Legal TipsFebruary 11, 2026·3 min read·By Multi Servicios 360

How Much Does It Cost to Form an LLC in California in 2026? Real Costs

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The content of this article is informational only and does not constitute legal advice. Multi Servicios 360 is not a law firm. If you need advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in California.

Forming an LLC in California is one of the best decisions you can make to protect your business. But before you start, you need to know exactly how much it will cost. Here's the real breakdown — no surprises.

Mandatory State Costs

These are costs everyone pays, regardless of how you form your LLC:

| Item | Cost |
|------|------|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 |
| Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 |
| Annual Franchise Tax | $800/year |

Minimum state total: $890 the first year

Important note: California charges the $800 Franchise Tax every year, starting the first year. This is a fixed cost of having an LLC in California.

Optional But Recommended Costs

| Item | Typical Cost |
|------|-------------|
| Operating Agreement | $150 - $500 |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Free (directly from IRS) |
| Registered Agent | $0 - $300/year |
| Local Business License | $50 - $300 |

What Do Other Services Charge?

| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---------|-----------------|
| Attorney | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| LegalZoom | $79 - $349 + extras |
| ZenBusiness | $0 - $349 + extras |
| Multi Servicios 360 | $799 (all-inclusive) |

What's Included in Our LLC Package?

When you form your LLC with Multi Servicios 360, you get everything you need:

•Articles of Organization — prepared and ready to file
•Complete 44-clause Operating Agreement — this document alone can cost $150-$500 elsewhere. We include it free
•EIN Application — we guide you step by step
•Statement of Information — prepared for filing
•Delivery to your Digital Vault — secure 24/7 access from any device

The key difference: our 44-clause Operating Agreement is included. Many online services charge extra for this or give you a generic 5-page template. Ours is professional and comprehensive.

Do You Need an Operating Agreement?

Yes. While California doesn't legally require one to form the LLC, without an Operating Agreement:

•Banks may refuse to open a business account
•You have no clear rules if you have partners
•You lose personal liability protection
•The state applies its default rules, which may not work in your favor

Our 44-clause Operating Agreement covers: profit distribution, member responsibilities, dissolution process, personal asset protection, and much more.

Already Have an LLC But No Operating Agreement?

If you formed your LLC on your own or with another service and never got an Operating Agreement, we can prepare one separately. Contact us for more information.