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California · LLC cost · updated

How much does an LLC cost in California?

Forming an LLC in California costs $70 in state fees. After that, California charges $800 a year for the California annual LLC tax (Franchise Tax Board). Five-year state total: $4,070. As of October 2026.

California filing fee$70once, to form
5 years of yearly fees$4,000the state's own schedule
5-year state cost$4,070California's fees only, whoever files
Start my California LLC See the 7 steps

Questions first? Ray or Vinny picks up at (954) 470-8356.

Every cost of a California LLC, in the order you pay it

Each line links to the official page, so you can check the number yourself.

  1. 1

    Filing fee to form the LLC

    Day one

    California charges $70 to file the formation document, whoever files it. Filing it yourself on California's official site costs only that. We file it for $123.75 with the operating agreement included; the 7 steps are the same either way.

  2. 2

    Registered agent

    Optional cost

    $0 if you serve as your own agent and accept that your address goes on the public record. Ours is $74.25 a year, the same at renewal. California registered agent rules.

  3. 3

    EIN from the IRS

    Free

    The IRS issues the federal tax ID free at irs.gov. We can get it for you for $41.25 if you have an SSN.

  4. 4

    Licenses and sales tax

    Varies by business

    License fees depend on the business and the city or county, so no single number applies. Start at CalGold. California sales tax permit rules and our guides by industry list what applies.

  5. 5

    The yearly state filing

    Every year

    The California annual LLC tax (Franchise Tax Board) is due April 15 every year, with a state fee of $800. California annual report details and free reminders.

  6. 6

    State taxes on the LLC

    Check this

    California $800 annual LLC tax: $800 to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even at $0 income. FTB: LLC annual tax. Federal income tax passes through to the owners unless the LLC elects otherwise.

  7. 7

    Certificate of good standing

    When a bank asks

    Banks and lenders often ask for proof the LLC is active. California calls it a Certificate of Status and charges $5. How to order it in California.

  8. 8

    Closing the LLC later

    At the end

    Dissolving the LLC: California charges no fee. How to dissolve an LLC in California.

California LLC costs, yourself or with us

CostFile it yourselfWith Vermilion Vitez
California filing fee (paid to the state)$70$70
Filing service, operating agreement included$0$123.75
Registered agent, per year (optional)$0 if you serve yourself$74.25
EINFree from the IRSFree, or $41.25 if we get it
California annual LLC tax (Franchise Tax Board)$800$800
California state fees over 5 years (filing + yearly fees)$4,070$4,070

State fees: California filing fee as charged at our checkout; yearly fee and five-year total from our state fee table (verified ). $800 annual LLC tax, paid to the Franchise Tax Board with Form 3522, with no proration. A new LLC makes its first payment by the 15th day of the 4th month after it files with the Secretary of State. Statement of Information ($20) is separate, every two years.

Due today with us$199.85$123.75 plus California's $70, with the $6.10 card processing fee shown before you pay.

California's fees are the same whoever files, so the fair comparison is year two, when the registered agent renews. Ours renews at $74.25, the same as the first year.

Filing it yourself is a reasonable choice if you are comfortable on the state site. Everything above links to the official page.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an LLC cost in California?

Forming an LLC in California costs $70 in state fees. After that, California charges $800 a year for the California annual LLC tax (Franchise Tax Board). Five-year state total: $4,070.

Is there a yearly fee for a California LLC?

Yes. The California annual LLC tax (Franchise Tax Board) costs $800 and is due April 15 every year.

Can I form a California LLC for just the state fee?

Yes. File it yourself with California's business filing office and pay only the $70 state fee. Serve as your own registered agent and get the EIN free from the IRS.

What does it cost to have Vermilion Vitez form a California LLC?

$123.75 plus California's $70, with the operating agreement included. Checkout shows the full total with the card processing fee before you pay ($199.85). Our registered agent is optional at $74.25 a year.

What other costs come later for a California LLC?

Licenses and permits for your kind of business, sales tax registration if you sell taxable goods or services, a certificate of good standing when a bank asks, and a filing fee if you ever close the LLC. Each is listed above with the official link.

More California business guides

Start an LLC Registered agent Annual report Good standing Name search Sales tax permit Dissolve an LLC Change agent Amend an LLC Change the name Foreign LLC Withdraw a foreign LLC

Nearby states

Arizona Nevada Oregon All states

Ready when you are

Have us file your California LLC

$123.75 plus California's $70, with the operating agreement included. Checkout shows the full total before you pay.

Start my California LLC

Rather talk first? Call Ray or Vinny at (954) 470-8356.