The explanation · California
3 Best LLC Services in California (2026) and Why
In brief
- What the state charges to file
- $70, at filing only
- Upkeep each year
- $20 biennially + $800 minimum tax each year
- Agent for service of process
- Yes, by law
- Our picks in order
- Mainstay Filing, California Registered Agent.ai then CA Registered Agent.org
Services we would pick in California
The order comes from our method: three-year cost first, then how much work the price covers.1. Mainstay Filing: best for owners who want the Statement of Information handled
$199 a year, renewing at $199
Mainstay Filing comes out on top: $199 a year covers the formation, the agent for service of process and every Statement of Information.
California Registered Agent.ai costs $200 less across three years but leaves you more filing.
You skip the Statement of Information yourself. California still bills $20, which is charged at cost.
Includes
- Formation, filed by Mainstay
- Agent for service of process year-round
- Statement of Information handled when due
- Help applying for an EIN
- State fees without a markup
Points in its favor
- A fixed $199 per year
- EIN application is part of the package
- Renewal is $199
Where it falls short
- Renews $100 higher than California Registered Agent.ai
2. California Registered Agent.ai: best for keeping three-year cost down
$199 plus the state fee, followed by $99 a year
Our second recommendation, California Registered Agent.ai, earns it since you pay $199 at the start with the first agent year included and $99 annually after that.
The Statement of Information is not part of the price, so you will file it on your own.
Includes
- Articles filed on your behalf
- Agent service during year one
Points in its favor
- $99 a year afterward
- Year-one agent service is included
- Forms the LLC for $199
Where it falls short
- Filing the Statement of Information stays with you
- An EIN application is $99 more
3. CA Registered Agent.org: best for owners comfortable doing their own reports
$199 plus the state fee, followed by $99 a year
Our third recommendation, CA Registered Agent.org, earns it since you pay $199 at the start with the first agent year included and $99 annually after that.
The Statement of Information is not part of the price, so you will file it on your own.
With the same prices as California Registered Agent.ai, this is a near tie.
Includes
- Articles filed on your behalf
- Agent service during year one
Points in its favor
- Year-one agent service is included
- Forms the LLC for $199
- $99 a year afterward
Where it falls short
- Filing the Statement of Information stays with you
- An EIN application is $99 more
Compare prices
| # | Provider | Year one | Each year after | Over three years | Included in the price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $199/yr | $597 | Formation, filed by Mainstay; Agent for service of process year-round; Statement of Information handled when due | Learn more at Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | California Registered Agent.ai | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | articles filed on your behalf; agent service during year one | Learn more at California Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | CA Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | articles filed on your behalf; agent service during year one | Learn more at CA Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
What owners want to know
How much does it cost to start an LLC here?
$70 goes to the state, and $199 more if you hire a service in year one.
Across three years the state's fees add up to $2,490, filing fee included. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, August 2026)
- $800 a year minimum LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board (Form FTB 3522), separate from the Statement of Information.
What creates the LLC?
The California Secretary of State receives the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1), and that is what creates the LLC.
Read the law: Cal. Corp. Code § 17702.01. (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, August 2026)
Does the LLC need an agent for service of process?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
A California resident, or a corporation registered with the Secretary of State as a corporate agent under Corporations Code § 1505. A business cannot act as its own agent for service of process.
(leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, October 2026)
What does upkeep involve?
Chiefly the Statement of Information, filed every two years. Fee: $20. Due date as the state words it: last day of the LLC's registration-anniversary month, biennially, so mark the calendar. A yearly minimum tax is separate.
A late filing adds $250.
(sos.ca.gov, October 2026)
Can I skip the service?
Yes, and the cost is then the state's $2,490 over three years.
A service adds $397 to $597 over three years to do the filings and, with Mainstay Filing, the reports.
How did you order the services?
How much work the price handles counts for 28%, and Mainstay Filing comes out ahead on it.
Five criteria set the order: what three years cost (34%), how much work the price handles (28%), prices spelled out (16%), renewal terms (12%) and reach beyond one state (10%).
A lower bill at California Registered Agent.ai still leaves the Statement of Information to you.
California: rules and fees at a glance
| Item | Fee or rule | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| State charge to form | $70 | (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, August 2026) |
| Agent for service of process | Yes, by law | (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, October 2026) |
| Statement of Information | $20 every two years | (sos.ca.gov, October 2026) |
| Tax owed yearly | $800 a year | (ftb.ca.gov, October 2026) |
| Years one to three, state fees | $2,490 | Our total of the rows above |
FAQ
What about getting an EIN?
It is part of the Mainstay Filing price, while California Registered Agent.ai bills $99 and CA Registered Agent.org bills $99.
Does the state charge for late filing?
The late fee is $250.
How do the picks compare over three years?
Mainstay Filing: $597 | California Registered Agent.ai: $397 | CA Registered Agent.org: $397 (service fees only).
Where do the numbers come from?
Each state fee links to its official source, and each service price comes from the company's website.
Could I skip the service?
It is optional, and the state charges the same either way.
Which company ranks first in California?
We would start with Mainstay Filing, then California Registered Agent.ai and CA Registered Agent.org.
References
- August 2026 confirmation of California Secretary of State at sos.ca.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of California Secretary of State at bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California yearly filing: Statement of at sos.ca.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of Cal at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California registered agent statute at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California other cost: Annual LLC at ftb.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California other cost: Annual LLC at ftb.ca.gov
- California service page from Mainstay Filing, prices as of November 13, 2026
- pricing page from California Registered Agent.ai, prices as of November 13, 2026
- pricing page from CA Registered Agent.org, prices as of November 13, 2026