LLC cost in California
California charges $70 to form an LLC. Over 5 years, state fees come to $4,130.
Year 1
Year 2
- Annual LLC tax (FTB 3522) source$800
Year 3
Year 4
- Annual LLC tax (FTB 3522) source$800
Year 5
5-year total$4,130
Verified Oct 9, 2026
Each fee
- Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1): $70. Once, when you form the LLC. $70.00 (read 2026-10-09). Source
- Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): $20. Every 2 years, starting in year 1. $20.00. SOS: 'Due within 90 days of initial registration and every two years thereafter.' Source
- Annual LLC tax (FTB 3522): $800. Every year, starting in year 1. FTB: every LLC doing business or organized in California pays the $800 annual tax; first payment due by the 15th day of the 4th month after filing with SOS. The first-year exemption covered only tax years 2021 through 2023. A separate LLC fee applies if total income exceeds $250,000 (not included). Source
Forming in another state instead?
If your business operates in California, forming in another state does not remove the California fees. You register there as a "foreign" LLC ($70) and keep filing its yearly reports. You also pay a registered agent in the other state. We assume $99 a year, a low published price (Harbor Compliance).
| If you live in California | First year | 5-year total |
|---|---|---|
| Form in California | $890 | $4,130 |
| Form in Wyoming, register in California | $1,089 | $4,965 |
| Form in Delaware, register in California | $1,099 | $6,335 |
Assumes a foreign LLC pays the same yearly California fees as a local one. Try your own numbers.
How to file
You can file with the state yourself: California official filing page. Or pay a formation service to file for you. Services charge their own fee on top of the state fees above.
See our disclosure.