Corporation from abroad and "doing business" in California
Asked by: Paolo - 9 May, 2012
Does the fact alone of having a virtual address in California and creating a corporation there, constitutes "doing business" in the State of California for the franchise tax board? My physical address is in Europe.

Answered by: Robert Kowalski - 9 May, 2012
Dear Paolo,
If your business is registered with the California Secretary of State then it is a California business, and you would have to pay all the fees and franchise taxes associated with that, to keep your business in good standing.
If you do your business from Europe consider incorporating your US operations in one of the incorporation friendly states such as Wyoming or Delaware. You can still maintain a virtual office in California, however I would recommend you to list your European address as the official business address (mailing address can be in California if you prefer it this way).

If your business is registered with the California Secretary of State then it is a California business, and you would have to pay all the fees and franchise taxes associated with that, to keep your business in good standing.
If you do your business from Europe consider incorporating your US operations in one of the incorporation friendly states such as Wyoming or Delaware. You can still maintain a virtual office in California, however I would recommend you to list your European address as the official business address (mailing address can be in California if you prefer it this way).