California LLC Cost (2026)

See California LLC costs in 2026, including state filing fees, recurring fees, registered agent, EIN, taxes, licenses, and common add-on costs.

LLC Route Editorial Team

Reviewed against official state and federal resources.

Updated July 27, 2026

Educational guide, not legal or tax advice.

California LLC cost is not mainly the $70 formation filing. The bigger cost is usually the Franchise Tax Board’s $800 annual LLC tax, plus any income-based LLC fee, Statement of Information filing, seller’s permit obligations, payroll setup, and local business licenses.

Educational note: This guide is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Confirm current requirements with the California Secretary of State, Franchise Tax Board, CDTFA, and qualified professionals.

Most people need this first

If you are trying to decide…	Short answer
What is the California LLC filing fee?	$70 for Articles of Organization
Is there a recurring state tax?	Yes. Most California LLCs owe the $800 annual tax
Is the old first-year $800 exemption still available?	The FTB says it applied to LLCs organized or registered on or after Jan. 1, 2021 and before Jan. 1, 2024
Does California charge an income-based LLC fee?	Yes, if California total income reaches $250,000
Is there a Statement of Information fee?	$20, due initially within 90 days and then every two years
Is a seller’s permit fee required?	CDTFA says there is no charge for a seller’s permit, though a security deposit may be required

For many California LLCs, the practical order is:

Search the name -> choose agent for service of process -> file Articles -> file initial Statement of Information -> get EIN if needed -> handle FTB/CDTFA/local registrations

California LLC cost at a glance

Cost or requirement	Amount or range	What to know
Articles of Organization	$70	Main formation filing
Name reservation	$10	Optional
Statement of Information	$20	Initial filing and biennial filing
Annual LLC tax	$800	Paid to Franchise Tax Board
LLC fee	$900 to $11,790	Applies when California total income reaches $250,000
Seller’s permit	$0 permit fee	CDTFA may require security deposit
Agent for service of process	Varies	Required; provider fee if using commercial agent
EIN	$0 from IRS	Federal tax ID, separate from California filing

Formation cost: $70

California Government Code lists $70 to file Articles of Organization for a limited liability company. This creates the California LLC after the Secretary of State files the Articles.

That filing does not include:

$800 annual tax
LLC fee based on California total income
Statement of Information
EIN
Seller’s permit
Payroll registration
Local business license
Professional licensing
Agent service fees

$800 annual LLC tax

The FTB says the LLC annual tax is $800. It applies to an LLC that is doing business in California or registered with the California Secretary of State.

For domestic LLCs, the first-year annual tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after filing Articles of Organization.

The 2021-2023 first-year annual tax exemption should not be assumed for a 2026 California LLC.

California LLC fee

California also has an LLC fee based on California total income.

California total income	LLC fee
$250,000 to $499,999	$900
$500,000 to $999,999	$2,500
$1,000,000 to $4,999,999	$6,000
$5,000,000 or more	$11,790

This fee is separate from the $800 annual tax.

Cost FAQ

How much does it cost to start a California LLC?

The Secretary of State formation filing is $70. The real first-year cost can be higher because the $800 annual tax, Statement of Information, agent service, licenses, and tax registration may apply.

Does a California LLC pay $800 in the first year in 2026?

Usually yes if it is registered with the Secretary of State or doing business in California. The first-year exemption described by FTB applied to LLCs organized or registered before January 1, 2024.

How much is the California Statement of Information?

The LLC Statement of Information fee is $20.

Is a California seller’s permit free?

CDTFA says there is no charge for a seller’s permit, but it may ask for a security deposit depending on facts.

Is California cheaper than Wyoming or Delaware?

Usually not on recurring cost. California can be the right state if the business actually operates in California, but it is rarely chosen for low state maintenance cost.

Official resources

TimeSee California LLC processing time factors in 2026, including online filing, paper filing, name issues, registered agent mistakes, EIN timing, and next steps.NameLearn how to search a California LLC name in 2026, check distinguishability, avoid name rejection, and separate legal names from DBAs, domains, and trademarks.Registered AgentUnderstand California registered agent rules for LLCs in 2026, including who can serve, address requirements, privacy tradeoffs, and when to use a service.ArticlesLearn how to file the California LLC formation document in 2026, what information to prepare, what the filing fee covers, and what to do after approval.AgreementLearn what a California LLC operating agreement should cover in 2026, why banks and partners ask for it, and how it supports ownership and management.EINLearn when a California LLC needs an EIN in 2026, how to apply through the IRS for free, and how EIN timing affects banking, payroll, and tax accounts.

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