Real-time costs, processing times, and formation guides for all 50 states.
Starting a business shouldn't be a guessing game. Every state has unique fees, hidden annual costs, and varying processing speeds. We've indexed official Secretary of State data across the U.S. to give you a transparent, side-by-side comparison. Select your state below to see exactly what it costs to launch your LLC in 2026.
California
Articles of Organization
$
70
To form an LLC in California, you must file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State, which can be completed online through the bizfile portal. The required state filing fee is $70. The process involves selecting a unique business name, appointing a registered agent for service of process, and specifying whether the entity will be member-managed or manager-managed.
Regarding ongoing compliance, California requires LLCs to file a Statement of Information, which serves as the state's version of an annual report. The initial statement is due within 90 days of formation, and subsequent reports must be filed every two years during the six-month window ending on the anniversary month of the LLC’s registration. Each filing carries a $20 fee. Failure to submit these reports on time can result in a $250 penalty and the potential suspension of your business's legal standing.
Start Your LLCDisclosure: The National LLC Filing Fee Index is an independent review site. We may receive compensation from the companies whose services we review (such as ZenBusiness). This compensation helps us maintain this free resource for small business owners. Our reviews are based on our own research and professional judgment.
