Every California LLC must file a Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State — first within 90 days of formation, then every two years after that. It’s a simple form that takes about ten minutes to complete online, but failing to file triggers a $250 penalty and can lead to your LLC being suspended or forfeited by the state.
This guide covers everything you need to know: when your filing is due, what it costs, what information you’ll need, how to file step by step on BizFile, and what happens if you fall behind.
📋 File your California LLC Statement of Information here: bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
This is the only official filing portal. You’ll need your LLC’s SOS file number and a credit or debit card for payment.
What Is the California LLC Statement of Information?
The Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) is a mandatory filing required under California Corporations Code § 17702.09. It is not a financial report. You don’t disclose revenue, expenses, or profit. Instead, the form confirms and updates your LLC’s basic details on file with the Secretary of State: your registered agent, principal business address, mailing address, management structure, and the names and addresses of your LLC’s managers or members.
California uses this filing to maintain current records for every active business entity in the state. It also funds compliance enforcement — the Franchise Tax Board collects a $250 penalty on behalf of the Secretary of State if you miss your deadline.
Every active California LLC must file, regardless of whether the business earned income or conducted any operations during the filing period.
Important distinction: The Statement of Information is separate from California’s $800 annual franchise tax. The franchise tax is paid to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) every year. The Statement of Information is filed with the Secretary of State (SOS) every two years. Both are required to keep your LLC in good standing.
California LLC Statement of Information: Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $20 |
| Filing Frequency | Every 2 years (biennial) |
| First Filing Deadline | Within 90 days of LLC formation |
| Ongoing Filing Window | 6-month window based on formation month (see table below) |
| Late Penalty | $250 (assessed by FTB after 60-day grace period) |
| Where to File | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov |
| Consequence of Non-Filing | SOS suspension or forfeiture |
| Legal Authority | California Corporations Code § 17702.09 |
When Is the California LLC Statement of Information Due?
California LLC filing deadlines work differently from most states. Instead of a single annual deadline for all businesses, your due date is based on the month your LLC was formed or registered with the Secretary of State.
First Filing: Within 90 Days of Formation
Your first Statement of Information is due within 90 days of the date your Articles of Organization were filed with the California Secretary of State. This is a hard deadline — not 90 business days, but 90 calendar days.
For example, if your LLC was approved on March 15, 2026, your first Statement of Information is due by June 13, 2026. You can file it as soon as your LLC is approved — there’s no reason to wait.
Ongoing Biennial Filings: Every Two Years
After your initial filing, you must file a new Statement of Information every two years. The filing is due during a 6-month window that’s tied to the month your LLC was originally formed. You can file up to 6 months before your anniversary date.
For example, if your LLC was formed on August 10, 2026, your ongoing Statements of Information are due every two years: by August 10, 2028, August 10, 2030, and so on. You can file the 2028 statement as early as February 10, 2028 (6 months before the due date).
6-Month Filing Windows by Formation Month
The California Secretary of State publishes the following filing windows based on the month your LLC was formed or registered:
| Formation Month | Filing Window Opens | Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| January | August 1 | Last day of January |
| February | September 1 | Last day of February |
| March | October 1 | Last day of March |
| April | November 1 | Last day of April |
| May | December 1 | Last day of May |
| June | January 1 | Last day of June |
| July | February 1 | Last day of July |
| August | March 1 | Last day of August |
| September | April 1 | Last day of September |
| October | May 1 | Last day of October |
| November | June 1 | Last day of November |
| December | July 1 | Last day of December |
Will the Secretary of State Send a Reminder?
Yes — the Secretary of State typically sends a courtesy postcard reminder by regular mail about 1 to 2 months before your filing is due. However, this is a courtesy only. If you don’t receive the postcard (for example, because your mailing address on file is outdated), you’re still legally responsible for filing on time. Set your own calendar reminder.
How Much Does the California LLC Statement of Information Cost?
Filing Fee
The filing fee for a California LLC Statement of Information is $20. This fee applies every time you file — both for your initial 90-day filing and for every biennial filing after that. Payment is made online by credit or debit card through BizFile.
Late Penalty
If you miss your filing deadline, the Secretary of State will send a delinquency notice giving you a 60-day grace period to file. If you still don’t file within those 60 days, the Franchise Tax Board assesses a $250 penalty on behalf of the Secretary of State. This penalty is in addition to the $20 filing fee.
The $250 penalty is established under California Corporations Code § 17713.09 and California Revenue and Taxation Code § 19141.
Suspension and Reinstatement Costs
If you continue to ignore the filing requirement after the penalty, the Secretary of State will suspend or forfeit your LLC. To revive a suspended LLC, you’ll need to file the delinquent Statement of Information ($20), pay the $250 penalty, and — if your LLC was also suspended by the Franchise Tax Board for unpaid taxes — file an Application for Certificate of Revivor (Form FTB 3557 LLC) and pay all outstanding tax balances, penalties, and interest.
Don’t Confuse the SOI Fee with the Franchise Tax
The $20 Statement of Information fee is separate from the $800 annual franchise tax that every California LLC must pay to the Franchise Tax Board. The franchise tax is due every year, regardless of income, by the 15th day of the 4th month of your taxable year. The Statement of Information is filed every two years with the Secretary of State. Both are required.
⚠️ Note on first-year franchise tax exemption: LLCs formed between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2024, were exempt from the $800 franchise tax in their first year under Assembly Bill 85. This exemption has expired. LLCs formed in 2024 and later must pay the $800 franchise tax starting in their first year.
What Information Do You Need to File?
Before you start the filing on BizFile, gather the following:
- Your LLC’s SOS file number (12-digit number assigned at formation, beginning with “202”)
- Your LLC’s complete legal name (as registered with the SOS)
- Principal business address (street address — P.O. boxes are not accepted for this field)
- Mailing address (can be a P.O. box, and can be the same as the principal address)
- Your LLC’s management structure: member-managed or manager-managed
- Names and addresses of all managers (if manager-managed) or all members (if member-managed)
- Name and street address of your agent for service of process (registered agent) — must be a California address
- A credit or debit card for the $20 filing fee
How to File Your California LLC Statement of Information: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Go to the BizFile Online Portal
Navigate to bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. This is the only official filing portal for California business entities. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge inflated fees for a service you can complete yourself for $20. The real site will display “California Secretary of State” in the header.
Step 2: Log In or Create a BizFile Account
Click “Login” in the upper right corner. If you already have a BizFile account, enter your credentials. If not, create a new account — you’ll need a valid email address and a password. The Secretary of State will use this email for any questions about your filing.
Step 3: Search for Your LLC
Once logged in, search for your LLC by name or SOS file number. Select the correct entity from the results. Make sure you’re selecting your exact LLC — California has millions of registered entities, and similar names are common.
Step 4: Select “File a Statement of Information”
From your LLC’s entity page, select the option to file a Statement of Information. The form will pre-populate with whatever information the SOS currently has on file for your LLC.
Step 5: Review and Update Your Business Information
Review each field carefully:
- Principal business address: Must be a complete street address (no P.O. boxes). Does not need to be in California.
- Mailing address: Can be a P.O. box. Can be the same as the principal address.
- Management structure: Confirm whether your LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.
- Managers or members: List the names and complete addresses of all managers (if manager-managed) or all members (if member-managed). At least one must be listed.
Step 6: Confirm Your Agent for Service of Process
Review your agent for service of process (registered agent). This person or entity must have a physical street address in California — P.O. boxes are not accepted. If you’re changing your registered agent, the new agent must consent to the appointment. If your registered agent is a registered corporate agent (like Northwest Registered Agent or Registered Agents Inc.), enter their California office address.
Step 7: Pay the Filing Fee
Pay the $20 filing fee by credit or debit card. BizFile processes payments immediately. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Save it — you may need proof of filing for banking, licensing, or partnership verification.
Step 8: Download Your Filed Statement
After processing, you can download a copy of your filed Statement of Information through BizFile. Keep this with your LLC records. Processing for online filings is typically completed within 3 to 5 business days during normal periods, though it may take longer during peak times.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
Missing your Statement of Information deadline triggers a multi-stage penalty process involving two different state agencies: the Secretary of State (SOS) and the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
Phase 1: Delinquency Notice and 60-Day Grace Period
After your filing deadline passes, the Secretary of State sends a delinquency notice to your LLC’s address on file. This notice gives you a 60-day grace period to file the overdue Statement of Information. If you file within this window, you pay only the standard $20 fee — no penalty.
Phase 2: $250 Penalty
If you don’t file within the 60-day grace period, the Franchise Tax Board assesses a $250 penalty on behalf of the Secretary of State. This penalty is added to your LLC’s FTB account and must be paid to bring your LLC back into compliance.
Phase 3: SOS Suspension or Forfeiture
If you continue to ignore the filing requirement, the Secretary of State will suspend or forfeit your LLC. A suspended or forfeited LLC loses its legal rights, powers, and privileges to conduct business in California. Specifically, your LLC:
- Cannot legally conduct business in California
- Cannot enforce contracts in California courts
- Cannot use its business name in the state
- May lose business licenses, permits, and bank accounts
Phase 4: FTB Administrative Termination (Worst Case)
If your LLC remains suspended by the FTB for 60 or more continuous months (5 years), the FTB has the authority to administratively terminate your LLC entirely. Once administratively terminated, the LLC is permanently dissolved — cancelled, not just suspended. This is the most severe consequence and is effectively irreversible.
How to Reinstate a Suspended California LLC
The reinstatement process depends on which agency suspended your LLC:
SOS suspension only: File the delinquent Statement of Information through BizFile ($20) and pay the $250 late penalty. The SOS typically processes reinstatements within 5 business days.
FTB suspension only: File all delinquent tax returns, pay all outstanding balances (including the $800 annual franchise tax for each year owed), and file an Application for Certificate of Revivor (Form FTB 3557 LLC) with the Franchise Tax Board.
Dual SOS/FTB suspension: You must resolve the SOS suspension first by filing your Statement of Information. The SOS will issue a letter of proposed relief from suspension. Then submit that letter along with Form FTB 3557 LLC and all outstanding payments to the FTB.
⚠️ Important: Reinstating a dual-suspended LLC can take weeks and cost thousands of dollars in back taxes, penalties, and interest. The simplest and cheapest approach is to file your Statement of Information on time every two years and pay your $800 franchise tax every year. Prevention costs $20 every two years. Reinstatement can cost far more.
Do You Need a Registered Agent to File?
Every California LLC must maintain an agent for service of process (California’s term for a registered agent) with a valid California street address. This is required under California Corporations Code § 1505 and § 17701.13. Your agent receives official state correspondence, legal documents, and service of process on behalf of your LLC. They must be available at the listed address during normal business hours.
California law provides three options:
- You (the LLC owner) — You can serve as your own agent for service of process if you have a physical street address in California (not a P.O. box) and are available during business hours to accept legal documents.
- Another individual — Any California resident who is at least 18 years old can serve as your agent, including a friend, family member, or business associate.
- A registered corporate agent — Companies like Northwest Registered Agent or Registered Agents Inc. provide professional registered agent services for an annual fee. They maintain California office addresses specifically for this purpose.
Many LLC owners start as their own agent and switch to a commercial service later — especially if they move out of state, want more privacy (the agent address becomes public record), or manage multiple LLCs.
Worth considering: Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest has been providing registered agent services for over 25 years across all 50 states. Their California registered agent service is $125/year (first year free if you also use them for LLC formation). They can also file your Statement of Information for you and send deadline reminders well in advance. Northwest doesn’t sell customer data, and each customer is assigned a dedicated Corporate Guide — a real person, not a chatbot.
→ Learn more about Northwest Registered Agent
Can a Compliance Service File for You?
Yes. If you’d rather not track biennial deadlines and file yourself, several services offer Statement of Information filing as part of their compliance packages.
Northwest Registered Agent can file your California Statement of Information for you. Their compliance service costs $100/year plus the $20 state filing fee. This includes filing the Statement of Information, monitoring the deadline, and sending you reminders well in advance.
Registered Agents Inc. offers Statement of Information and state-filing compliance support through their California registered agent service. Their compliance packages include registered agent service, biennial SOI filing, and other state maintenance tasks.
Compare service scope before choosing a provider. Each company structures its compliance packages differently in terms of what’s included, pricing, and additional features.
Compare compliance services:
→ Learn more about Northwest Registered Agent
→ Learn more about Registered Agents Inc.
6 Common Mistakes When Filing Your California LLC Statement of Information
1. Missing the 90-day initial filing deadline. Many new LLC owners focus on formation and forget that the first Statement of Information is due within 90 days. Unlike the biennial filing, there’s no 6-month window for the initial filing — it’s a strict 90-day countdown from your approval date.
2. Filing on a fake BizFile site. Several third-party websites mimic the BizFile layout and charge inflated fees. Always verify you’re on bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Look for “California Secretary of State” in the header.
3. Confusing the Statement of Information with the franchise tax. The $20 biennial SOI filing with the Secretary of State and the $800 annual franchise tax paid to the Franchise Tax Board are completely separate obligations. Filing one does not satisfy the other. You need to do both.
4. Using a P.O. box for the principal business address. The principal business address field requires a complete street address. P.O. boxes are only accepted for the mailing address field. If you enter a P.O. box in the wrong field, your filing will be rejected.
5. Not updating the SOI when business information changes. If your LLC’s management structure, principal address, or registered agent changes between biennial filing periods, you should file an updated Statement of Information within 90 days of the change. Don’t wait for the next biennial deadline.
6. Assuming the courtesy postcard is guaranteed. The Secretary of State sends reminder postcards, but delivery is not guaranteed. If your mailing address on file is outdated, you won’t receive the reminder — and the state still holds you responsible for filing on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a Statement of Information if my LLC had no activity?
Yes. The Statement of Information is required every two years regardless of whether your LLC generated revenue, signed contracts, or had any business activity.
How much does the California LLC Statement of Information cost?
The filing fee is $20. If you miss the deadline and don’t file within the 60-day grace period, the Franchise Tax Board assesses an additional $250 penalty.
How often do I need to file a Statement of Information in California?
The initial Statement of Information is due within 90 days of LLC formation. After that, it’s due every two years (biennially), during a 6-month filing window tied to the month your LLC was formed.
Can I file my California LLC Statement of Information by mail?
No. As of 2025, the California Secretary of State only accepts LLC Statements of Information filed online through BizFile. The paper form (LLC-12) is no longer accepted by mail. You must file at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
What happens if I miss the filing deadline?
The Secretary of State sends a delinquency notice with a 60-day grace period. If you still don’t file, the FTB assesses a $250 penalty. Continued non-filing leads to suspension or forfeiture of your LLC, meaning it loses the right to conduct business in California.
Do foreign LLCs registered in California need to file a Statement of Information?
Yes. Foreign LLCs (LLCs formed in another state but registered to do business in California) must also file a Statement of Information with the same deadlines, fees, and filing requirements.
Is the Statement of Information the same as the California annual report?
Essentially, yes. California doesn’t use the term “annual report” for LLCs — the equivalent filing is called the Statement of Information. For California LLCs, it’s filed biennially (every two years), not annually.
Do I need to hire a registered agent in California?
No. You can serve as your own agent for service of process, designate another California resident, or hire a commercial registered agent service. The key requirement is that your agent has a physical California street address (not a P.O. box) and is available during business hours.
This article contains affiliate links. LLC Compass may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
File your initial Statement of Information as soon as your LLC is approved — don’t wait for the 90-day deadline to approach. For ongoing filings, set a calendar reminder six months before your biennial due date so you can file early and not think about it again.
Need a registered agent or compliance help? Northwest Registered Agent offers California Statement of Information filing for $100/year plus the $20 state fee, and includes deadline reminders so you never miss a filing.