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California Foreign LLC Registration
Everything you need to register a foreign LLC in California.
Foreign Qualification
- Filing fee
- $70
- Form
- Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company
- Annual obligation
- $20 biennial + $800/year franchise tax
- Processing time
- 5-7 business days online
- Expedite
- $350 for 24-hour, $750 for same-day
- Estimated year 1 cost
- $890
Note: California charges an $800 annual franchise tax on all LLCs, including foreign-qualified ones. This is one of the highest ongoing costs of any state.
Visit California Secretary of State ↗
Formation in California
- Formation fee
- $70
- Annual cost
- $20 biennial + $800/year franchise tax
- State income tax
- Income tax up to 13.3%. $800 minimum franchise tax for all LLCs.
- Privacy
- Low
California has the highest state income tax rate in the country. The Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) is due within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years. The $800 annual franchise tax is separate and due every year regardless.
What triggers foreign qualification in California?
- Physical presence (store, office, warehouse)
- Employees in California
- Recurring revenue from California customers
- Owning or leasing property in California
Important to know
- $800 annual franchise tax applies even if you earn no revenue in California
- Franchise Tax Board has its own definition of doing business (Revenue & Taxation Code 23101)
This page provides general information based on publicly available state requirements. It is not legal advice. Verify with the California Secretary of State before filing.