# CA LLC FORMATION

## Open your California LLC for free.

Jupid prepares and files your LLC at no service fee. You only pay the $70 state fee, then use Jupid for $50/month to keep bookkeeping, taxes, EIN, and company docs in order.

[Open LLC free](https://app.jupid.com/llc?state=ca) [See state requirements](/content/llc-formation/ca#state-guide/index.html)

### Free LLC filing

Only the California state fee is separate.

- **LLC Filing**: Free service
- **EIN + Docs**: With Jupid
- **AI Bookkeeping**: Included
- **Tax-Ready**: Year-round

### Open the LLC for free. Then keep the books and taxes clean.

The filing service is free. Jupid is $50/month and gives the new business the accounting system it needs after formation.

- **EIN from the IRS**: Included with your Jupid subscription after formation, so banking, payroll, and tax setup can move faster.
    - **Legal Name**: Bright Path Design LLC
    - **State of Formation**: Selected state
    - **Effective Date**: March 12, 2026
    - **Entity Type**: Single-Member LLC

### Operating Agreement

Included with your Jupid subscription and generated from your LLC ownership and management details.

#### Operating Agreement
- **Name**: Bright Path Design LLC
- **Formation & Purpose**: Single-member LLC
- **Member Information**: Sarah Chen — 100% ownership
- **Capital Contributions**: Initial: $5,000
- **Management Structure**: Member-managed
- **Distributions & Allocations**: Pro rata to members
- **Dissolution Terms**: Standard provisions

## Open your LLC in one guided flow.

Answer a few questions, choose your registered agent option, and Jupid prepares the filing. After approval, your books and taxes stay organized in Jupid.

1. **Contacts**: Owner details.
2. **Business**: Name, address, activity.
3. **EIN**: Federal tax ID.
4. **Agreement**: Company docs.
5. **Rush Filing**: Fast handling.
6. **Registered Agent**: Optional add-on.
7. **Finalize**: Review and submit.

## What to know before forming an LLC in California.

These facts were checked against official state and IRS sources on April 29, 2026.

- **State filing fee**: $70
- **Formation document**: Articles of Organization
- **Processing**: Online filing is the fastest state option; state processing time varies by filing queue.
- **Registered agent**: Required

### Formation steps

1. **Choose and check your LLC name**: California LLC names must be available in state records and comply with state naming rules before filing.
2. **Choose an agent for service of process**: California requires an agent for service of process. You can use an eligible person or company, or add registered agent service for an additional fee.
3. **File Articles of Organization**: File the California LLC formation online with the Secretary of State. The published filing fee is $70.
4. **File the initial Statement of Information**: California LLCs must file the Statement of Information within 90 days of initial registration and every two years after that. The fee is $20.
5. **Prepare EIN and operating agreement**: After formation, Jupid can handle the EIN workflow and generate the operating agreement for subscription customers.

### California taxes and ongoing filings

- **Articles of Organization**: $70 filing fee
- **Statement of Information**: $20, due within 90 days and every two years
- **Annual LLC tax**: $800

### Registered agent

California LLC filings require an agent for service of process. The agent receives official legal and state notices for the LLC. Use your own eligible California agent or add registered agent service for an additional fee.

### Local permits and licenses

California LLC formation does not replace city, county, sales tax, professional, food, health, contractor, or industry licensing requirements.

## California LLC questions, answered.

1. **How much does it cost to form a California LLC?**  California lists a $70 filing fee for LLC Articles of Organization. Jupid's base filing service is free; the government state fee is still paid separately.
2. **Does a California LLC pay the $800 annual tax?**  Generally yes. The California Franchise Tax Board says every LLC doing business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800 until the LLC is canceled, subject to limited exceptions.
3. **When is the California Statement of Information due?**  California LLCs must file the Statement of Information within 90 days of initial registration and every two years after that. The listed fee is $20.
4. **When does the California LLC fee start?**  The California Franchise Tax Board says LLCs making more than $250,000 must pay an LLC fee. The fee starts at $900 for $250,000 to $499,999 of California income.

## Ready to open your California LLC for free?

Jupid files the LLC at no service fee. Your $50/month subscription keeps bookkeeping, tax organization, EIN, and company docs moving after formation.

[Open LLC free](https://app.jupid.com/llc?state=ca)