The real cost of an LLC
Honestly, not just a one-time fee.
An LLC isn't a single payment. Here's what forming one in California actually costs — we show you this up front so there are no surprises later.
| Item | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization filing fee | $70 | One-time |
| Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | Every 2 years |
| Franchise Tax (CA Franchise Tax Board) | $800 | Annual — due even with zero revenue, starting ~3.5 months after filing, continues until the LLC is formally cancelled |
| Registered agent service (optional) | $100–$300 | Annual |
California example — other states coming. The $800 Franchise Tax is annual, never a one-time fee.