LLC cost in California in 2026
Cheap to open, expensive to keep. The $800 minimum franchise tax is due even in a year with no revenue.
Updated August 2026
Educational estimates only. The figures on this page are general market research, not legal advice, and no attorney client relationship is created by using this site. Cost of Legal does not provide, broker or arrange legal services, and does not sell or pass on your details to anyone. Confirm current fees with the relevant government office or a licensed professional before you spend money.
California charges $70 to file Articles of Organization, one of the lower opening fees in the country. The cost that catches people out arrives later. The Franchise Tax Board charges a minimum annual franchise tax of $800 for every year the LLC exists, whether it traded or not.
That single line changes the maths for anyone testing an idea. A dormant California LLC still costs $800 a year to keep alive, so an entity you are not using is worth closing rather than parking.
California LLC fees at a glance
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Articles of OrganizationPaid once to the Secretary of State. | $70 |
| Minimum annual franchise taxDue every year, revenue or not. | $800 |
| Statement of InformationDue within 90 days, then every two years. | $20 |
| Registered agent serviceOptional if you act as your own agent. | $100 to $300 a year |
First year, doing it yourself
$890 to $910
First year with a formation service and paid agent
$990 to $1,490
Every year after that
$800 to $1,110
Ranges assume a registered agent service at $100 to $300 a year where one is used, and a formation service package of $0 to $300 on top of state fees. Above roughly $250,000 in California gross receipts an extra fee applies on a sliding scale, starting near $900 and rising with revenue.
The quirk worth knowing
Some businesses see franchise tax relief in a first taxable year, and the rules have changed more than once. Confirm current eligibility with the Franchise Tax Board rather than assuming a first year waiver applies to you.
Forming in Wyoming or Delaware does not remove California obligations if you live and work here. Operating in California generally means registering here and paying the same $800 minimum, plus a second set of fees in the other state.
Who California suits
It suits a business that is already earning in California and needs to be registered here anyway. It suits a pre revenue side project much less well, because the annual cost does not scale down when activity does.
Run your own numbers
The calculator lets you change the formation route, the registered agent choice and expedited filing, then shows first year and ongoing totals as line items.
Open the LLC formation cost calculator