California LLC Cost Calculator
- Filing fee
- Annual LLC franchise tax
Separate $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation and then every two years; LLCs with California gross receipts of $250,000+ also owe an additional LLC fee; the 2021-2023 first-year $800 exemption has expired.
How the California LLC cost calculation works
How much is an LLC in California? $70 to file with the state, then $800 a year (annual LLC franchise tax). With no paid registered agent, the first year costs $870 in state fees and three years cost $2,470. Add a registered agent or other costs to see your own total.
File with the state: $70
California charges $70 for a standard LLC filing. Expedited processing costs extra.
Keep it active: $800 a year (annual LLC franchise tax)
Miss it and the state can add late fees or dissolve the LLC, even when the filing is free. Most states let you file online.
Registered agent: free if you act as your own
Every LLC needs a registered agent with a physical address in California. You can be your own, or pay a service a yearly fee; enter it above.
Other costs depend on your business
Separate $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation and then every two years; LLCs with California gross receipts of $250,000+ also owe an additional LLC fee; the 2021-2023 first-year $800 exemption has expired.
Worked example. Over 3 years, a California LLC with no paid registered agent costs $2,470 in state fees: the $70 filing fee plus $2,400 in annual LLC franchise tax fees (3 × $800). The recurring fee is counted from the year you form, because California bills it then.
California LLC Cost FAQ
How much is an LLC in California?
$70 to form, then $800 a year (annual LLC franchise tax). With no paid registered agent, the first year costs $870 in state fees and three years cost $2,470. A paid registered agent and any publication or license fees are on top.
What is the California LLC filing fee?
$70 for a standard filing of the formation document, checked on the official California site on 20 Oct 2026.
Does California charge an annual fee for LLCs?
Yes: $800 a year (annual LLC franchise tax). Separate $20 Statement of Information is due within 90 days of formation and then every two years; LLCs with California gross receipts of $250,000+ also owe an additional LLC fee; the 2021-2023 first-year $800 exemption has expired.
How much does a California LLC cost per year?
$800 a year in state fees, plus a registered agent if you pay one.
How does California compare with other states?
California's filing fee is $70. 12 of the 50 states and DC charge less to file. The median filing fee is $100, and fees run from $35 to $500.
Do I need to pay for a registered agent?
No. You can act as your own registered agent if you have a physical address in the state and are available in business hours. A service costs extra each year.
Are there other costs to start an LLC?
An EIN from the IRS is free. You may also need a local business license, a DBA, or a professional operating agreement.
Sources: California official source 1 · California official source 2 · IRS: Get an employer identification number (free)
Related calculators
LLC cost in other states
- Alabama$200
- Alaska$250
- Arizona$50
- Arkansas$45
- California$70
- Colorado$50
- Connecticut$120
- Delaware$110
- District of Columbia$99
- Florida$125
- Georgia$110
- Hawaii$50
- Idaho$100
- Illinois$150
- Indiana$95
- Iowa$50
- Kansas$85
- Kentucky$40
- Louisiana$125
- Maine$175
- Maryland$100
- Massachusetts$500
- Michigan$50
- Minnesota$135
- Mississippi$50
- Missouri$50
- Montana$35
- Nebraska$100
- Nevada$75
- New Hampshire$100
- New Jersey$100
- New Mexico$50
- New York$200
- North Carolina$125
- North Dakota$135
- Ohio$99
- Oklahoma$100
- Oregon$100
- Pennsylvania$125
- Rhode Island$150
- South Carolina$110
- South Dakota$150
- Tennessee$300
- Texas$300
- Utah$59
- Vermont$155
- Virginia$100
- Washington$180
- West Virginia$100
- Wisconsin$130
- Wyoming$100
Filing fee to form an LLC, checked on each state's official site.