Open a California LLC from anywhere in the world
Required if you live or do business in California. Comes with an $800 minimum franchise tax.
California LLC overview
A California LLC is generally only the right choice if you live in California, have California-based clients, or own California real estate or property. The state imposes a minimum annual franchise tax of $800 regardless of revenue, so it is not a 'tax-friendly' LLC state. That said, if your business is genuinely tied to California, forming there is the correct path and we make the process straightforward.
California LLC pricing
One flat package price. Everything below is included.
- Total package
- from $270 (all-in)
- State filing fee
- $70 (state)
What you get
- Company name availability search
- LLC registration in California with Articles of Organization
- EIN (IRS tax ID) with official confirmation letter
- California Registered Agent service for 1 year
- Business mailing address (Registered Agent's address) for 1 year
- Mail scanning service
- Initial Operating Agreement draft
- Free US business bank account opening assistance
- Stripe and PayPal setup guidance
- Lifetime support over WhatsApp and email
Timeline
All-inclusive California LLC bundle
One simple, all-in price. State filing fee, Registered Agent, business address, EIN and operating agreement all included.
California LLC formation with everything you need to launch: Registered Agent, business address, EIN with verification letter and operating agreement. State filing fee is already included.
- California LLC formation with all relevant documents
- California state filing fee included
- Registered Agent service (1 year)
- Business address provided by the Registered Agent
- EIN (IRS tax ID) with official verification letter
- Initial Operating Agreement
- Bank account opening assistance
- Lifetime support over WhatsApp and email
Why form your LLC in California?
If you live or actively operate in California, you should form there to avoid foreign-LLC issues.
Operating legally in the world's fifth-largest economy.
California courts and statutes are well-developed for business disputes.
California LLCs are immediately recognised by US banks and investors.
Who is California best for?
- Founders who live in California
- Companies with California clients, employees or property
- Real estate held in California
- Brick-and-mortar California businesses
Taxes and compliance
- California charges a minimum $800 annual franchise tax for LLCs.
- An additional LLC fee applies if total income is over $250,000 per year.
- State income tax may apply to California-sourced income.
- Federal IRS filings still apply for foreign-owned LLCs.
Ongoing California LLC requirements
$800 minimum per year, due April 15.
$20 every two years.
You must maintain a California Registered Agent.
How it works
Pick the California LLC plan that fits your goals.
Quick 5-minute form. We do the paperwork.
Receive formation docs, EIN and operating agreement.
California LLC: frequently asked questions
Is California worth the $800 franchise tax?+
Only if you genuinely live or do business in California. Otherwise Wyoming or New Mexico are far cheaper.
I live in California, can I form a Wyoming LLC instead?+
You can, but you would still have to register that Wyoming LLC as a foreign LLC in California and pay the $800 yearly tax. The savings rarely justify the complexity.
Can a non-US resident form a California LLC?+
Yes, but only do it if you have a genuine California connection.
When is the $800 due?+
By April 15 each year, even for newly formed LLCs (with limited first-year exemptions).
Will Stripe and PayPal accept a California LLC?+
Yes, with an EIN.
Can I open a US bank account?+
Yes. Mercury, Relay and Wise accept California LLCs.
How long does it take?+
Formation takes 5 to 15 business days, plus 5 to 15 days for the EIN.
Are member names public?+
Yes, members and managers are listed on the Statement of Information.
A few things to know
- State filing fees are billed separately and set by each state.
- Processing times depend on the state and the IRS and can vary.
- We cannot guarantee approval of any third-party bank or payment processor.
- We are not a law firm or accounting firm. Information is for general guidance only.
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