How to Start an LLC in California

#1: Pick an LLC Name

The first and foremost part of building an LLC in CA is to pick up the right company name. Try to select a name that corresponds to California standards and is conveniently accessed by prospective customers.

What Instructions Should Be Followed While Naming an LLC?

• Every business owner should include “Limited Liability Company” to his new company or the abbreviation of it, LLC.
• Avoid using the words that can mystify your LLC name with the government agencies, such as State Organizations, Treasury, FBI, etc.
• Make sure to choose a unique name from other corporations, California LLCs, or limited liability parties.
• If you want to fit in a few confined words like an attorney, bank, university, etc., it might demand hiring a licensed lawyer or doctor for additional documentation.

The next step is to verify access to your chosen name in California. Make sure if the name is still available or utilized by another entity.

You can visit California official state website to check on Business Registry Search. Furthermore, one can also generate a name through an LLC Name Generator online.

#2: Find a Registered Agent

Another vital step is to find a reliable Registered Agent to form an LLC in CA.

There are some limitations when choosing a registered agent in California. The person should be a California inhabitant who would be able to perform your business tasks from within the state.

You may also nominate yourself for the official documentation, but we personally recommend to go for ZenBusiness. Besides offering a free first year of their registered agent services, the company will form your California LLC only for $49 plus state filing fee.

#3 File an Articles of Organization

During the formation of an LLC in CA, it’s crucial to submit your articles of organization linked with the Secretary of its State. A general article should cover up the following:

1. Name and web address of your LLC’s planner
2. The official name and address of California LLC
3. Details of your LLCs registered entity
4. Details of your company members
5. The official LLCs emails
6. Entrepreneur’s signature

Affordable LLC services seamlessly file your article of organization at a fraction of the cost. This is how you can focus on your newly growing business and let the professionals handle your paperwork.

To file your articles of organization online you need to complete the online application at the secretary of the state’s website. You can also download the article of organization form and send it to the following address by mail or in-person:

Mailing Address:
Secretary of State,
Business Entities Filings,
P.O. Box 944228,
Sacramento, CA 94244.
Submit In-Person:
1500 11th St.,
Sacramento, CA 95814,
Mon-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please note that to file in person, you need to submit an additional $15 as a counter drop-off fee.

#4: Establish an LLC Operating Agreement

An LLC operating agreement is constitutional paperwork that sketches the rules and regulations for a new company and also outlines the entrepreneur’s operating procedures to form a new LLC in CA.

Although not necessary, creating an operating agreement will benefit a company for sure.

This legal agreement guarantees all entrepreneurs to remain on the same boat, which ultimately lessens further business clashes.

#5: Follow the Similar Tax and Other Administrative Requirements

A few extra taxes and other administrative requirements might implement to your new LLC that includes:

Employer Identification Number – It is just like a Social Security Number, so if your company has more than one employee, you can get this EIN by paying extra. This nine-digit code will check into your tax issues and assist you in creating a new bank account, hiring new staff, etc. One can submit an online form at the IRS website to get an EIN for his company.

Official Licenses – Sometimes, your new LLC in California might demand the official state licenses or other approvals, depending on the business type and its location. So, there are Economic Resource Units in California leading you to authorities to guarantee proper licensing, registration, or permissions within the state.

#6: Fulfill Your State Tax Commitments

After getting a California LLC, there are several responsibilities on a business entity that should be fulfilled. For instance, in a few cases, one has to check with the California Department of Revenue (CADOR) for selling products or assembling sales tax, etc.

For your convenience, IDOR has an online platform, so you can register yourself from there through Business Taxes Registration Application. For more information, you can review detailed LLC articles on our website.

#7: Responsibly Submit Annual Reports

All limited liability companies in California, after their creation, are obliged to submit their annual (or biennial) reports. For more details on how to file an annual report, read our article on LLC annual (or biennial) report or state-specific fee.

Due Date: In California, you need to submit LLC biennial reports with $20 as a processing fee first due within 90 days of registration. After that, you have to file an annual report every two years within a six-month filing window depending on your initial filing date.

Late Filings: In case you submit your biennial report after the due date, you have to pay a $250 late fee. Failure to file a biennial report may result in the dissolution of your LLC in California.