California LLC Forms, Fees, and Filing Deadlines

Form LLC-1 is the standard Articles of Organization for a Limited Liability Company and is issued by the California Secretary of State. But if you’ve already formed a limited partnership or some other business entity, you actually need Form LLC-1A to convert the existing entity with Articles of Organization. If you’re merging one or more business entities into a new LLC, you need Form OBE-MERGER 1. 

This is a big reason our free LLC formation service has such value. Give us the basic details of your current business status and your new LLC, and we’ll automatically pull the right form for you when filing with the state.

Most states require business entities to file an annual report. California calls its report a Statement of Information. You must file this California Statement of Information biennially (every other year) and pay a $20 filing fee. This form asks for basic company information including the LLC’s name, address, file number, managers/members, registered agent and address, and a basic description of the business. 

Your first Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) is due within 90 days of your LLC formation date. This form may look straightforward to an accountant or bookkeeper, but it’s a common tripping hazard for new LLC owners. If a critical business issue or personal emergency pops up at the wrong time, it’s all too easy to let this essential task slip through the cracks.  

Procrastinators can be successful business owners, too. Especially with Bizee. Don’t wait to start your California LLC. We’ll help remind you about your Statement of Information and can even file the form for you.

If you plan to expand your California LLC to another state, you’ll first need a Foreign Qualification or Certificate of Authority from that state. This is necessary before you can create a physical presence, hire employees, or bank in that state. You'll likely have to complete at least one application and pay a filing fee, but each state has its own requirements. 


You can find information for foreign qualifications in each state with our state-by-state LLC formation guide, or just go ahead and use our filing service with active customer support.

Maybe you’re not forming an LLC in California so much as moving to the state and/or planning to offer products and services for the first time. In addition to specific foreign qualification forms, out-of-state businesses must file a Statement of Information. These entities may also use the same cancellation, name reservation, and merger forms as domestic LLCs.

There are also multiple versions for many of California’s LLC amendment forms. Form LLC-2 is the primary Certificate of Amendment to update core information about your LLC. Unless you’re changing the name itself. Then, you need Form LLC-2-A. Unless you’re changing the name of an out-of-state LLC with a foreign qualification. That name amendment form is actually LLC-6. 

There are three different forms to choose from when terminating an LLC. And then, in addition to amendment forms, there are also correction forms to change the information on a previously filed form with inaccurate information. 

It’s not uncommon to make changes to your LLC during your business’s journey. Don’t let it become another headache by using the wrong form and going round and round with the California Secretary of State.

Here is a list of all LLC filing forms in California.

Unlike other LLC filings, these forms are administered by the state’s Franchise Tax Board.

When it comes to California LLC business taxes, the filing forms are the end of the journey. The beginning starts with choosing an LLC in the first place and having a sound strategy to leverage this business entity’s tax flexibility for maximum impact. Because new businesses can’t afford to leave any money on the table.

Typically, it takes a few hours to gather and submit the information and then a couple days for the state to process the application. But let’s say you and your best friend hatch a plan late one night to start a new LLC company as quickly as possible. 

First, you’ll have to verify that you have a unique name for the LLC, sign up for a registered agent service or be prepared to serve as your own, be prepared to list an address and owners/members for the business. Then, you’ll need to create an online account with the state, input this information into the Articles of Information form, indicate that you’d like to use the state’s Same-Day expedited service, and send the form to the state along with a $750 fee (instead of the usual $75) by 9:30 in the morning. 

In this hypothetical, you may be able to successfully form a California LLC in less than a day.
If it’s simply a matter of not losing rights to a preferred business name, that’s what the $10 Name Reservation form is used for. You can then use Bizee’s free service and just pay the $75 state fee.

To dissolve your LLC, you’ll need to file a Certificate of Cancellation. If every member of the LLC agrees to dissolve the company, this single, simple form will do. If a majority vote is required, a Certificate of Dissolution must first be filed and approved before then filing the Certificate of Cancellation. To avoid disputes and for quick approval from the state, the LLC should also follow any guidelines the company laid out in its operating agreement.

If you’re no longer operating an LLC, it’s always a good idea to dissolve the entity, but it’s especially important in California. Otherwise, your LLC may continue to be assessed the $800 minimum franchise tax.

You simply use Form LLC-1A when forming the company. This is a variant of the standard Articles of Organization form, letting the state know your company already exists as a sole proprietorship. Once approved, you can transfer assets to your new LLC and update any business licenses, bank accounts, contracts, or fictitious names that your company plans to keep using. Be sure to document the transferred assets and be aware that there may be tax implications the following year.

No Contracts. No Surprises. Only $0 + State Fee to Launch Your Business.