Services / LLC & Business Formation
LLC & Business Formation
Professional business formation document preparation for California entrepreneurs. LLC formation, S-Corp and C-Corp incorporation, operating agreements, and corporate bylaws — prepared accurately at your direction, at a fraction of what a business attorney would charge.
What We Prepare
LLC Formation — Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
The foundational document to create a California limited liability company. We prepare the Articles of Organization with your LLC name, business purpose, registered agent designation, and management structure (member-managed or manager-managed). Filed with the California Secretary of State.
S-Corporation Formation — Articles of Incorporation
Formation documents for a California S-Corporation, including the S-Corp election (IRS Form 2553). S-Corps offer pass-through taxation with the ability to pay owner-employees a reasonable salary and distribute remaining profits as dividends.
C-Corporation Formation — Articles of Incorporation
Formation documents for a California C-Corporation. C-Corps are taxed at the corporate level but offer advantages for businesses planning to raise venture capital, issue multiple stock classes, or have more than 100 shareholders.
Operating Agreements
Multi-member and single-member LLC operating agreements. The internal governing document defining ownership percentages, profit/loss allocation, management authority, voting rights, buy-sell provisions, and dissolution procedures. Banks, lenders, and investors routinely require one.
Corporate Bylaws
Initial and amended bylaws for California corporations governing internal operations: board structure, officer roles, shareholder meetings, quorum requirements, and record-keeping procedures. Required to maintain corporate formalities.
Statement of Information (Form SI-550 or SI-200)
Required biennial filing with the California Secretary of State updating your entity's address, officers/directors/members, registered agent, and principal business activity. Missing the deadline results in a $250 late penalty.
How It Works
Free Consultation
We discuss your business — what it does, who the owners are, and your goals. We'll help you understand what information is required for formation documents and what additional steps (EIN, business license, local permits) you'll need after filing. We cannot advise which entity type to choose, but we can explain what information each option requires.
Document Preparation
We prepare all formation documents based on your business details — entity name, members/shareholders, management structure, registered agent, and ownership splits. We check name availability with the Secretary of State and ensure all documents meet California formatting requirements.
Filing & Post-Formation Instructions
We provide clear instructions for filing with the California Secretary of State, obtaining your EIN from the IRS (free and immediate online), and completing post-formation requirements — Statement of Information filing, local business license, and any industry-specific permits.
Important: We cannot advise on which business structure is best for your situation or provide tax advice. The choice between LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp has significant tax and legal implications. We recommend consulting a CPA or business attorney before deciding. We prepare formation documents at your specific direction once you've made your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
LLC vs. Corporation — which should I choose?+
The choice depends on your specific business goals, tax situation, and liability concerns. LLCs offer flexible management, pass-through taxation, and fewer corporate formalities. S-Corps can reduce self-employment taxes but have ownership restrictions. C-Corps are often preferred for venture capital-backed startups. We cannot advise which is best — we recommend consulting a CPA or business attorney. Once you decide, we prepare the formation documents at your direction.
How long does LLC formation take in California?+
Standard processing with the California Secretary of State typically takes 2-4 weeks. Expedited processing is available for an additional state fee: 24-hour ($350), same-day ($500), or 4-hour ($750) service for in-person filings in Sacramento. We prepare your documents promptly so you can file the same day you receive them.
Do I need an operating agreement for a single-member LLC?+
California does not legally require an operating agreement, but it is strongly recommended even for single-member LLCs. Without one, your LLC is governed by California's default LLC statutes. An operating agreement helps maintain liability protection, is often required by banks to open a business account, and specifies what happens to the business if you die or become incapacitated.
What is a registered agent and who can serve as one?+
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents (lawsuits, subpoenas, state correspondence) on behalf of your business. In California, the registered agent can be any individual 18+ with a physical California street address, or a commercial registered agent service. You, another member, or a trusted associate can serve — or you can hire a commercial service (typically $100-$300/year).
What ongoing compliance does a California LLC or corporation require?+
For LLCs: Annual Franchise Tax of at least $800 to the FTB, due by the 15th day of the 4th month of your tax year. Biennial Statement of Information filed with the Secretary of State — $20 fee, due every 2 years. For corporations: Annual Franchise Tax of at least $800, annual Statement of Information, annual board and shareholder meetings with minutes, and compliance with industry-specific regulations. Missing deadlines can result in penalties and administrative dissolution.
Related Services
Ready to Form Your Business?
Schedule a free consultation to get your LLC or incorporation documents started. Response within 24 hours — same-day service often available.