How much does an LLC cost in California?
Forming an LLC in California costs $70 in state fees.
To keep it: Statement of Information, $20 every 2 years; Annual LLC tax, $800 every year.
Over 3 years that is $2,510 in state fees, before any formation service.
Below: the full cost to form (file) an LLC in California, what it costs to keep it each year, and what each formation service adds.
California state fees
From the California Secretary of State. Every amount links to the official page it comes from; "?" means we have not verified it yet.
| Fee | Amount | When | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 | Once, to form the LLC | Oct 28, 2026 |
| Statement of Information California Secretary of State | $20 Late filing: the Franchise Tax Board can assess a penalty. | every 2 years, from the year you form it Due: Within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years | Oct 28, 2026 |
| Annual LLC tax California Franchise Tax Board | $800 Plus an LLC fee from $900 when California gross receipts reach $250,000. | every year, from the year you form it Due: 15th day of the 4th month after formation, then April 15 each year | Oct 28, 2026 |
| 3 years of state fees | $2,510 | Filing everything yourself, without a formation service. | |
What you pay to the state, year by year
Year 1: $890 · Year 2: $800 · Year 3: $820
What it costs with a formation service (3 years)
State fees for California included. For each service its cheapest package over 3 years, plus the registered agent every LLC needs (unless you are your own). Ranked by cost only; whether a company pays us does not change the order.
| Service | Registered agent | Year 1 | 3 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st year free, then $125/year | $929 | $2,799 | Visit site | |
| 1st year free, then $149/year (standalone price) | $890 | $2,808 | Visit site | |
| Not included: $119/year | $1,088 | $2,946 | Visit site | |
| Not included: $99 1st year, then $199/year | $989 | $3,007 | Visit site | |
| Not included: $199/year | $1,089 | $3,107 | Visit site | |
| Not included: $249/year | $1,139 | $3,257 | Visit site | |
| Included | $1,187 | $3,401 | Visit site | |
| Not included: $149/quarter | $1,486 | $4,298 | Visit site | |
| 1st year free, then price not published | Price not published | Price not published Not on Inc Authority's site: registered agent price after year 1. | Visit site |
Not available in California: Firstbase (forms LLCs in Delaware and Wyoming only, source).
Calculate it for your situation →
Are you your own registered agent (you need a street address in California and must be there in office hours)? Then Bizee costs the same as filing yourself: $2,510 over 3 years.
Registered agent in California
California calls it an "agent for service of process": an individual who lives in California, or a registered corporate agent with a current 1505 registration. California registered agent rules and prices →
FAQ
How much does it cost to form (file) an LLC in California?
$70 in state filing fees for the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1). A formation service adds its own price on top.
What does an LLC in California cost per year?
Statement of Information: $20, every 2 years (Within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years). Annual LLC tax: $800, every year (15th day of the 4th month after formation, then April 15 each year).
What does an LLC in California cost over 3 years?
$2,510 in state fees if you file everything yourself and act as your own registered agent. With the cheapest formation service in our comparison it is $2,799 including a registered agent.
Which LLC service is cheapest in California?
Over 3 years, including state fees and a registered agent: Northwest Registered Agent (Northwest LLC) at $2,799. The ranking is based only on these costs.
Facts and costs only, not legal or tax advice. Fees change: always confirm on the California Secretary of State site before you file.