LLC Formation Cost in California (2026): Full Fee Breakdown

LLC Formation in California typically costs $1,020, with real-world totals ranging from $70 to $3,340 once 4 mandatory fees are included.

Updated September 4, 2026 · Typical turnaround 1 day · Estimates in USD

Low

$70

File yourself directly with the state; act as your own registered agent.

Average · typical

$1,020

Most people pay close to this once mandatory add-ons are included.

High

$3,340

Attorney-prepared filing, fastest expedite, commercial agent, drafted operating agreement, first-year recurring fees.

Estimate your out-of-pocket total

Pick your option and toggle the add-ons that apply to you.

Option

Add-on fees

State filing fee (Articles of Organization) Mandatory Paid once to the California Secretary of State (sos.ca.gov). $70
Statement of Information (every 2 years) (first year) Mandatory Recurring state filing to keep the LLC in good standing. $20
Annual franchise tax (first year minimum) Mandatory Owed even with zero revenue. $800
Registered agent service (annual) Optional Legally required role, but you can serve as your own agent for free if you have an in-state street address. $125
Operating agreement (template or attorney) Optional Not filed with the state, but banks and courts expect one. $99
EIN from the IRS Mandatory Free at irs.gov; third parties charge $50–$100 for the same form. $0
Late penalty (missed statement of information (every 2 years)) Optional Avoidable; shown so you can budget the downside. $250

Why the llc formation price varies so much

The headline "California LLC filing fee" is only the first line of the real cost. Between the state fee, registered-agent service, expedite tiers, and the recurring fees that come due in year one, a California LLC realistically costs between $70 and $3,340 to launch. The tables below itemize each fee, flag which ones are mandatory, and let you total up your own formation budget.

What drives the number in California

California charges every LLC an $800 minimum franchise tax each year, even with zero revenue — the highest fixed cost in the country. Official fee schedule: sos.ca.gov.

LLC Formation price by option

Base price for each tier before the add-on fees listed below.

Option / tier	Price (USD)	vs. average
DIY filing (state fee only)	$70	-93%
Budget formation service	$120	-88%
Full-service formation (EIN + operating agreement)	$270	-74%
Attorney-prepared formation	$970	-5%
Expedited processing — 24-hour	$350	-66%
Expedited processing — Same-day	$750	-26%

Hidden fees and surcharges

Mandatory line items add about $890 on top of the base price. Optional items only apply if you use them.

Line item	Status	Typical cost	Why it exists
State filing fee (Articles of Organization)	Mandatory	$70	Paid once to the California Secretary of State (sos.ca.gov).
Statement of Information (every 2 years) (first year)	Mandatory	$20	Recurring state filing to keep the LLC in good standing.
Annual franchise tax (first year minimum)	Mandatory	$800	Owed even with zero revenue.
EIN from the IRS	Mandatory	$0	Free at irs.gov; third parties charge $50–$100 for the same form.
Registered agent service (annual)	Optional	$125	Legally required role, but you can serve as your own agent for free if you have an in-state street address.
Operating agreement (template or attorney)	Optional	$99	Not filed with the state, but banks and courts expect one.
Late penalty (missed statement of information (every 2 years))	Optional	$250	Avoidable; shown so you can budget the downside.
Mandatory add-ons total		$890

How to use this estimate

Budget the mandatory column first: it is the amount you cannot avoid in year one. Everything in the optional column is a choice — you can be your own registered agent and draft your own operating agreement.
Only pay for expedited processing if a bank account or contract deadline depends on it; standard online filings are usually processed within days.
Put the recurring deadline on your calendar the day you file. Late penalties and loss of good standing cost more than the recurring fee itself.

LLC Formation in California: questions people ask

How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?

The California state filing fee is $70. A realistic first-year total including a registered agent and the first recurring filing is about $1,020; using an attorney and the fastest expedite pushes it toward $3,340.

What are the annual fees for a California LLC?

Each year a California LLC pays $20 for the statement of information (every 2 years) and a $800 minimum annual franchise tax — $820 in total before any registered agent fee. California charges every LLC an $800 minimum franchise tax each year, even with zero revenue — the highest fixed cost in the country.

Can I expedite LLC formation in California?

Yes. California offers 24-hour processing for $350, Same-day processing for $750 on top of the $70 filing fee. Standard online filings are usually processed in a few business days.

Do I need a registered agent for a California LLC?

Yes, every California LLC must list a registered agent with a physical in-state address. You can act as your own agent at no cost, or hire a commercial service for $49–$299 per year (about $125 is typical).

What happens if I miss the California statement of information (every 2 years) deadline?

California charges a $250 late penalty, and continued non-filing leads to loss of good standing and eventually administrative dissolution, which costs more to reverse than the original fee.

Is California an expensive state to form an LLC in?

California's $70 filing fee compares with a national low of $35 (Montana) and highs of $500 (Massachusetts). Counting recurring costs, California owes $820 per year to the state, versus $800+ in California and $0 in states like Missouri and New Mexico.