LLC Formation Services in California (2025 Directory)
Find the best LLC formation services across California. Get professional help with business registration, legal services, and everything you need to start your LLC in California.
Business Formation Expert
Trusted by 50,000+ entrepreneurs nationwide
LLC Formation Services
in CaliforniaAbout LLC Services in California
State Costs
Filing fee: $70
Annual fee: $800
Online vs Local
Online: Faster & cheaper
Local: Personalized service
Business Types
LLC: Most popular
Corp: For larger businesses
California Services
549 providers
Statewide coverage
Easy Online LLC Formation Options
Start your LLC online in minutes with these trusted nationwide providers
🏆 Our Top Recommendation
Best overall value and customer satisfaction
Northwest Registered Agent
$39 + State Fees
Why We Recommend Northwest:
- Best Value: Lowest price with premium features
- Privacy Protection: Keep your address off public records
- No Upsells: Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
- Lifetime Support: Customer service for life
- Free Registered Agent: First year included ($125 value)
Most popular choice for California business owners
Other Formation Services (For Comparison)
FileNow
$79 + State Fees
Pros:
- Comprehensive legal documents
- Attorney consultation available
Cons:
- Higher pricing ($40 more than Northwest)
- Can be overwhelming for simple needs
Bizee
$99 + State Fees
Pros:
- Website builder included
- Free registered agent for 1 year
Cons:
- Much higher pricing ($60 more than Northwest)
- Website builder may not be needed
LegalZoom
$79 + State Fees
Pros:
- Well-known brand name
- Comprehensive legal services
Cons:
- Higher pricing ($40 more than Northwest)
- Aggressive upselling tactics
ZenBusiness
$49 + State Fees
Pros:
- Free registered agent for 1 year
- Good customer service
Cons:
- Higher pricing ($10 more than Northwest)
- Limited privacy protection features
Inc Authority
$0 + State Fees
Pros:
- Free LLC formation service
- Free registered agent for 1 year
Cons:
- Very aggressive upselling tactics
- Limited privacy protection features
California Secretary of State
$Varies (State Fee Only)
Pros:
- Lowest cost (state fee only)
- Direct government filing
Cons:
- No guidance or support
- No privacy protection included
Why Northwest Registered Agent is Our Top Recommendation for California
Based on comprehensive analysis and customer feedback
Key Advantages:
-
Privacy Protection: Northwest Registered Agent provides superior privacy protection by keeping your personal address off public records, which is crucial for home-based businesses in California.
-
Transparent Pricing: $39 + California state fees with no hidden costs, no upsells, and free first year of registered agent service ($125/year after).
-
Excellent Customer Service: Friendly, knowledgeable support with no high-pressure sales tactics, verified by multiple independent sources.
-
Data Protection: Northwest never sells customer data, ensuring complete privacy and trust.
Verified Information & Citations:
1. Pricing, Formation, and Registered Agent Service
LLC formation is $39 + California state fee, which includes a free first year of Registered Agent service, and then renews at $125 per year. Privacy (address protection) is included.
2. Privacy & No Upsells
Northwest emphasizes transparent pricing, "no hidden fees," and no confusing packages or upsells. They also never sell customer data.
The company is recognized for its strong privacy protections, personalized customer support through assigned Corporate Guides, and straightforward, no‑nonsense compliance services. Their dashboard is user‑friendly, and they have transparent pricing without upselling.
3. Customer Service
Reviews highlight excellent customer service, often noting friendly, knowledgeable support with no high‑pressure sales tactics.
đź“Š Which Business Structure Is Right for You?
Answer these quick questions to see if an LLC, C-Corp, or S-Corp may be the best fit for your California business.
1. How many owners will your business have?
2. What's most important to you when it comes to taxes?
3. Do you plan to raise outside investment or venture capital?
4. Do you want to easily issue different classes of stock?
5. How do you want to handle profits and losses?
6. How much ongoing compliance and paperwork are you okay with?
7. What's your long-term exit strategy?
8. Are there restrictions on who your owners/shareholders will be?
🌍 Foreign Qualification Cost Calculator
Calculate the costs of expanding your business to California from another state
đź“‹ Foreign Qualification Checklist
Complete checklist for qualifying your out-of-state business in California
đź“ť Pre-Filing Requirements
đź“„ Filing Requirements
âś… Post-Filing Requirements
Virtual Address Solutions for California Businesses
Professional business address options without the overhead of physical office space
Virtual Office Address
Get a professional California business address for mail handling and legal compliance without the cost of physical office space.
What's Included:
- Professional California business address
- Mail receiving and forwarding
- Legal compliance for LLC formation
- Business license eligibility
Home Office Address
Use your residential address for your California business - perfect for home-based entrepreneurs and small operations.
Considerations:
- No additional monthly costs
- Address becomes public record
- May affect home insurance
- Valid for LLC formation
Professional Business Address
Premium California business address with additional services like meeting rooms and reception support.
Premium Features:
- Professional California business address
- Mail handling and forwarding
- Meeting room access
- Reception and phone answering
Additional Resources for California Business Owners
Government resources and business development tools to help your California business succeed
About These Resources
The links above are provided for your convenience and connect to official government websites, business development organizations, and trusted business resources. These external websites are not affiliated with our directory and may have different terms of service and privacy policies. We recommend reviewing each website's information and consulting with appropriate professionals for your specific business needs.
đź’° California LLC Formation Cost Calculator
Calculate the total cost to form your LLC in California including state fees and service provider costs
Calculate Your Costs
Cost Breakdown
Annual Costs After Formation:
Select your options and click "Calculate Total Cost" to see your breakdown
Important Notes:
- Prices shown are estimates and may vary by provider
- California state filing fee: $70
- Annual report fee: $800
- Always verify current pricing with your chosen service provider
🏛️ Delaware vs California LLC Formation
Should you form your LLC in Delaware or California? Understand the key differences and costs.
Delaware LLC Formation
Why People Choose Delaware:
- Business-Friendly Courts: Specialized Court of Chancery
- Privacy Protection: No public disclosure of owners
- Flexible Structure: Minimal restrictions on operations
- Tax Advantages: No state income tax for out-of-state operations
- Investor Preference: Familiar to venture capitalists
Delaware LLC Costs:
Considerations:
- Must register as foreign LLC in California if doing business there
- Additional California taxes and fees may apply
- More complex compliance requirements
California LLC Formation
Why Choose California:
- Local Operations: Simpler if doing business in California
- Lower Costs: No foreign LLC registration fees
- Simpler Compliance: Single state requirements
- Local Support: Easier access to legal and accounting help
- State Benefits: Access to California business programs
California LLC Costs:
Advantages:
- No foreign LLC registration required
- Simpler tax filing requirements
- Local business support networks
🤔 Which is Better for You?
Answer these questions to see if Delaware or California LLC formation is right for your business.
1. Where will your business primarily operate?
2. Do you plan to raise venture capital or outside investment?
3. How important is privacy protection to you?
4. What's your budget for ongoing compliance costs?
Business Calculators & Tools
Essential calculators to help you plan and manage your California business
Business Loan Calculator
Calculate loan payments, interest rates, and financing options for your business.
Calculate LoanROI Calculator
Calculate return on investment for business decisions and marketing campaigns.
Calculate ROIEquity Split Calculator
Calculate fair equity distribution among business partners and investors.
Calculate Equity🏢 Business Address & Privacy Solutions for California
Protect your privacy and establish a professional business presence in California with these address solutions
Virtual Office Address
Professional California business address for mail handling and legal compliance without physical office space.
What's Included:
- Professional California business address
- Mail receiving and forwarding
- Legal compliance for LLC formation
- Business license eligibility
- Privacy protection from public records
Home Office Address
Use your residential address for your California business - perfect for home-based entrepreneurs.
Considerations:
- No additional monthly costs
- Address becomes public record
- May affect home insurance
- Valid for LLC formation
- No privacy protection
Premium Business Address
Premium California business address with additional services and maximum privacy protection.
Premium Features:
- Professional California business address
- Mail handling and forwarding
- Meeting room access
- Reception and phone answering
- Maximum privacy protection
đź”’ Privacy Protection Options for California Businesses
Basic Privacy Protection
- Virtual business address
- Mail forwarding service
- Basic public record protection
Enhanced Privacy Protection
- All basic features
- Owner information protection
- Mail scanning and digital access
- Legal compliance assistance
Maximum Privacy Protection
- All enhanced features
- Complete anonymity services
- Legal document preparation
- Compliance monitoring
- Dedicated privacy consultant
đź“Ť California-Specific Address & Privacy Considerations
Legal Requirements in California:
- Registered Agent: Must have a physical address in California
- Business Address: Can use virtual address for business purposes
- Public Records: California has moderate privacy protection
- Annual Reports: Required with current address information
Privacy Best Practices for California:
- Use Virtual Address: Keep personal address off public records
- Separate Registered Agent: Different from business address
- Mail Forwarding: Professional mail handling service
- Regular Updates: Keep address information current
đź“Š Address Solution Comparison for California
| Feature | Home Address | Virtual Address | Premium Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | Free | $29 | $99 |
| Privacy Protection | None | Basic | Maximum |
| Professional Image | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Mail Handling | Personal | Professional | Premium |
| Legal Compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Meeting Rooms | No | No | Yes |
đź’ˇ Recommendations for California Business Owners
For Home-Based Businesses
If you're starting small and cost-conscious:
- Start with virtual address ($29/month)
- Upgrade to premium later if needed
- Consider privacy protection add-ons
For Growing Businesses
If you need professional image and privacy:
- Premium business address ($99/month)
- Enhanced privacy protection
- Meeting room access included
For High-Profile Businesses
If maximum privacy is essential:
- Maximum privacy protection ($149/month)
- Complete anonymity services
- Dedicated privacy consultant
Important Notes for California:
- Virtual addresses are legal and widely used in California
- You must still have a registered agent with a physical California address
- Annual reports require current address information
- Consider your business type and privacy needs when choosing
Cities with LLC Formation Services in California
Browse cities in California with the most LLC formation services. Each city shows the total number of providers available.
Salinas, CA
California
Find 17 professional LLC formation services in Salinas. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Roseville, CA
California
Find 17 professional LLC formation services in Roseville. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Riverside, CA
California
Find 16 professional LLC formation services in Riverside. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Escondido, CA
California
Find 16 professional LLC formation services in Escondido. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Carlsbad, CA
California
Find 16 professional LLC formation services in Carlsbad. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Fullerton, CA
California
Find 15 professional LLC formation services in Fullerton. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Sunnyvale, CA
California
Find 15 professional LLC formation services in Sunnyvale. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Oakland, CA
California
Find 15 professional LLC formation services in Oakland. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Visalia, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Visalia. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Palmdale, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Palmdale. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Torrance, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Torrance. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Sacramento, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Sacramento. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Thousand Oaks, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Thousand Oaks. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Vallejo, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Vallejo. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Murrieta, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Murrieta. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Stockton, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Stockton. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Chula Vista, CA
California
Find 14 professional LLC formation services in Chula Vista. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
San Diego, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in San Diego. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Bakersfield, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in Bakersfield. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Fresno, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in Fresno. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
San Francisco, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in San Francisco. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Anaheim, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in Anaheim. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Hayward, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in Hayward. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Irvine, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in Irvine. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Temecula, CA
California
Find 13 professional LLC formation services in Temecula. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Modesto, CA
California
Find 12 professional LLC formation services in Modesto. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Pomona, CA
California
Find 12 professional LLC formation services in Pomona. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Santa Ana, CA
California
Find 12 professional LLC formation services in Santa Ana. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Burbank, CA
California
Find 12 professional LLC formation services in Burbank. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Inglewood, CA
California
Find 12 professional LLC formation services in Inglewood. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
El Monte, CA
California
Find 12 professional LLC formation services in El Monte. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
San Jose, CA
California
Find 11 professional LLC formation services in San Jose. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Los Angeles, CA
California
Find 11 professional LLC formation services in Los Angeles. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Antioch, CA
California
Find 10 professional LLC formation services in Antioch. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Glendale, CA
California
Find 9 professional LLC formation services in Glendale. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Daly City, CA
California
Find 8 professional LLC formation services in Daly City. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Orange, CA
California
Find 8 professional LLC formation services in Orange. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Long Beach, CA
California
Find 8 professional LLC formation services in Long Beach. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Menifee, CA
California
Find 7 professional LLC formation services in Menifee. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Lancaster, CA
California
Find 7 professional LLC formation services in Lancaster. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Oceanside, CA
California
Find 7 professional LLC formation services in Oceanside. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Fairfield, CA
California
Find 6 professional LLC formation services in Fairfield. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
South El Monte, CA
California
Find 3 professional LLC formation services in South El Monte. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Corona, CA
California
Find 3 professional LLC formation services in Corona. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Richmond, CA
California
Find 3 professional LLC formation services in Richmond. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Westlake Village, CA
California
Find 2 professional LLC formation services in Westlake Village. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Pasadena, CA
California
Find 2 professional LLC formation services in Pasadena. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Norwalk, CA
California
Find 2 professional LLC formation services in Norwalk. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Claremont, CA
California
Find 2 professional LLC formation services in Claremont. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
South San Francisco, CA
California
Find 2 professional LLC formation services in South San Francisco. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
La Verne, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in La Verne. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
West Hollywood, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in West Hollywood. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Diamond Bar, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in Diamond Bar. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Campbell, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in Campbell. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Oakley, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in Oakley. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
El Sobrante, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in El Sobrante. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Berkeley, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in Berkeley. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Laguna Beach, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in Laguna Beach. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
Sun City, CA
California
Find 1 professional LLC formation services in Sun City. Get expert help with business registration and compliance.
General Disclaimer & Important Information
Legal Disclaimer
This website does not provide legal advice. The information contained herein is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion.
Always consult with a qualified attorney or legal professional for advice specific to your situation and jurisdiction.
Accounting Disclaimer
This website does not provide accounting or tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are complex and subject to change.
Consult with a qualified accountant, CPA, or tax professional for advice specific to your financial situation.
Pricing Disclaimer
Pricing information may be outdated. All prices, fees, and costs shown are for informational purposes only and may not reflect current rates.
- Verify current pricing with service providers
- Check state filing fees with California Secretary of State
- Confirm all costs before proceeding
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This website may receive compensation from affiliate links and partnerships with service providers mentioned on this page.
This helps support our free content and research. We strive to provide unbiased, accurate information regardless of affiliate relationships.
Educational Purpose Statement
This website is designed for educational and informational purposes only. Our goal is to help entrepreneurs understand business formation options and make informed decisions.
We encourage you to conduct your own research, consult with professionals, and verify all information before making business decisions.
Recommended Actions:
- Visit CA Secretary of State
- Contact service providers for current quotes
- Consult with legal and tax professionals
- Verify current pricing and requirements
Last Updated: January 2025 | Next Review: April 2025