Personal blog about states
To Start a Business in California , follow these steps: Step 1: Choose the Right Business Idea. Step 2: Plan Your Business . Step 3: Form Your Business . Step 4: Register for Taxes. Step 5: Create Business Banking and Credit Accounts. Step 6: Set Up Accounting. Step 7: Obtain Permits and Licenses. Step 8: Get Insured.
Formation
State | INC Fees | LLC Fees |
---|---|---|
California | $115 | $70 |
Colorado | $50 | $50 |
Connecticut | $315 | $185 |
D.C. | $220 | $220 |
There is no provision in California for registration, in a central registry at the state level, of fictitious business names . You must contact the city and/or county clerk and/or recorder where the principal place of business is located for information regarding filing or registering fictitious business names .
How long does it take to form an LLC in California ? The state will approve your California LLC in 3-5 business days. Also, if you form your LLC during peak filing season (December through January), approval can take up to 6-7 business days. You can form your California LLC online or by mail.
Affordable and easy to run. You don’t have to form a separate legal entity like you would with an LLC or a corporation. And, you don’t need to file articles of organization with the California Secretary of State. Even as a California sole proprietor , you’ll likely need a business license from your city or county.
LLCs in California are also subject to specific business licensing fees, which vary depending on the jurisdiction where you form and operate your company in. A small business license will generally cost between $50 – $100, and you may need industry-specific business licenses for your LLC, as well.
According to the Tax Foundation, the state’s top corporate income tax rate is 8.84%, and its overall business tax climate ranks 49th in the nation. Individual taxes , which impact pass-through entities like LLCs, are also high. The top individual income tax rate is 13.3%.
Due to the multitude of tax disadvantages that burden the California LLC , it is a very expensive means to operate a business. It is therefore typically in the owners best interest to form a corporation, rather than a LLC , unless the entity is being formed to hold real estate.
CalGOLD provides online resources, application forms, and contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue these permits. For permits and registrations administered by the State of California , CalGOLD also includes a Forms and Fee Finder with direct links to applications and fee information.
Every LLC that is doing business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800 . This yearly tax will be due, even if you are not conducting business, until you cancel your LLC . You have until the 15th day of the 4th month from the date you file with the SOS to pay your first – year annual tax .
Conduct market research. Market research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business . Write your business plan. Fund your business . Pick your business location. Choose a business structure. Choose your business name. Register your business . Get federal and state tax IDs.
Registering a trademark for a company name is pretty straightforward. Many businesses can file an application online in less than 90 minutes, without a lawyer’s help. The simplest way to register is on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Web site, www.uspto.gov.
You’ll pay two filing fees to form an LLC in California: A $70 fee to file articles of organization with the California Secretary of State’s office. A $20 fee to file a Statement of Information, Form LLC-12, with the California Secretary of State.
A California LLC also offers the following advantages : Personal limited liability protection for all members, such that unless a member personally guarantees a debt or obligation, or fails to form or maintain the LLC properly, the member may not be held personally liable for the LLC’s debts and obligations.