ABS · CA Guide
Before forming or operating a company in California, review entity type, registered-agent records, annual reports, state tax, federal tax, and e-commerce bookkeeping requirements.
California LLC articles generally cost $70, followed by a separate $20 initial statement of information generally due within 90 days. The statement is then generally $20 biennially, while most LLCs also face an $800 annual minimum tax. Confirm current Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board rules.
Last updated . · Source: California Secretary of State01
Confirm entity type, owners, management, name, business activity, registered agent, and any in-state address requirements. An LLC and a corporation have different governance, tax elections, and recurring filings; first-year price alone is not a sound basis for choosing.
Secretary of State compliance and Franchise Tax Board obligations are separate tracks, including when closing the business.
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The statement of information is generally $20 biennially; most LLCs also face the Franchise Tax Board's $800 annual minimum tax and possibly an income-based LLC fee. Confirm on the state website before filing. The initial statement is generally due within 90 days, then biennially by the end of the anniversary month; tax deadlines are separate.
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Cross-border sellers should test economic nexus using sales, transactions, inventory, and marketplace collection records. Marketplace inventory stored in California may also create physical nexus.
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State formation does not replace federal tax filing. A U.S. entity with foreign ownership may involve an EIN, Form 1120, Form 5472, Form 1065, withholding, or information returns. The applicable filing depends on tax classification, ownership, transactions, and operating facts.
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ABS can organize state formation records, coordinate registered-agent service, build annual-report and state-tax calendars, and support e-commerce bookkeeping, income tax, sales tax, payroll tax, and IRS or state notice intake. Scope and pricing are confirmed in writing after the facts are reviewed.
FAQ
The ABS state-data guide lists LLC articles at generally $70 and a separate $20 initial statement of information generally due within 90 days. The statement is then generally $20 every two years. Confirm current Secretary of State instructions.
No. Secretary of State entity filings and Franchise Tax Board obligations are separate tracks. Most LLCs face an $800 annual minimum tax, with possible income-based LLC fees. Confirm current Franchise Tax Board rules for the entity and tax year.
No fixed government-fee, filing-time, or tax-case outcome is promised. State rules, documents, and deadlines are reviewed first.