Form a California LLC online after you prepare your details and follow the filing order. Start an LLC in California with the steps below, then complete the required filings on time.
Before you open bizfile Online, line up 2 to 3 name options and check availability. Gather your business address, mailing address, and the agent for service of process name and agent address. Choose member managed or manager managed, add an organizer name, and keep an email plus payment method ready.
File Articles of Organization on Form LLC-1, then save the confirmation number and file a copy PDF. Next file the Statement of Information on Form LLC-12 within 90 days, apply for an EIN, check city and county license rules, and plan for the California Franchise Tax Board $800 annual LLC tax.
What to Prepare Before You File LLC Online
Prepare these details in California before you file online so you do not enter it again. Open California Secretary of State bizfile Online with Form LLC-1 details ready to Start an LLC in California.
- Name package: List 2–3 options with exact spelling and punctuation. Save a name search result or screenshot, then enter the same name on Form LLC-1.
- Address package: Gather your business street address and mailing address, with city, state, ZIP, and unit number. Match the format on your lease, bills, or mailbox record.
- Agent package: Get the agent for service of process legal name and California street address. Copy it exactly into the form to avoid corrections.
- Management package: Choose member managed or manager managed before you begin. Use the same spelling for the organizer name and write down who will sign for the LLC.
- Payment package: Use an email you control for the filing account and keep the payment method ready. Use the billing address that matches the card to prevent a failed payment.
- Proof and calendar package: Save the receipt, confirmation number, confirmation page, and filed copy PDF for the Articles of Organization. Set reminders for Form LLC-12 within 90 days and the California Franchise Tax Board $800 annual LLC tax.
These details make the online form faster and reduce fixes after you submit. Download the Articles of Organization filed copy as a PDF and store it with your receipt in 1 record folder. Set reminders for the Statement of Information deadline and the $800 annual tax payment.
How to Start LLC in California Step By Step
Move from prep to filing. The steps below show what to do first, what to submit on LLC-1, and what to save after approval. Follow the sequence to finish the filing and avoid missing the next required forms.
Step 1: Choose Your LLC Name
Pick a California LLC name first, then check availability before you file. Use the California Secretary of State Business Entity Search and look for name matches.
California can reject names that look or sound too close. This is confusingly similar. Check spacing, plural forms, abbreviations, and punctuation, since small changes can still get rejected. Keep 2 backup options so you do not stop mid-form.
Add an LLC ending like LLC, L.L.C., or Limited Liability Company, and avoid Inc. or Corporation terms. Avoid restricted words like bank, trust, insurer, or insurance company unless you have approval. Check USPTO for trademarks, confirm the domain, and plan a DBA if you will use a different public name.
Step 2: Agent for Service of Process
An agent for service of process receives legal papers and state notices. On Form LLC-1, list the agent with the California Secretary of State and registered agent services for LLC.
- Role: Receives lawsuits, summons, and state notices for you.
- Address rule: California street address required, P.O. Box not allowed.
- Availability: Someone must be present during weekday business hours.
- Public record: Agent address shows online in the business listing.
- Your choice: Member, manager, or third party agent service.
Use an address where someone can accept hand delivered documents. Enter the exact legal name and street address you will place on LLC-1. A third party agent keeps hand delivery away from customers and neighbors.
Step 3: Get Your LLC-1 Details Ready
Form LLC-1 is the Articles of Organization filing, so gather each field value first. Enter the LLC legal name, addresses, agent name, and management type for the California Secretary of State.
Match address spelling to your mail and billing records, including unit and ZIP. After you submit, save the receipt, confirmation page, confirmation number, and file copy PDF for later banking and permit tasks.
- LLC legal name with exact spelling and punctuation
- Business street address, mailing address, city, state, ZIP, unit
- Agent for service of process legal name and street address
- Member managed or manager managed selection
- Organizer name for the signature line
- Email and payment method for the filing fee
Step 4: File Articles of Organization Online
File the Articles of Organization online to form your California LLC. Use the California Secretary of State bizfile Online portal and complete Form LLC-1. Review every field before you submit. Pay the $70 filing fee on the payment screen.
Enter the LLC legal name, business address, mailing address, agent for service of process, and member managed or manager managed choice. Match address spelling to your records. Submit the form and save the confirmation page. Download the filed copy as a PDF and save the receipt. Store both in 1 record folder for banking and permits.
Step 5: File Statement of Information
Within 90 days after the California Secretary of State approves your Articles of Organization, file your initial Statement of Information on Form LLC-12. This filing updates the state record with your business contact and management details.
The statement includes:
- The LLC legal name and California Secretary of State file number
- Agent for service of process name and California street address
- Principal office street address
- Mailing address, if different
- Names and addresses of managers, members, and the CEO
- Principal business activity, such as retail, consulting, or online sales
This form focuses on contact details and basic business information. Keep entries consistent with your LLC-1 spelling and address format.
After the initial filing, submit the Statement of Information every 2 years based on your formation date. File again on LLC-12 when details change, or use the shorter LLC-12NC when the information stays the same.
Step 6: Create an Operating Agreement
California wants your LLC to have an operating agreement at formation. It can be spoken or written, but a written copy is easier to show. Keep it with your company records.
Banks often ask for the operating agreement to open a business bank account. Many also ask for your EIN from the IRS. Write the agreement before you take payments, deposit money, or sign contracts.
Include the LLC legal name, principal address, and agent for service of process address. Add a short business purpose that matches what you sell or do. Note how the LLC will be taxed, such as single member, partnership, or S corporation election. State member managed or manager managed, then list who can sign for the LLC. List owners, ownership percent, profit split, voting rules, and meeting decisions.
Step 7: Apply for an EIN
Apply for an EIN after your LLC is formed. An EIN is an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, used to identify your business for federal taxes. It is a 9 digit number, similar to an SSN, but used for business.
Use an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, file federal returns, or apply for financing. An EIN is different from a California Tax ID, so keep the numbers separate when you set up state accounts. Save the EIN confirmation letter with your LLC records for forms and vendors.
Step 8: Get Licenses and Permits
Many California businesses need a city business license, sometimes called a business tax certificate. If you operate in more than 1 city, apply in each city where you work, sell, or deliver. Save each license record with your LLC documents.
Some business types need extra permits from the city, county, or state. Examples include a seller permit for taxable sales, health permits for food sales, contractor licensing for regulated trades, and permits for signs or home based work. The list depends on your activity and location.
Start with the city business license office for the address you will use, then ask what the county and state require for your industry. If you sell products, ask about sales tax registration and resale rules. Keep a short checklist of license numbers, renewal dates, and agency contacts.
California LLC Taxes and Ongoing Requirements
A California LLC stays in good standing by paying required taxes and keeping the SOS record current. The main agencies are the California Franchise Tax Board and the California Secretary of State.
Pay the $800 annual LLC tax to the California Franchise Tax Board each tax year. The payment is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after your tax year begins. Use the LLC Tax Voucher, FTB 3522, and keep payment proof with your records.
If your total California income is high enough, a separate LLC fee can apply in addition to the $800 tax. Pay the estimated fee by the 15th day of the 6th month using FTB 3536. File the yearly LLC return on Form 568 and complete Schedule IW for the fee worksheet. File an updated Statement of Information with the Secretary of State when business details change.
