California · CA
California LLC Cost Calculator (2026)
Filing $70 · Annual $20 biennial · 5-year all-in $4,420
California's LLC filing fee is $70, with a biennial report fee of $20 plus a $800 minimum franchise/privilege tax. Over five years — including a $50/yr registered agent baseline — a California LLC costs approximately $4,420. Adjust the registered-agent cost and time horizon below to model your specific situation.
Need more detail on California? See the California LLC formation guide or compare with other states via the 50-state matrix.
LLC Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of forming and maintaining an LLC across 51 US jurisdictions. Includes state filing, registered agent, annual report, franchise tax, and (where applicable) publication.
Year 1 breakdown — California
| State filing fee | $70 |
| Registered agent (yr 1) | $50 |
| Annual report fee | $20 |
| Franchise / privilege tax (minimum) | $800 |
| Year 1 total | $940 |
| Recurring (yr 2+) | $870/yr |
Avg. $884 / year — compares to 5-yr baseline $4,420.
What this calculator does NOT include
- Federal BOI report (free, but mandatory)
- EIN application (free with SSN/ITIN; some services charge $50-$300)
- Operating Agreement drafting
- State-level business licenses (industry-specific)
- Local city/county fees (varies by municipality)
- Foreign LLC registration if operating outside formation state
- Federal and state income tax on profits
Educational estimate only. Not legal or tax advice. Verify with a licensed CPA or attorney before filing.