Incorporate in California (CA)
Learn the basic facts about California corporations and California limited liability companies (LLCs). Compare the differences between California corporations and California LLCs and learn about California rules and regulations that relate to forming a corporation or LLC.
Forming a California Corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC)
There are a number of business entity types to consider when you are deciding the structure of your California business. The most advantageous entities to form in California are typically corporations or LLCs. Although other entity options are possible, these are the entities that offer the highest level of liability protection in California. As you review the characteristics of incorporating or forming an LLC in California, be sure to keep in mind both the present and future needs of your business. Often, when you start a business it begins as a small organization.
Get Started
If you decide that a California corporation or LLC is the best option for your business, BizFilings will form your company in California, faster than anyone else, without costly legal fees. Our cost-saving offerings include:
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$115 + State Fees |
$250 + State Fees |
$350 + State Fees |
- Preparation and Filing of Formation Documents
- Preliminary Name Check with State
- Free Registered Agent Service for 6 months
- BizComply Online Compliance Tool
- 24/7 Access to Online Corporate Status Center
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- Everything included with the Basic Package
- Expedited Processing Service
- Corporate Kit & Seal
- Corporate Forms CD
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- Everything included with the Standard Package
- Tax ID (EIN) Number Obtainment
- Compliance DVD
- Certified Copy of State Filed Documents
- Overnight Shipping
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State Fees Apply
Each state charges filing fees that apply separately from BizFilings' package pricing. These fees will be reflected when you generate a Fast Quote using any of the links above. You can also view our list of fees by state.
Incorporating in California
California Corporate Name Endings
California Corporation Requirements
California Corporate Taxes and Fees
California Business License Requirements
California Corporate Name Endings
The name must not be likely to mislead the public, be the same as, or resemble so closely as to lead to deception, the name of a domestic or qualified foreign corporation, a name under reservation, or the registered or assumed name of a foreign corporation. The name would need Superintendent of Bank's approval if it contained the words "Bank," "Trust" or "Trustee."
California Corporation Requirements
Director Information
Minimum Number: Not less than three, unless there are only one or two shareholders of record. Then the number of directors may be less than three but not less than the number of shareholders.
Residence Requirements: No provision.
Age Requirements: None.
Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Officer Information
Officers are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
Stock Information
An increase in shares or par value does not effect initial filing fees.
Corporate Records
An original or a copy of bylaws must be kept at the principal executive office or principal business office in the State of California. The minutes of directors' and shareholders' meetings must be kept at the principal office.
Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit www.ftb.ca.gov.
S Corporation
S corporation status is recognized by the State of California. A separate state election from the federal election is not required.
License Requirements
California may require that you obtain a business license and pay a licensing fee based on your business type or profession. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession.
Form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in California
California LLC Name Endings
California LLC Requirements
California LLC Taxes and Fees
California Business License Requirements
LLC Name Endings
The name of a LLC must end with "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C."
California LLC Requirements
Member/Manager Information
Minimum Number: one or more
Residence Requirements: no provision
Age Requirements: must be at least 19 years of age
Members/Managers are not required to be listed on the formation documents
California Taxes and Fees
Annual Statements
The requirements for annual statements, reports and fees vary by state. BizFilings created BizComply - an online compliance management tool that provides customers with helpful information about requirements imposed by their state of formation or, if applicable, their state of foreign qualification. BizComply is included at no charge when you select BizFilings as your registered agent when ordering one of our formation services. It is also included in registered agent only or change of agent services, or it can be purchased as a stand-alone product for $50/year.
Taxes
For more information on taxes, visit www.ftb.ca.gov.
License Requirements
California typically prohibits services that require licensure, registration, or certification from forming as a LLC. To find out if your service is prohibited from forming as a LLC and to make sure your business is complying with the license requirements for your particular profession, please check with the state.
Registered Agents in California
California corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent located in California. The California registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents including service of process (litigation) documents, franchise tax forms, and annual report forms.
A California registered agent is an individual or company located at a street address in California. Post office boxes are not acceptable addresses for a registered agent in California.
If a company, such as BizFilings, is acting as your registered agent they must be registered as a corporation in California. There are a number of advantages to using a registered agent service provider in California, but the advantages differ between large and small companies.
Large companies in California benefit by having service of process and state documents send to their registered agent's office in California. The registered agent follows delivery instructions to ensure that important documents reach the correct individual. Smaller companies in California benefit by providing a consistent California address.
Another advantage to using another company as your California registered agent is that the information of your California registered agent is public record.
Learn how to select BizFilings as your registered agent in California.
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