California - Corporation
Form your new Corporation in California
Below is a list of the initial and ongoing requirments to form and maintain a California Corporation.
State Filling Fee:
The minimum filing fee in the state of California is $120.00. If you would like to compare this to other states filing fees, click here.
Corporate Name Identifiers:
The name that you choose for a California corporation must be distinguishable from any other registered or authorized California business entity and any reserved names on record. The name of the corporation must contain one of the following words as a corporate identifier:
Does not require a "corporate" name identifier, unless it is a "close" corporation. Then it must use the word "corporation", "incorporated", "limited" or an abbreviation of those words.
Specific Purpose Requirements:
California does not require a specific purpose to be listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Directors:
California has the following director requirements for a corporation.
| Number of directors required: |
Three or more, unless there are less than 3 shareholders. Then the number of directors must be at least the number of shareholders |
| Residence requirements: |
No Requirement |
| Age requirements: |
No Age Requirement |
Directors are not required to be listed in the Articles / Certificate of Incorporation.
Officers:
Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) are not required to be listed in the articles / certificate of incorporation.
Stock Information:
The "standard" number of authorized shares in California is 1000 shares, with "no-par" value. An increase in the number of authorized shares or par value may affect the initial filing fees.
Annual Filing Requirements:
There is a Statement Of Information that must be received by the state of California 90 days after the initial filing. The company must file biennial thereafter. The fee for this filing is: $25.00
Forms and payment, as required, should be sent to:
Statement Of Information
1500 11Th St
PO Box 944230
Sacramento, CA 95814-5701
Taxes:
For more information on taxes, visit the State of California Tax Information Website.
S Corporation:
S Corporation status is recognized by the State of California. A state election, separate from the federal election, is not required.
License Requirements:
California requires most businesses to obtain a business license and pay a fee if operating in the state. Please check with the state to make sure your business is complying with the licence requirements for your particular profession.
If you would like assistance in determining what licenses you need to obtain, and and to obtain the forms online, you can visit one of our recommended partners BusinessLicenses.com
Special Requirements (if any):
None
If you are ready to form your own corporation or Limited Liability Company, you can start the process by filling out our secure online order form, or you can call one of our incorporation specialists at: 866-421-8416, and place your order over the phone.