If you just formed an LLC or Corporation in California (or you're a few years into running one), there's this little thing called a “Statement of Information” you need to file to stay in good standing.
It's not complicated, but it can trip people up if you're not sure what to do. So let me walk you through it in plain English. We'll get this knocked out in 5–10 minutes.
QUICK TAKAWAYS
- File online here: California bizfile portal
- LLCs file every 2 years, Corporations file annually
- Initial filing due within 90 days of formation
- Costs $20 for LLCs, $25 for Corporations
- Use your entity number to search
- Don’t fall for scam letters in the mail — this is easy to DIY
Who Needs to File This Thing?
| Are you a… | Do you need to file? |
|---|---|
| California LLC | ✅ Yes, every 2 years |
| California Corporation | ✅ Yes, every year |
| Nonprofit Corporation | ✅ Yes, every 2 years |
| Sole Proprietor or Partnership | ❌ No |
| Foreign LLC registered in CA | ✅ Yes |
| A dissolved business | ❌ No, if the state approved your dissolution |
When You Need to File (with Examples)
📆 Initial Filing
- Due within 90 days of registering your business with the state.
🌐 Ongoing Filing
| Entity Type | How Often? | When Exactly? |
| LLC | Every 2 yrs | In your anniversary month, even/odd year rule helps |
| Corporation | Every year | In your anniversary month |
Example: LLC formed March 15, 2023
→ Initial SoI due by June 13, 2023
→ Next SoI due in March 2025, then March 2027, etc.
What You’ll Need (Checklist)
Get this stuff together before you sit down to file:
- Your 12-digit entity number (get it here)
- Business address (no P.O. boxes)
- Mailing address (if different)
- Registered agent name + California address
- List of members or officers:
- LLC: Members/Managers (optional CEO)
- Corporation: CEO, Secretary, CFO + 1 Director
- A short description of what you do (e.g. “creative consulting”)
Privacy Tip: Everything you enter goes on the public record. If you don’t want your home address out there, use a registered agent or business mailbox.
File It Online in 5 Steps (Fast)
- Go to bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
- Search your business using name or entity number
- Create or log in to your account
- If it’s your first time, hit “Request Access” to connect your business
- Click ‘File Statement of Information'
- Fill in the info, submit, and pay with your credit card
You’ll get a confirmation email + downloadable PDF copy right after.
Common Mistakes (and How to Dodge ‘Em)
- Missing the deadline → $250 penalty from the Franchise Tax Board
- Using a P.O. box for your business address (not allowed)
- Leaving roles blank (Corps need CEO, Secretary, CFO and a Director)
- Thinking you only file if something changed → Nope, must file on schedule regardless
- Getting fooled by a scam letter asking you to pay $90+ to “file on your behalf”
What If You Missed the Deadline?
Don’t panic. You usually get a 60-day grace period. Here's what to do next:
- File ASAP
- Pay the $250 late fee if it’s already been assessed
- Business suspended? File + pay to reinstate
- Check your current status here
Quick FAQs
Q: Can I list myself for all officer roles?
Yes, for Corporations you can be CEO, CFO, Secretary and sole Director if you're a one-person show.
Q: Do I need to file if nothing changed?
Yep. Still gotta file. There’s a “Statement of No Change” for Corps but not for LLCs.
Q: What if I moved or changed my agent mid-cycle?
You can file an update any time for free. But you still need to file during your regular window.
Q: Can I use my home address?
Sure, but it becomes public record. Registered agent services exist for a reason.
Q: Do I need a lawyer or LegalZoom?
Nope. You can do this yourself online in 5 minutes.
Scam Warning (Read This!)
If you get a letter that looks super official and says something like:
“Pay $97 to file your annual statement or risk penalty”
…that’s a scam. These companies scrape public records and send deceptive mailers. The real cost is $20 (LLC) or $25 (Corp), and you can do it yourself.
Final Tips to Stay Compliant
- Set a calendar reminder for 2 months before your anniversary month
- Save a PDF copy of your filed Statement for your records
- Watch for legit notices from the CA Secretary of State (they're usually postcards or emails, not scary invoices)
And that’s it! You’re now smarter (and more compliant) than most California business owners. If you found this helpful, you might also like my free course on personal finance, and my guides for small businesses.