Why Is Forming California LLC So Expensive?

Launching a startup or creating a limited liability company (LLC) is one of the most tricky challenges aspiring entrepreneurs face before they can start doing business officially. As a result, several businesses hire the llc formation services so as to help them take out the complexities and hassles from the entire LLC incorporation process. However, prior to your business incorporation, there’s usually a need to make some investments. Aside from renting the office space, getting the necessary equipment, and the like, there are some costs associated with launching an LLC with each state being different.

Michael Coulson from https://bestllcservices.co/ says that getting your LLC incorporated in California usually requires more financial commitment than in the other states even if you go for the cheapest LLC formation services available. To a large extent, a bulk of this cost may qualify for a tax deduction, however incurring such a huge initial cost is usually a turn-off for most aspiring entrepreneurs. In this article, we’re going to consider the various costs that are associated with LLC formation in California. Let’s take a look!

LLC Formation in California: Here Are The Associated Costs!

  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) Name Reservation Fee

Have you found the perfect and available name for your business? If yes, then that’s great news! However, it’s important to note that the name is never fully yours until you apply for a name reservation or a fast-thinking individual might just beat you to it. With that in mind, the state of California doesn’t make LLC name reservation a compulsory activity before business incorporation, therefore this is totally optional. For a $10 fee, you can submit a name reservation request, which will ultimately give you exclusive ownership of the preferred name for a period of 60 days before you have it registered. If you make the application without the services of LLC formation companies, you’ll incur a handling fee of $10. For more clarity, this service is optional as they’re hardly necessary. It’s only done to protect your chosen LLC name and ensure no one registers it before you do.

  • Articles of Organization Fee

When it comes to LLC formation in California or any other state, the Articles of Organization form is a compulsory one to be drafted and filed. This is the form that officially sets up your LLC, registers it with the state, and has your business name secured. Whether you’re opting for online llc formation or a paper application, filing an Article of Organization with the California Secretary of State will have you $70 less and this may increase by an extra $15 if you wish to make the application yourself.

If you find the process too tedious or you probably have little time to see it through, there are a wide range of reliable LLC formation services that can draft and file your Articles of Organization for you. Some of the best LLC services include LegalZoom, Zenbusiness, MyCompanyWorks, and RocketLawyer.

  • Business License Fee

This is a chance you’ll require one or multiple licenses depending on your type of business at both local and federal levels. Although not all businesses will need a license to operate, if you do, then it must be obtained before you can start your business. Different licenses come with varying fees, simply visit the CalGold website or consult your LLC service provider to determine yours.

  • Statement Of Information Fee

In not more than 90 days after registration, all California-registered LLCs are mandated to draft and file a state of information. This form is expected to be filed every two years at a cost of $20 every time, and failure to do so will attract a penalty. The statement of information can be filed in person, online, or through the mail (by yourself or your LLC services provider) depending on your preference.

Cost Of A Foreign LLC Formation in California

Is your LLC formed in another state, but you now want to expand your business to California? If yes, then this is for you! Your LLC falls under the category of a foreign LLC and would cost you $70 to register as one.

  • Articles of Organization Amendment Fee

The cost of filing an amendment to your Articles of Organization as a foreign LLC is $30.

  • Business Permits or Licenses

You may have to obtain permits or licenses at the local or state level to operate depending on your type of business as well as geographical location. 

LLC Incorporation Services

As the saying goes, nothing good comes easy, and setting up an LLC is definitely not the easiest of tasks! Not only is it laden with paperwork, time-consuming, and filled with a plethora of complexities, but it will also attract heavy penalties if you operate an LLC without proper incorporation of your business. To get past all these with relative ease while also having more time to plan your business, you can simply opt for LLC creation services that are highly experienced in the field. They take care of everything needed in the business formation process from start to finish like filing the Articles of Organization on your behalf, tax consultations, and many more. There is a wide range of online LLC formation companies to choose from but some of the best LLC services we’ll recommend include the following:

  • Zenbusiness
  • LegalZoom
  • MyCompanyWorks
  • Rocket Lawyer
  • IncFile

However, depending on your LLC needs and budget, you can compare business formation websites to get the one with offers and qualities that best suit your business.