How do I maintain an LLC in California?
How do I maintain my California LLC? | BetterLegal
What's the next step after registering my business in California?
After successfully setting up your business in California, you need to make sure that you keep your LLC in good standing with the state. This way, you will be able to transact with third parties smoothly, especially with your vendors and clients.
A good standing status shows that your company is compliant with the state requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, payment of annual fees and updating of your company information with the state.
Additionally, certain other formalities are required by the state, like appointing a registered agent for service of process and maintaining a registered office in California.
If you do not have a physical address in the state where you registered your LLC, check out BetterLegal's Registered Agent Service. Through BetterLegal's Registered Agent service, you will receive scanned copies of your important mails and you may also request for physical copies to be mailed to your address for a minimal administrative fee. Subscribe to our service now!
Why is it important to Maintain my LLC in California?
Third parties are able to obtain your good standing status by submitting a request to the Secretary of State in California. If a third party you are transacting with finds out that your company is in bad standing with the state, it may cause unnecessary delays and issues in your business transactions.
Also, failure to comply with state requirements may result to forfeiture, dissolution, or involuntary termination of your LLC.
This is why you should be on top of California's periodic requirements for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) like yours. Maintain your LLC to avoid any issues and delays in your transactions.
If you need help in maintaining your LLC in California, check out BetterLegal's State Compliance package. We will make sure that your company complies with the state requirements to keep your company in good standing. Subscribe to our State Compliance Service Now!
The Basics of Maintaining Your LLC
There are different administrative tasks that make up the maintenance of an LLC in California, but can be grouped into categories:
- Statement of Information: Required filing in California to keep your LLC in good standing
- Articles of Organization: Updating of your LLC information in California
- Operating Agreement: Legal document outlining the internal rules and procedures of a Limited Liability Company
- Licenses and Permits: Documentary requirements for these in California vary depending on the nature of business
- DBAs: Registration of other names a business may go by other than its official name
- Taxes: Money owed to the government for revenues and earnings
Filing your California LLC's Statement of Information
If you are planning to file your California LLC's Statement of Information, BetterLegal has prepared an easy to follow step-by-step guide for you below. We have also included pertinent information that you need to remember when filing.
When is the due date for my California LLC's Statement of Information?
File your California LLC's Statement of Information on the anniversary month of your LLC. You need to file it with the state every two years. The Statement of Information may be submitted not more than 90 to 120 days before the due date.
How much do I need to pay for my California LLC's Statement of Information?
Prepare $20 to pay for your California LLC's Statement of Information.
What information are needed when filing my California LLC's Statement of Information?
When filing your LLC's Statement of Information, make sure to provide any updated information of your LLC, except for LLC name change.
How do I submit my California LLC's Statement of Information?
You may submit your California LLC's Statement of Information online or by mail.
(1) File online using this link: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business.
(2) by Mail
a. Obtain the correct form: You can download the Statement of Information form from the California Secretary of State's website: https://bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov/llc/forms/llc-12-112021.pdf
b. Complete the form: The form will ask for information about your LLC, including the LLC's name and address, the names and addresses of all LLC members and managers, and the LLC's registered agent information. You will also need to provide information about the LLC's business activities and any changes that have occurred since the last Statement of Information filing.
c. Include the filing fee: As of 2021, the filing fee for a Statement of Information is $20. Make sure to include a check or money order payable to the "California Secretary of State". Do not send cash.
d. Mail the form and payment: Once you've completed the form and included the filing fee, mail it to the California Secretary of State's office at the address listed on the form:
Secretary of State
Statement of Information Unit
PO Box 944260
Sacramento, CA 94244-2600
What is the turnaround time for my California LLC's Statement of Information?
Your payment or filing submission will reflect on the state's records after 24 to 48 hours from the time of filing. .
What should I do if I miss my California LLC's Statement of Information's due date?
Late submission of Statement of Information in California is allowed. There is no late fee. You may file your late submission online.
If you fail to file even after the grace period, your LLC will be administratively dissolved by the state.
I missed my California LLC's Statement of Information's grace period for late submission, what should I do?
If you also missed the state's grace period for the filing of Statement of Information, file for your LLC's reinstatement.
Articles of Organization
If you want to update your company information but it is too early to file for your LLC's Statement of Information or maybe you have already filed your LLC's Statement of Information, but forgot to update your information, you may still do so by filing an amendment with the state.
BetterLegal may also assist you in filing these amendments. Check out the links below:
- California LLC Certificate of Amendment Change Name
- California LLC Certificate of Amendment
- California LLC Certificate of Amendment Change Name
- California LLC Statement of Information
- California LLC Statement of Information
- California LLC Statement of Information
- California LLC Certificate of Cancellation
- California LLC Short Form Cancellation Certificate
- California LLC Resignation of Agent For Service of Process
- California LLC Certificate of Continuation
- California LLC Application for Reservation Of Limited Liability Company Name
- California LLC Business Entities Records
Operating Agreement
The operating agreement outlines your LLC's internal rules and regulations. Some events, such as change in ownership, may require you to update your operating agreement. BetterLegal may also assist you with this.
Licenses and Permits
Licenses and Permits requirement may vary in each state and depending on the nature of your business. These licenses and permits ensure that companies within specific industries are abiding by its rules and regulations. If you need assistance in obtaining the licenses and permits required for your LLC, you may check out BetterLegal's Permit and License Search service.
DBAs and Fictitious Names
A DBA (Doing Business As) or a Fictitious Name is an alternative name or nickname under which a business can operate. This allows a business to conduct business under a name other than its legal name. For example, an LLC named "ABC Tile LLC" might file for a DBA and conduct business under the name "California Tile".
A DBA or Fictitious name is not a separate legal entity, it is a name that the business can use for its transactions and it does not change the legal structure or the ownership of the business.
If you need help in registering a DBA for your LLC, reach out to us via chat or call to confirm if we can assist with your filing.
Taxes
The type of taxes that each state requires vary. Meanwhile, all LLCs are subject to Federal Taxes due to the IRS and are reported through the LLC’s EIN. For the filing of your taxes, it is best to consult your accountant.
