing you to focus on launching and growing your business.
The cost of professional services depends on your requirements and LLC formation plan. Most LLC service providers offer different plans/packages and there are many LLC services that offer free LLC formation.
Every state has a different fee structure and timelines for LLC documents and licenses. It’s important to stay up-to-date or your business could face significant penalties. The fees and timelines for California are detailed below.
You’ll need to file an LLC annual report, known as a statement of information in California, with your state to keep your LLC in good standing. The fee is $20 and you can file online at the Secretary of State website.
A franchise tax is not a tax on a franchise business. It is a fee that the state imposes on registered business entities for the right to operate. California charges an annual franchise tax of $800, however you do not have to pay this tax in your first taxable year of business.
Some business licenses and permits must be renewed periodically, which may have a small associated fee. In California, these include your seller’s permit. There is no fee associated with obtaining this permit and no renewal is needed. However, costs and renewal fees will apply to other licenses that are required for your business, such as a food service license for a restaurant.
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