California LLC

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Filing an LLC (Limited Liability Company) with the Secretary of State is an excellent idea. Not only will you be protected by limited liability for the company's debts and obligations, but a limited liability company is much less formal, and more flexible, than a typical corporation. LLCs also enjoy a pass-through tax structure, so the only tax you have to pay is on the income you earn from the business.

File an LLC in California

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Advantages of an LLC:

  • LLCs are easy to set up and maintain
  • Members are typically not liable for the debts of the LLC
  • Income and losses can be passed through to members as in a sole proprietorship or partnership
  • LLCs do not have the same corporate formalities as a corporation
  • An LLC has a flexible management and ownership structure

California Specific Filing Requirements:

  • Limited Liability Companies must designate themselves as such by including the phrase 'Limited Liability Company,' or the abbreviation 'L.L.C' or 'LLC' after their name. LLC's cannot be formed in order to provide any service that requires a professional state license.
  • California requires that Limited Liability Companies in the state designate a registered agent. That agent must live in California and have their address in the LLC's articles of organization, but they can also be associated with the LLC.
  • Within 90 days of filing the Articles of Organization, an LLC must also file a Statement of Information, which must be re-submitted every two years. In it, the LLC must list its name, address, the address of its agent, an e-mail address, the names and addresses of any manager or CEO, and the industry in which the LLC does business.
  • Generally filings are completed within 3 weeks* at the state level, however with rush filing it takes about 4 business days*.

Incorporate In California

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Most business owners will form a corporation to help separate their personal assets from their business's liabilities. When correctly structured, a corporation will allow owners, directors, and officers to manage and run the business, without having to worry about losing their property and assets to pay the business's debts. Corporations are able raise capital by selling shares of the business, and as California has one of the strongest economies and is home to some of the fastest growing industries, there is no shortage of potential investors.

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We prepare the documents.

You receive your completed filings.

Reasons to file a California Corporation:

  • C-Corporations have no limit on the number of shareholders they can have.
  • Corporations look more professional to potential customers and clients.
  • There are potential tax benefits that aren't offered to sole proprietorships or partnerships.
  • The directors and executives have limited liability for the business's debts.

California Specific Filing Requirements:

  • Regular corporations have to file a Corporation Franchise or Income Tax Return (California Form 100) by the middle of the third month following the end of their taxable year.
  • Every corporation in California must name a Registered Agent in California to accept services of process on behalf of the business.
  • Corporations in California must include the corporation's name, its street and mailing address, the street and mailing address of their registered agent, and the number of shares the corporation is authorized to sell in the Articles of Incorporation.

California Non-Profit Corporation

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Non-profit corporations are very similar to regular corporations, only instead of trying to maximize profit for their shareholders, non-profits use any money earned to help further their philanthropic purpose. Because non-profits are not founded to make money, they are typically exempt from paying most taxes.

File a Non-Profit Corporation in California

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We make it easy to file your documents

Do it all in just 3 steps.

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We prepare the documents.

You receive your completed filings.

Reasons to file an California Non profit Corporation - 501(c):

  • A Non-profit corporation is an excellent vehicle to help further a cause you are passionate about.
  • There are actually 28 different types of non-profit organizations that are granted exemptions from some federal income taxes
  • Most charitable contributions to 501(c)(3) organizations are tax deductible
  • When becoming a non-profit, you first must become incorporated as one in your state. Then the corporation can apply for the tax exempt status.
  • To accept money or donations for a qualifying entity (such as churches, charities & civic leagues), a non-profit entity should be filed.

California Specific Filing Requirements:

  • Before filing for non-profit status, you will need to form a corporation in California, and then file for tax-exempt status from the IRS and the state.
  • Depending on your size and the nature of your fundraising activities, you may need to register with the Attorney General of California before you begin accepting donations.
  • California non-profits must keep detailed records of all money earned, how it was spent, and any other corporate activity. If they don't they could lose their tax exempt status.

California Professional Corporation

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Corporations that are formed to provide professional services - services like medical treatment, legal representation, and financial planning - should form a professional corporation, pursuant to certain statutory rules, due to the regulatory nature of these sorts of industries.

File a Professional Corporation in California

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Our Customers Say

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5 out of 5 based on 147 reviews

We make it easy to file your documents

Do it all in just 3 steps.

Answer a few basic questions.

We prepare the documents.

You receive your completed filings.

Reasons to file an California Professional Corporation:

  • Corporations that are formed to provide professional services - services like medical treatment, legal representation, and financial planning - should form a professional corporation, pursuant to certain statutory rules, due to the regulatory nature of these sorts of industries.
  • The legal regulations that apply to professional corporations are different than those affecting other corporations.
  • Law firms and medical practices often form larger corporate entities made up of a partnership of smaller professional corporations.

California Specific Filing Requirements:

  • The state does not require a business address located within California.
  • Generally filings are completed within 3-4 weeks* at the state level,however with rush filing it takes about 4 business days*.
  • Director information is required on the Articles of Incorporation.

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