Year-one compliance starts with accepted formation, but continues with an agent, the initial Statement of Information, tax planning and required business licenses. An LLC’s initial statement is due within 90 days and its standard $800 tax is a separate requirement. A saved checklist tracks your own progress, not official good standing.
Official source: California Secretary of StateOfficial source: California Secretary of StateOfficial source: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/limited-liability-company/index.htmlOfficial source: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/corporations/index.htmlVerified against the California Secretary of State and FTB on Oct 21, 2026
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Private information and filing service; not a government agency.
Start with the right question.
Keep evidence of accepted formation
Retain the accepted Articles and entity number. Internal bylaws or operating agreements are maintained by the entity, not filed with the SOS. Confirm all business and professional licenses with the issuing authorities; SOS formation does not issue those licenses.
Official source: California Secretary of StateCalendar separate filing and tax clocks
LLCs have a $20 initial statement within 90 days, then biennial filings. Stock corporations have a $25 initial statement within 90 days, then annual filings. Default-taxed LLCs generally owe $800 in the first year now; new corporation minimum-tax exceptions do not remove income-based taxes.
Official source: California Secretary of StateReview changes and finish the year
Keep the agent, address and management records current. Review federal EIN and tax-return requirements with the IRS and FTB as applicable. Checking an item here records your confirmation only; it does not submit a filing, send a reminder or check your government account.
Official source: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4Your preparation checklist
- Retain accepted Articles and entity number
- Keep agent and address records current
- File initial Statement of Information
- Calendar tax payments and returns
- Confirm business/professional licenses
- Maintain internal governance records
Saved year-one checklist
Saved year-one checklist
Not a filing or official compliance confirmation. Progress is separate for each entity type, stays on this device, and does not send reminders. Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Keep the requirements separate.
| Requirement | Verified detail / confirmation needed | Official authority |
|---|---|---|
| LLC Articles + initial statement | $70 + $20; initial statement within 90 days | Official source: California Secretary of State |
| Stock Articles + initial statement | $100 + $25; initial statement within 90 days | Official source: California Secretary of State |
| LLC annual tax | $800 standard; first-year general exemption expired | Official source: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/limited-liability-company/index.html |
| New corporation minimum | Generally excepted in first taxable year; income tax remains | Official source: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/corporations/index.html |
| EIN application | IRS issues EINs free; assistance optional | Official source: https://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4 |
| Licenses and internal records | Separate from SOS formation | Official source: California Secretary of State |
Carry the decision forward.
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. State fees are pass-through. Service fees and taxes are separate. Review the order price before payment.
Before your next step
Only in this browser on this device. It is not an official filing or a confirmation of compliance.
Official source: California Secretary of State – bizfile OnlineNo. SOS does not issue business or professional licenses; check the relevant issuing authorities.
Official source: California Secretary of State