How To Start An LLC In California In 2025
Everything you need to know about forming an LLC in California, plus our expert-tested recommendations for the best formation services in the Golden State.
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California offers the world's largest state economy but comes with higher ongoing costs for LLCs. With a $70 state filing fee (one of the lowest), online-only filing, and processing in 2-3 business days, formation is straightforward. However, California requires an $800 annual tax regardless of income, making ongoing compliance more expensive than most states. Whether you're in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or anywhere else in the Golden State, understanding these costs is crucial.
Our top pick for California LLC formation is ZenBusiness. Their Pro plan offers 1-business-day processing, includes a year of free Worry-Free Compliance, and their $199/year package with California's $70 state fee provides excellent value. With their expertise in California's unique requirements including the $800 annual tax and biennial Statement of Information, they make the process manageable despite California's complexity.
Featured Partners
- Best filing & protections
- Fastest processing
- Free compliance for 1 yr
- Award-winning support
On ZenBusiness's Website
- Best for standard filing
- Fast processing options
- Free yr registered agent
- Lifetime company alerts
On Bizee's Website
- Best legal services
- Fast processing options
- AI legal forms
- Trusted since 1999
On LegalZoom's Website
- Best branding services
- Fast processing options
- Logo & website builder
- Establish your brand
On Tailor Brands's Website
Compare the Best California LLC Services of 2025
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, and capabilities
| Feature | ZenBusiness Best Overall Value | Bizee Fastest Formation |  Inc Authority Free Formation | Tailor Brands Best for Branding | LegalZoom Best for Legal Support |  Rocket Lawyer Legal Documents |  BetterLegal Speed & Simplicity |  Active Filings Traditional Service |  Filenow Budget Option |  Northwest Basic Formation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $0 + state fees | $99.99 + state fees | $299 all-inclusive | $199 + state fees | $99 + state fees | $39 + state fees |
| Our Rating | 4.9 /5 | 4.6 /5 | 4.4 /5 | 4.3 /5 | 4.2 /5 | 4.0 /5 | 3.9 /5 | 3.8 /5 | 3.6 /5 | 3.4 /5 |
| Standard Processing | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 7-10 days | 3 weeks | 5-14 days | 5-7 days | 2 days | 5-10 days | 7-10 days | 7-10 days |
| Rush Processing | 1 day +$79 | 1 day +$49 | 2 days +$99 | 1 day +$99 | Standard speed | 2 days +$100 | 3 days +$50 | |||
| Compliance Tools | Worry-Free Compliance Free 1st year | Alerts only Basic monitoring | Basic tools Included | Basic alerts Included | Premium only Extra cost | Document library With membership | Limited Basic support | Basic tools Limited | None Not available | None Not included |
| Registered Agent | $199/yr Not included | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | Free Year 1 Then $199/yr | $119/yr Not included | $249/yr Not included | $149/yr Not included | Included In base price | Free Year 1 Then $119/yr | +$125/yr Not included | $125/yr Available |
| Operating Agreement | +$99 | +$99 | +$50 | Included | +$99 | Included | Included | +$99 | +$40 | +$39 |
| EIN Service | +$99 | +$70 | +$70 | Included | +$159 | +$99 | Included | +$70 | +$50 | +$70 |
| Customer Support | Phone, Chat, Email | Limited | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Chat | Phone, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Email | Email only | Email only |
| Mobile App | ||||||||||
| Attorney Access | ||||||||||
| Get Started | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → | Get Started Learn more → |
Note: State filing fees are additional for all services except where noted. Features and pricing may vary by state.
Our Top Picks for California LLC Services
Best Overall for California ZenBusiness excels at California LLC formation with their Pro plan offering 1-business-day filing and deep knowledge of California's unique requirements. They include Worry-Free Compliance for the first year, helping you navigate the mandatory $800 annual tax and biennial Statement of Information requirements. Their team understands California's complex compliance landscape and provides ongoing support to ensure you stay compliant with all state regulations.
Best For:
California entrepreneurs who want comprehensive support and fast processing
Pros
- 1-business-day California LLC filing (Pro plan)
- Free Worry-Free Compliance for 1 year (includes annual tax reminders)
- California Statement of Information filing assistance
- Expert support familiar with CA's $800 annual tax
- 100% accuracy guarantee on California filings
- Free EIN and operating agreement with Pro plan
Cons
- Premium features require Pro plan ($199/year)
- Registered agent is additional $199/year
Fast California Formation Bizee (formerly Incfile) offers efficient California LLC formation with standard 2-3 day processing. They provide a free California registered agent for the first year and their dashboard specifically tracks California's unique requirements including the annual $800 tax deadline and biennial Statement of Information. Perfect for California entrepreneurs who need reliable formation and ongoing compliance reminders.
Best For:
California businesses needing affordable formation with compliance tracking
Pros
- 2-3 day California processing on basic plan
- Free California registered agent for first year
- Dashboard tracks CA annual tax and Statement of Information deadlines
- Lifetime company alerts for California compliance
- Free business tools and templates
- No hidden fees on basic package
Cons
- Operating agreement costs extra
- Limited phone support hours
Best Legal Support in CA LegalZoom brings decades of experience with California business formation and the state's complex legal requirements. Their attorney network includes California-licensed lawyers who can provide state-specific legal advice, particularly valuable given California's strict compliance requirements and high annual tax burden. While their add-ons are pricier, they're ideal for California businesses with complex legal needs.
Best For:
California businesses needing ongoing legal support and guidance
Pros
- Attorney consultations for California law
- Expedited filing available for California
- Comprehensive California legal forms library
- Phone support with California expertise
- 30+ years serving California businesses
- Peace of mind guarantee
Cons
- California registered agent costs $249/year
- Operating agreement extra (+$99)
Best California Branding Package Tailor Brands combines California LLC formation with comprehensive branding tools, perfect for California's innovation-driven economy. Ideal for tech startups in Silicon Valley, creative businesses in Los Angeles, or any California entrepreneur who needs a complete brand identity. Their packages include everything needed to establish a professional California business presence in the competitive Golden State market.
Best For:
California creative businesses and tech startups needing branding
Pros
- Logo design and branding included
- Website builder optimized for California businesses
- Business cards with California address
- 2-3 day California processing
- EIN and operating agreement included
- Social media kit for California market
Cons
- Monthly subscription required
- No expedited processing options
Free California Formation Inc Authority offers genuinely free California LLC formation where you only pay the $70 state fee. They include a free California registered agent for the first year and handle all Secretary of State filings. However, given California's $800 annual tax and biennial reporting requirements, you'll need to manage ongoing compliance independently. Perfect for California entrepreneurs prioritizing upfront cost savings.
Best For:
Budget-conscious California entrepreneurs who can handle annual tax independently
Pros
- Truly free California LLC formation
- Free California registered agent for first year
- Free tax consultation for California businesses
- Handles California Secretary of State filing
- No hidden fees on basic package
- California business forms included
Cons
- Processing takes 7-10 business days
- California registered agent renews at $119/year
- Aggressive upselling reported
Privacy Focused Northwest Registered Agent takes a minimalist approach to California LLC formation, focusing on privacy and straightforward service. They handle your California Secretary of State registration efficiently and provide registered agent services at competitive rates. However, you'll need to independently track California's unique requirements like the $800 annual tax and biennial Statement of Information.
Best For:
California entrepreneurs who prioritize privacy and simple, no-frills service
Pros
- Strong privacy protection for California businesses
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Handles California Secretary of State filing
- No aggressive marketing or upselling
- Straightforward California LLC process
- Low-cost registered agent service
Cons
- Email-only customer support
- No expedited processing for California filings
- Limited business tools and resources
- Basic operating agreement template
All-Inclusive & Fast BetterLegal offers a streamlined approach to California LLC formation with their comprehensive $299 service package plus California's $70 state filing fee. With guaranteed 2-business-day turnaround and transparent pricing, they handle all formation essentials. However, California's ongoing requirements like the $800 annual tax and biennial reporting are separate considerations.
Best For:
California businesses needing everything done quickly with transparent pricing
Pros
- Guaranteed 2-business-day California formation
- Everything included: formation, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent
- Transparent flat-rate pricing structure
- California-specific compliance guidance
- No hidden fees or surprise costs
- Streamlined single-package approach
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than budget options
- State filing fees are additional cost
- Limited ongoing support after formation
- Annual tax compliance is separate
Legal Platform Rocket Lawyer goes beyond simple California LLC formation to provide a comprehensive legal platform. With access to California-licensed attorneys and extensive legal resources, they're particularly valuable for California businesses navigating the state's complex regulatory environment. While formation takes longer, the ongoing legal support is worthwhile for businesses with complex California compliance needs.
Best For:
California businesses anticipating ongoing legal needs and complex compliance
Pros
- Access to California-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive legal document library
- Ongoing legal support beyond formation
- California business law resources
- Attorney consultations included with membership
- Useful for complex California regulations
Cons
- Monthly membership required for best value
- California formation takes 5-7 business days
- Higher costs compared to formation-only services
- Complex pricing structure
Traditional Service Active Filings provides reliable California LLC formation with a focus on personal service and phone support. Their representatives understand California's specific requirements including the $800 annual tax deadlines and biennial Statement of Information requirements. While pricing is higher than newer competitors, they offer a traditional approach that many California business owners appreciate.
Best For:
California entrepreneurs who prefer phone support and traditional business services
Pros
- Phone support with California expertise
- First year registered agent included
- California annual tax and filing reminders
- Traditional, reliable service approach
- Basic compliance tools included
- Personal service approach
Cons
- Higher starting price than competitors
- Limited online tools and resources
- Standard processing takes 5-7 days
- Fewer modern business features
Compliance Specialists Harbor Compliance specializes in the ongoing administrative and compliance aspects of California business ownership. Given California's complex requirements including the $800 annual tax and extensive regulatory environment, their strength lies in helping established California businesses navigate ongoing compliance challenges, making them ideal for companies with specialized needs or significant growth plans.
Best For:
California businesses with complex compliance needs or planning significant growth
Pros
- Specialized in ongoing California compliance
- Corporate services and advanced structures
- California annual tax filing assistance
- Business licensing assistance
- Registered agent services statewide
- Focus on regulatory requirements
Cons
- Higher fees for premium services
- Complex pricing for basic formation
- Longer processing times (7-10 days)
- Limited customer support hours
California LLC Requirements & Steps
What You Need to Form a California LLC
- ✓ Unique LLC Name: Must include "Limited Liability Company," "L.L.C.," or "LLC" and be distinguishable from other California businesses
- ✓ California Registered Agent: Required by law - must have a California street address (no P.O. boxes)
- ✓ Articles of Organization (LLC-1): Filed online with California Secretary of State
- ✓ EIN (Federal Tax ID): Required to open a business bank account and hire employees
- ✓ Operating Agreement: Not required by California but highly recommended
- ✓ Statement of Information: Due within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years
California LLC Costs
- • State Filing Fee: $70 (low formation cost)
- • Registered Agent: $100-$300/year (or free first year with most services)
- • EIN: Free from IRS, $50-$150 through formation services
- • Annual Tax: $800 per year (mandatory regardless of income)
- • Statement of Information: $20 every two years (biennial filing)
- • Business License: Varies by city/county and business type
California LLC Timeline
- • Name Availability: Check online via California Secretary of State
- • Processing Time: 2-3 business days (online filing only)
- • EIN Application: Instant online or 4 weeks by mail
- • Annual Tax Deadline: 15th day of 4th month after formation (first year)
- • Total Time to Launch: 3-5 business days typically
Why Form Your LLC in California?
Business Environment
- • World's 5th largest economy
- • Global innovation and tech capital
- • Access to venture capital funding
- • Diverse industry opportunities
Market Access
- • 40 million potential customers
- • Pacific Rim trade gateway
- • Entertainment industry hub
- • Agricultural and tourism sectors
Legal Protections
- • Strong asset protection laws
- • Charging order protection
- • Privacy for members
- • Flexible management structure
Formation Benefits
- • Low state filing fee ($70)
- • Fast online-only processing
- • Established legal framework
- • Professional service ecosystem
California LLC Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
California's state filing fee is only $70, one of the lowest in the nation. However, California requires an $800 annual tax that must be paid regardless of income or activity. Additional costs include a registered agent ($100-$300/year, though many services offer the first year free), EIN application (free from IRS), and the biennial Statement of Information fee ($20 every two years). The first-year total typically ranges from $70-$400, but ongoing costs average $820+ annually.
Do I need a registered agent for my California LLC?
Yes, California law requires every LLC to have a registered agent with a California street address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable). The registered agent receives legal documents and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC. You can serve as your own registered agent if you have a California address, but most business owners use a professional service for privacy and reliability. Many formation services include the first year free.
How long does it take to form an LLC in California?
California requires online-only filing and typically processes LLC formations in 2-3 business days. Expedited processing may be available through some formation services for faster turnaround. Once approved, you'll need to pay your first annual tax by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation. The entire process from filing to having your LLC ready for business typically takes 3-5 business days.
What is California's $800 annual tax?
California imposes a mandatory $800 annual tax on all LLCs, regardless of income or business activity. This tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after formation for the first year, then annually thereafter. Additionally, LLCs with gross receipts over $250,000 may owe additional fees ranging from $900 to $11,790. This annual tax is one of California's most significant ongoing LLC costs and cannot be waived.
Can I form a California LLC if I don't live in California?
Yes, you don't need to be a California resident to form a California LLC. However, you must have a registered agent with a California street address, making professional registered agent services essential for out-of-state business owners. Keep in mind you'll still owe the $800 annual tax and may need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state if you're conducting business there.
What is California's Statement of Information requirement?
California LLCs must file a Statement of Information within 90 days of formation, then biennially (every two years) thereafter. The filing fee is $20. This document updates the state with your LLC's current contact information, registered agent details, and member/manager information. Failure to file can result in penalties and potentially suspension of your LLC's good standing with the state.
Popular California Regions for LLCs
- • Los Angeles
- • San Diego
- • Orange County
- • Riverside
- • San Francisco
- • San Jose
- • Oakland
- • Fremont
- • Sacramento
- • Fresno
- • Stockton
- • Modesto
- • Bakersfield
- • Santa Barbara
- • Chula Vista
- • Irvine
Ready to Start Your California LLC?
Join thousands of entrepreneurs who've successfully formed their California LLCs. Get started today with our top-rated formation services and expert guidance on California's unique requirements.