California LLC Cost (2026): Filing Fee + Annual Fees
Forming an LLC in California costs $70 to file, plus $800/yr as a franchise tax + $20 biennial Statement of Information. The $800 minimum annual franchise tax applies even to inactive LLCs; the first $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation, then every two years. An extra gross-receipts fee applies above $250,000 of California income. That works out to about $870 in the first year and roughly $4,070 in state fees over five years (filing plus recurring), before a registered agent or any taxes. These are 2026 estimates of published state fees — not legal or tax advice. Verify with the California Secretary of State.
Source: California Secretary of State. Data as of 2026-06-14.
California LLC fee breakdown
| Cost item | California |
|---|---|
| State filing fee (Articles of Organization) | $70 |
| Recurring state fee | $800 per year (franchise tax + $20 biennial Statement of Information) |
| Annualized recurring cost | $800/yr |
| Filing agency | California Secretary of State |
Source: California Secretary of State. Data as of 2026-06-14.
Estimate your total California LLC cost
The state fees above are only part of the picture. Add an optional registered agent and one-time extras to estimate your real first-year cost in California:
California LLC cost over time
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| First-year state cost | $870 |
| Each following year (state fee) | $800 |
| 5-year state cost (filing + recurring) | $4,070 |
Source: California Secretary of State. Data as of 2026-06-14.
What the recurring California fee covers
The $800 minimum annual franchise tax applies even to inactive LLCs; the first $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation, then every two years. An extra gross-receipts fee applies above $250,000 of California income.
The franchise tax + $20 biennial Statement of Information of $800 is due per year to keep your LLC in good standing. Missing it usually triggers late fees and can eventually lead to administrative dissolution.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
Forming an LLC in California costs $70 to file the Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State, plus $800/yr. The $800 minimum annual franchise tax applies even to inactive LLCs; the first $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation, then every two years. An extra gross-receipts fee applies above $250,000 of California income. These are estimates of published state fees — verify with the California Secretary of State.
Does California have an annual LLC fee?
Yes. California charges $800 per year as a franchise tax + $20 biennial Statement of Information. That annualizes to about $800 per year.
Do I need a registered agent for a California LLC?
Yes. Like every state, California requires your LLC to name a registered agent with a physical address in the state. You can act as your own agent for free, or hire a commercial registered-agent service for roughly $50–$300 per year. See do I need a registered agent?
Where do I verify California LLC fees?
Check the current fees with the California Secretary of State. The figures here are 2026 estimates compiled from a consolidated source and the state agency — confirm before you file.
Compare with other states
See how California stacks up in the national LLC cost comparison, or jump to a nearby state:
- Hawaii LLC cost — $50 to file, $15/yr (annual report)
- Louisiana LLC cost — $100 to file, $35/yr (annual report)
- Missouri LLC cost — $50 to file, no recurring state fee
- New York LLC cost — $200 to file, $9 every 2 years (biennial statement)
- Rhode Island LLC cost — $150 to file, $50/yr (annual report)
- Virginia LLC cost — $100 to file, $50/yr (annual registration fee)
Estimate, not legal or tax advice. California LLC fees are 2026 estimates compiled from a consolidated source and cross-checked against the state agency; they may lag a recent change. Always verify with the California Secretary of State before filing. See our methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-14