California LLC Name Search

Check LLC name availability in California and get instant access to filing requirements, fees, and formation guidelines

California

Filing Fee

$70

Standard LLC Filing

Processing Time

5-10 business days

Expedited: 24 hours

Annual Fee

$800

Due: April 15

Why Form an LLC in California?

Tax Benefits

Corporate Income Tax: 8.84%
Sales Tax: 7.25% (state) + local rates

  • Pass-through taxation available
  • Large market access
  • Flexible tax options

Legal Protection

Protect your personal assets with California's LLC structure

  • Limited personal liability
  • Asset protection
  • Business credibility

Simple Maintenance

Annual Report Due: April 15

  • High annual tax
  • Detailed compliance
  • Regular reporting

Business Flexibility

  • Choose your management structure
  • Flexible profit distribution
  • Easy ownership transfers
  • Multiple owner types allowed

Business Environment in California

State Overview

Capital: Sacramento

Filing Fees:

  • LLC: $70
  • Corporation: $100

Processing Times:

  • Standard: 5-10 business days
  • Expedited: 24 hours

Useful Resources

LLC and Corporation Forms →LLC and Corporation Fees →Franchise Tax Board – Business Taxes & Revenue) →CalGold– Business Permits and Licensing →

Tax Information

Corporate Income Tax: 8.84%

Sales Tax: 7.25% (state) + local rates

LLC Requirements in California

Formation Requirements

Basic Requirements

  • Operating Agreement (required)
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN)
  • Statement of Information

Registered Agent

California requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent in the state.

Annual Compliance

Annual Report

Required - Due April 15

Annual Fee

$800 - Due April 15

Formation Timeline

Processing Options

  • Standard Processing: 5-10 business days
  • Expedited Processing: 24 hours

Initial Costs

  • LLC Filing Fee: $70
  • First Year Annual Fee: $800

Contact Information

Get in touch with the California Secretary of State office for business registration assistance

Contact Details

Fax

916-653-4795

Address Information

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 944230, Sacramento, CA 94244-2300

Physical Address

1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814

Frequently Asked Questions

The initial filing fee for an LLC in California is $70. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $800 due April 15.
Standard processing time in California is 5-10 business days. Expedited processing is available with a turnaround time of 24 hours.
Yes, California requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent who can receive legal documents on behalf of your business.
LLCs in California must pay an annual fee of $800 due on April 15 and file an annual report.
In California, the corporate income tax rate is 8.84%, and the sales tax rate is 7.25% (state) + local rates. LLCs can choose to be taxed as pass-through entities or corporations.