Short answer: $70 to file, about $890 in year one, and about $800 a year after that. Comprising the $70 formation, the $20 initial statement, and the $800 minimum tax.
We've pulled these figures from the California Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
First year vs every year after
Year one
$890
Comprising the $70 formation, the $20 initial statement, and the $800 minimum tax.
Each year after
$800
Generally $800 annually, plus $20 every two years, excluding any gross receipts fees.
With a formation service
| Route | Upfront | Registered agent |
|---|---|---|
| File it yourself | $70 | You serve, or hire one separately |
| Northwest | $109 | Included year one, then $125/yr |
| Bizee Basic | $70 | Free year one, then $149/yr |
| Bizee Standard | $269 | Free year one, then $149/yr |
How California compares
California's LLC filing fee is $70. That's the 12th lowest of 51 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $104, so California comes in $34 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $70 | 40 of 51 |
| Oregon | $100 | 30 of 51 |
| Utah | $59 | 41 of 51 |
| Arizona | $85 | 38 of 51 |
| Nevada | $436 | 2 of 51 |
| Colorado | $50 | 44 of 51 |
California fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 | Applies uniformly whether filed online or via mail, though in-person drop-offs incur an additional $15 special handling fee. |
| Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | biennial, Initial within 90 days, then every two years |
| Minimum state tax | $800 | Owed regardless of income |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 | 60 days |
| Change of registered agent | $20 | Requires filing a Statement of Information. |
| Amendment | $30 | |
| Certificate of good standing | $5 | |
| Registration of Foreign Entity (Form CONV-1A) | $70 | For LLCs formed in another state |
| Certificate of Cancellation | $0 | |
| DBA / assumed name | $25 to $100 | county |
LLC cost and fees: California questions
What is the California LLC filing fee?
$70 for Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1). Applies uniformly whether filed online or via mail, though in-person drop-offs incur an additional $15 special handling fee.
How much does a California LLC cost per year?
About $800 a year in state fees. Generally $800 annually, plus $20 every two years, excluding any gross receipts fees.
Does California charge a minimum LLC tax?
Yes. Every LLC must pay an $800 annual franchise tax to the FTB. If gross total California income reaches $250,000, it owes an escalating LLC fee starting at $900. Progressive personal income tax system up to 13.3%.
Is it cheaper to file a California LLC myself?
Yes, filing directly costs only the state fee. Services add convenience, a registered agent address and reminders. Northwest charges $39 plus the state fee, and Bizee's Basic package is $0 plus the state fee.
How much does expedited filing cost in California?
24-hour processing for $350, Same-Day processing for $750 online. 4-hour processing for $500 requires in-person drop-off and $500 preclearance.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: state tax.escalating tiers.