California corporations and limited liability companies are formed by filing the original of the Articles of Incorporation (Organization) with the California Secretary of State. The entire filing process takes anywhere from 3 to 60 business days, depending on how you choose to expedite your application.
The name of the corporation or limited liability company must end with one of the following words: Incorporated, Corporation or Limited Liability Company, or their abbreviations: Inc., Corp., L.L.C. or LLC.
The California Secretary of State is so understaffed and overwhelmed with orders that applicants should expect processing of their application to take longer rather than sooner. It is however possible to expedite your application, and we are proud to be one of the few online companies that have the capability of delivering the applications in person to the Secretary of State offices in Sacramento.
We can help you prepare and file all the necessary incorporation or LLC formation paperwork with the appropriate California State authorities for just $39.00 plus the required state fees.
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The process of forming a non-profit corporation in California is largely the same as formation of a regular, for-profit, corporation. California Secretary of State charges a $30 fee to file non-profit Articles of Incorporation.
Click to learn more about Non-Profit Organization in California.
To reserve a specific name for a future company, an individual must first check with California Secretary of State if that name is available. If available, a name can be reserved by filing an application with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $10 and applications are usually processed within eight business days.
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You may reserve a fictitious name if you are intending to do business using that name. In order to get a fictitious name you must file a application for fictitious name with California County in which you planning to do business. The filing fee varies from county to county between $10 and $55.
Click to learn more about Assumed/Trade Name (D.B.A.) registration in California
In order to be able to charge sales tax in California, a company must file an application for a seller’s permit for each place of business with California Board of Equalization. The state charges no fee for this application however the Board may require a security deposit to cover any unpaid taxes and applications are usally proceed within two weeks.
Click to learn more about Sales Tax ID in California.
In order to register to do business in California, an out-of-state company must file Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation with California Secretary of State.
Click to learn more about Foreign Entity in California
In order to change or amend its name, a company must file Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation (Organization) with California Secretary of State. Prior to filing an amendment, the company must check if its new name is available with Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $30 for corporations or LLCs.
Order Your Name Amendment Now for just $39 plus State Fees.
In order to officially dissolve, a company must file Certificate of Dissolution with California Secretary of State. The Secretary of State charges no fee for filing a Certificate of Dissolution.
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Any company incorporated, organized or doing business in California must maintain a registered agent in the State at all times. The registered agent must be physically located in California and is appointed by the company to accept legal documents on its behalf.
Click to learn more about Registered Agent in California.
A company that is in good standing can obtain a Certificate of Existence (Good Standing) from California Secretary of State. The Secretary of State fee for this service is $5. The certificates are mailed within four to six business weeks.
Click to learn more about Certificate of Good Standing in California.
A company can order certified copies of its official documents from California Secretary of State. The state fee for ordering certified copies of Articles of Incorporation or Organization is $1 for the first page, $.50 for each additional page plus $5 certification fee per document and $5 for fax return. The Secretary of State takes approximately sixteen business days to mail the certified copies.
Click to learn more about Certified Copies in California.
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An apostille certificate can be ordered from California Secretary of State to confirm authenticity of any officially-filed corporate document, for use outside of the United States. The Secretary of State charges a $20 fee for the apostille certificate in addition to any fees charged for making certified copies of the requested documents. Processing takes approximately two business weeks.
Click to learn more about Apostille Service in California.
In order to sell tobacco products in the state, a company must obtain a Retail Tobacco Product License from California Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization charges $100 filing fee per location for this service.
Click to learn more about Retail Tobacco License in California
All California corporations are required to file an Annual Report and LLC's are required to file a Biennial Report. California Secretary of State filing fee is $25 for corporations or $20 for LLC's.
Click to learn more about California Annual Report
Thank you to MyUSACorporation. MyUSACorporation provided speedy and efficient service when we asked them to help us by incorporating our operations in Kentucky. Their polite, understanding staff handled our request professionally and provided complete documentation so that we could begin operations immediately. 
Greetings,
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