How Much Does It Cost to Form a California LLC?
California is one of the more affordable states to form an LLC. But the state filing fee is only part of the picture. This page breaks down every cost you'll encounter — formation, ongoing compliance, and optional services — so there are no surprises.
State Filing Fee
The California Secretary of State charges $70 to file your Articles of Organization. This is a one-time fee paid when you form the LLC.
Annual / Recurring State Fees
California charges $20 for the biennial report (filed every two years). Miss it, and you risk late fees and eventually administrative dissolution.
California tax note: IMPORTANT: $800 annual franchise tax required by Franchise Tax Board (separate from SOS fees). LLCs with income over $250K pay additional fee ($900-$11,790 based on income). 24-hour expedite $350; same-day $750. First-year exemption (AB 85) expired after 2023.
Agent For Service Of Process Cost
Every California LLC is required to maintain a agent for service of process. With our formation package, the first year of agent for service of process service is included. After that, ongoing service is $99/year.
Expedited Processing
If you need your LLC formed faster, the California Secretary of State offers expedited processing for $750. This typically reduces the turnaround from 5-10 business days (online) to Same day.
Full Cost Table
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee | $70 | One-time, paid to the California Secretary of State |
| Annual report | $20 | Filed every two years with the California Secretary of State |
| Agent For Service Of Process service | $99/year | First year included with formation |
| Expedited processing | $750 | Optional — reduces turnaround to Same day |
First-Year Cost Summary
If you form through us, your first-year cost is $199 — that covers our formation service, the $70 state fee, first-year agent for service of process service, operating agreement, and EIN assistance. There's nothing hidden.
Ongoing Annual Costs
After year one, your ongoing costs are: $99/year for agent for service of process + $20 every two years for the biennial report.
How We Compare
Many LLC formation services charge $199-level fees but then tack on upsells: compliance packages, rush fees, unnecessary add-ons. Our fee is straightforward — $199 covers everything you need to get your California LLC filed and operational.