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California LLC Annual Report (Statement of Information and Franchise Tax): Deadline, Fee and How to File (2026)
Every California LLC has a yearly state requirement to stay in good standing. Most people call it the California LLC annual report, while the state calls it the statement of information and franchise tax. Here is exactly what California asks for, when it is due, what it costs, where to file and what happens if you miss it.
A California LLC has two yearly costs. It files a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State within 90 days of forming and then every two years ($20 each time), and it pays the $800 annual franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even with no income.
California Statement of Information and Franchise Tax at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Statement of Information | $20, within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years |
| Filed with | California Secretary of State (bizfile Online) |
| Annual franchise tax | $800 minimum every year, paid to the Franchise Tax Board |
| Extra LLC fee | Applies only if California gross receipts are $250,000 or more |
| Who it applies to | LLCs formed in or registered to do business in California |
How to File Your California LLC Annual Report
- File the Statement of Information on bizfile Online
- Pay the $20 fee
- Pay the $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board with Form 3522
- Set reminders for both deadlines
What Happens If You Miss It
A late Statement of Information can bring a $250 penalty, and unpaid franchise tax leads to penalties, interest and suspension of the LLC by the Franchise Tax Board.
Is California a Good Choice for Founders Abroad?
Usually not. The $800 yearly tax applies even with no profit. Unless you do business in California, Wyoming or New Mexico costs far less to keep.
What You Need Before Filing
- Your LLC’s exact legal name and state file number
- Your registered agent’s name and address
- Your principal office address
- The names and addresses of members or managers, if the form asks for them
- A card or bank account to pay the fee online
California LLC Annual Report: What Founders Abroad Should Know
The California LLC annual report is the yearly filing that keeps your LLC active on the state record. A California LLC files its first Statement of Information within 90 days of forming and then every two years, and it pays the franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board every year. The Statement of Information costs $20 every two years, and the $800 minimum franchise tax goes to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even with no income. It is a state filing only: it does not replace your federal filings with the IRS.
Founders who live outside the US miss this deadline more often than anyone else, mostly because state reminders go to the registered agent, not to them. A few habits keep a California LLC safe:
- Add the California deadline to your calendar the day your LLC is approved
- Keep your registered agent active, since that is where California sends its notices
- File a week or two early: foreign cards are sometimes declined on state portals, so leave time to retry
- Save the confirmation PDF, because banks and payment processors can ask for proof of good standing
Many founders abroad mix up the California LLC annual report with Form 5472. The California LLC annual report goes to the California Secretary of State (bizfile Online), while Form 5472 (with a pro forma Form 1120) goes to the IRS, due April 15 for calendar-year LLCs, and the penalty for missing it starts at $25,000. A foreign-owned single-member LLC needs both.
LLCPronto clients do not have to track any of this alone. We remind you before every California deadline and can file the California LLC annual report for you, so your LLC stays in good standing while you run your business. Ask us on WhatsApp for current pricing.
California Annual Report Filing Cost With LLCPronto
Our service fee is up to $60, plus the California state fee. We confirm the total before you pay.
Documents You Need to File a California Annual Report
- The LLC’s name and file number
- The LLC’s current principal and mailing address
- Names and addresses of the members or managers
- Your registered agent’s name and address
California Annual Filing: FAQs
Does California have an annual report for LLCs?
It has a Statement of Information every two years ($20) and an $800 annual franchise tax every year.
Do I pay $800 if my LLC made no money?
Yes. The $800 minimum tax applies to every California LLC.
Can I avoid California tax by forming elsewhere?
Only if you do not do business in California. If you do, you must register there anyway.
When is the California LLC annual report due?
A California LLC files its first Statement of Information within 90 days of forming and then every two years, and it pays the franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board every year.
How much does the California LLC annual report cost?
The Statement of Information costs $20 every two years, and the $800 minimum franchise tax goes to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even with no income.
Do non-residents have to file the California LLC annual report?
Yes. Every California LLC files it, wherever the owners live. Owners abroad usually file online, and the registered agent in California receives the state’s reminders.
Related Guides
- California LLC formation guide
- Form 5472 for foreign-owned LLCs (a separate federal filing)
- Registered agent service
- LLC cost and yearly filings in all 50 states
Facts checked against the California Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board. Fees and deadlines can change; always confirm on the official site before you file.
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Up to $60 service fee plus the California state fee. We file on time so your LLC stays in good standing.
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