agent for service of process Service in California — $99/year
Getting started is easy. Follow the steps below.
Get Started — $99/yearComplete our simple order form with your business details. Takes less than 5 minutes.
We register as your agent for service of process with the California Secretary of State.
We receive and forward documents, send compliance reminders, and keep you in good standing.
California uses a Statement of Information system for updating business records, filed on a biennial basis with the Secretary of State. However, the state also requires an annual franchise tax payment to the Franchise Tax Board. Understanding both requirements is essential for maintaining compliance and budgeting for the true cost of operating a California business.
California's Statement of Information is similar to what other states call an annual report, though it's filed every two years rather than annually.
When to File Statements of Information are due biennially (every two years). The specific due date depends on when your business was formed or registered in California.
Filing Fee The California Secretary of State charges a $20 fee for Statement of Information filings.
What Information Is Filed Your Statement of Information includes business name and entity number, agent for service of process name and address, principal office address, names and addresses of members (LLCs) or officers/directors (corporations), and business purpose or nature of activities.
Where to File File your Statement of Information through the California Secretary of State's online system or by mail. The online system provides immediate confirmation and is generally more efficient.
California offers expedited processing for various filings at additional cost:
These fees are separate from the standard $20 filing fee and are typically only needed when time-sensitive circumstances require faster processing.
The franchise tax is a critical requirement that all California LLCs and corporations must understand. This is separate from the Statement of Information and is paid to the Franchise Tax Board, not the Secretary of State.
Annual Amount California requires an $800 annual franchise tax for all LLCs and corporations doing business in the state.
Income-Based Fees for LLCs LLCs with gross income over $250,000 pay additional annual fees based on their income level:
These fees are in addition to the $800 base franchise tax.
When It's Due The franchise tax is due annually, with specific deadlines based on your business type and formation date.
Important Changes The first-year exemption (AB 85) that allowed new LLCs to skip the $800 franchise tax in their first year expired after 2023. New businesses formed after 2023 are generally expected to pay the franchise tax from their first year of operation.
Statement of Information Failing to file your Statement of Information can lead to penalties, interest charges, and eventual administrative dissolution by the California Secretary of State.
Franchise Tax Not paying the franchise tax results in penalties and interest from the Franchise Tax Board. Continued non-payment can lead to suspension of your business entity, loss of good standing, and collection actions.
Administrative Dissolution or Suspension A business that's dissolved or suspended loses its good standing with the state, which can create problems with contracts, banking relationships, and legal matters. Members or shareholders might also lose certain liability protections.
Reinstatement Reinstating a dissolved or suspended business typically involves filing all overdue documents, paying accumulated taxes, penalties, and interest, and submitting reinstatement paperwork to both the Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board.
At California Registered Agent, compliance monitoring is part of our $99/year service:
Statement of Information Reminders We track your biennial Statement of Information deadline and send reminders before it's due, giving you time to prepare and file.
Document Monitoring If the California Secretary of State or Franchise Tax Board sends correspondence to your agent for service of process address, we forward it immediately so you're aware of any requirements or issues.
Document Portal Access all state correspondence through your secure online portal, making it easy to locate important compliance information when needed.
Year-Round Monitoring We watch for state communications about your business throughout the year, not just during filing seasons.
While we provide reminders and forward state correspondence, you remain responsible for actually filing the Statement of Information and paying both the $20 Secretary of State fee and the franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board. We ensure you're informed about deadlines and receive all official communications promptly.
California has higher ongoing costs than many other states. Beyond our $99/year agent for service of process fee, you should budget for:
Understanding these costs helps you make informed decisions about operating your business in California.
Staying compliant with California's requirements is easier with an agent for service of process service that monitors deadlines, forwards state correspondence promptly, and helps you understand the state's compliance landscape.
Get Started — $99/year
Questions about California's Statement of Information, franchise tax, or how our service helps with compliance? Visit our FAQ page or contact us for information.
This is not legal advice. California Registered Agent is not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal guidance.
A agent for service of process is an individual or company designated to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of a business entity registered in California.
California requires all business entities to maintain a agent for service of process with a physical address in the state. This ensures you can be contacted for legal and tax matters.
Our California agent for service of process service is $99/year with no hidden fees or setup charges.
Sign up today and we can typically begin serving as your agent for service of process within 1 business day.