Best LLC Services in California

Starting a business in California is exciting—but it isn't exactly simple. Here are the top LLC services to make it a whole lot easier.

Who doesn't want to start a business in thriving California?

From a booming tourism industry to a world-class tech scene, the Golden State has it all. It's the 4th largest economy in the world.^[1]

With such endless opportunities, you're on the right track if you're thinking about forming an LLC in California. Just make sure you start smart—and do it right from day one—with one of these top LLC services in California.

Northwest Registered Agent

Best for: Enhanced privacy protection

Unsurprisingly, California is the most expensive state to start a business.^[2] So it makes perfect sense that out of the 4.2 million small businesses^[3] here, roughly half are likely home-based. After all, skipping the storefront is a smart way to cut down on overhead.

If you're also thinking of going the home-based route with your LLC, good news. You don't have to sacrifice your privacy.

Northwest Registered Agent lets you use their business address on everything—from your registered agent info to your LLC member or manager details. That means your home address stays private and off the public record.

Even better? Their California office is just minutes from the Secretary of State in Sacramento. So if any legal or government documents come in, they'll get them fast—and deliver them to you sooner.

Established in 1998, Northwest Registered Agent is one of the country's oldest LLC services. It is best known for its enhanced privacy features, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, and excellent customer service.

LLC Formation Service - $39 + State Fees

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• Files all paperwork with the state
• 1 year registered agent included
• Privacy by Default (use their address instead of yours)
• Free LLC Operating Agreement
• Never sells your data. Ever.

Core services and fees:
Northwest Registered Agent offers just one LLC formation package, with add-on services:

• Filing Services: $39 + state fees^[4]
  Aside from preparing and filing your documents, you also get one year of free registered agent service, an operating agreement, and 90 days of free website, email, and phone.

• Registered Agent Services: $125/year^[5]
  Get same-day scans, instant notifications, a business address, free mail forwarding, and more.

• Annual Report: $100/year + state fees^[6]
  Most states require LLCs to submit an annual report. It contains updated information about your business, including a new address, contact number, or member. Northwest files this report yearly, so you don't have to worry about due dates.

• Identity Services: $9+/monthly^[7]
  Northwest's business identity services are free for 90 days. Identity services include a website domain name, a customizable website, up to 10 business email addresses, and an Internet-accessible phone line (unlimited calls and texts).

Pros + Cons:

MyCompanyWorks

Best for: Same-day processing with operating agreement

California is a hotspot for new businesses, which means the Secretary of State gets a lot of LLC applications. Because of that, things can move a little slower than you'd hope. Some filings get done in about 6 to 7 business days, but others might take weeks.^[8]

If you're eager to get your business up and running ASAP, MyCompanyWorks is a great pick. They process your order on the same business day if you submit it by 3 PM EST, so you won't wait long for things to finally kick into gear.

What's more, even their basic package includes a personalized operating agreement. This is super helpful because California requires all LLCs to have one, even if you're a single-member LLC.

MyCompanyWorks was founded in 2001 "to make starting a business as simple, fast, and inexpensive as possible." It has an A+ rating from BBB^[9] and is also part of Inc. 5000 awardees.^[10]

Pricing and packages:^[12]
MyCompanyWorks offers three types of packages.

• Basic: $79 + State Fees
  You get unlimited name availability searches, same business day processing, and a personalized LLC operating agreement.

  Once your LLC is formed, MyCompanyWorks will send you lifetime company alerts so you don't miss any state compliance requirements. Additionally, your startup might benefit from included services like tax and trademark consultation.

• Entrepreneur: $199 + State Fees
  Your LLC will need a registered agent as well. Fortunately, the entrepreneur package saves you $117 since it already includes access to MyCompanyForms, registered agent services, and an EIN.

• Complete: $279 + State Fees
  The only difference between the entrepreneur and complete packages is the MyCompanyWorks Premium service. Also called a "peace of mind compliance" service includes annual report filing services and business entity monitoring.

Pros + Cons:

LegalZoom

Best for: LLCs with extensive legal needs

While there's no doubt that California is full of business opportunities, it's still one of the most lawsuit-heavy states in the country. In 2023–24, over 4.8 million cases were filed with the Superior Courts alone.^[15]

From Prop 65 to rules like the "Sue Your Boss" law, it's no surprise the state often gets called a judicial hellhole for businesses. This matters even more if you're in a higher-risk industry, like health and wellness or food services, where there's more room for liability, compliance issues, and misunderstandings.

That's where LegalZoom really shines. Aside from LLC formation services, they also give you access to licensed attorneys. You can book a 1:1 consultation to get answers to any legal questions or advice specific to your business type. It's a smart move if you want to start off on the right foot.

Additionally, LegalZoom includes personalized business insurance quotes with every LLC formation plan. You can give your new company a little extra protection from day one.

Since 2001, LegalZoom has helped form over 4 million businesses^[16] and is BBB-accredited^[17]. Although pricier than other providers, LegalZoom's combination of business and legal services could be valuable.

Form Your LLC at $0 + State Filing Fees

Form your business at $0, just pay the state filing fees, with the Basic package. The Basic package includes:

• Articles of organization
• Name check service
• Digital welcome packet
• Customizable website

Click Here to Form Your LLC

Core services and fees:^[18]
LegalZoom has three LLC formation packages to choose from:

• Basic: $0 + state fees
  With LegalZoom's free plan, you get a business name availability check and of course, preparation and filing of formation documents. You only pay for the state filing fees.

• Pro: $249 + state fees
  Pro comes with everything from Basic and a few helpful features, like an operating agreement and EIN. You might also appreciate the free year of e-signature services, bookkeeping tools, and editor access to customizable forms.

• Premium: $299 + state fees
  With Premium, you get everything in the first two plans, plus a 30-day subscription for legal guidance services, copyright registration service, and LLC amendments with rush filing.

Pros + Cons:

Rocket Lawyer

Best for: LLC formation with tax assistance

Starting a business in California is a dream. But given that it's one of the most tax-heavy states, tax season can be a harsh reality check once you realize that your annual obligations aren't exactly light.

If you form an LLC here, you're automatically on the hook for the $800 annual franchise tax. You'll probably owe state income tax, too. On top of that, there could be local taxes and other fees depending on your industry.

That's why it helps to have a service like Rocket Lawyer. Aside from handling your LLC paperwork, they also have on-call tax professionals who can answer your questions and help you stay on the IRS's good side.

Whether you need help with self-employment tax or possible deductions, Rocket Lawyer gives you access to expert advice when it counts. It's a smart choice if you want to form your LLC and get tax guidance all in one place.

Founded in 2008, Rocket Lawyer has an A BBB rating.^[19] Its extensive network of on-call professional attorneys can assist with business registration, business contracts, trademarks, and more.

Plans and Pricing:^[20]
Rocket Lawyer offers two membership plans:

• Rocket Legal: $39.99/mo
  
• Rocket Legal+: $19.99/mo or $239.88/yr

Both plans offer the same benefits, including unlimited custom legal documents, Document Defense® in case of contract dispute, and access to an experienced lawyer for any legal questions.

The difference? Rocket Legal+ is billed annually and offers up to 50% discount on most a la carte services:

Pros + Cons:

Tailor Brands

Best for: LLC formation with branding services

Did you know that more than 2.5 million small businesses in California sell online?^[21] That's a lot of competition, especially if you're just getting started.

And even if selling online isn't in your plan, you're still entering a crowded playing field. With thousands of new businesses launching each year and millions already in operation, standing out is key.

That's why it helps to pick an LLC service that doesn't just help you file paperwork—but also helps you build a brand. Tailor Brands does both. They'll handle your Articles of Organization and give you tools to elevate your business identity before you even go live.

Here's what you get with a Tailor Brands subscription:

• Business website and domain
  
• Business email
  
• Business cards
  
• Graphic design tools
  
• Print store

Their all-in-one platform helps get your branding ready for launch while waiting for your LLC to be approved. And if you aren't ready to go all in, don't worry. You can grab each tool or service à la carte, so you're only paying for what you actually need.

Founded in 2014, Tailor Brands is an online business formation company specializing in LLC and branding services. It's recommended for business owners who need help establishing their company's brand identity on top of starting an LLC.

Start Your LLC for $0 - Just Pay State Fees

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• Check business name availability
• Lifetime compliance alerts
• Lifetime support via email and phone
• LLC filing + optional tools to build your brand

Pricing and packages:
Tailor Brands offers three types of LLC formation packages:

• Lite: $0 + state fees
  With Tailor Brands' cheapest plan, you only need to pay the state filing fees, then you'll get formation services like name availability research and preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization.

• Essential: $199/yr + state fees
  For an annual fee, the Essential plan also includes an operating agreement and annual compliance services. You're also entitled to expedited filing within two business days after payment.

• Elite: $249/yr + state fees
  Only Tailor Brands' most expensive plan comes with business branding tools. It includes extras like a 1-year free website domain, DIY website or e-commerce store, complimentary logos, business card tools, and a social media post tool.

Tailor Brands also offers add-ons like registered agents, business license and permit reports, and other business branding services.

Pros + Cons:

Methodology

To identify the best LLC services in California, we evaluated five key criteria: pricing and formation packages, turnaround time, registered agent, compliance assistance, and customer support.

We reviewed each service's pricing structures and formation packages, ensuring cost transparency and valuable features—such as operating agreements, EIN, and expedited turnaround time.

Next, the cost and availability of registered agent services and compliance assistance were assessed. These services help businesses stay in good standing with the state.

Finally, customer support was evaluated based on office hours and response times. These two factors allowed us to identify the most dependable and user-friendly LLC services in California.

How to Choose the Best LLC Service

There are a lot of LLC services out there. Choosing the best one can be tough, especially if this is your first time using one.

Here are a few tips to help you decide:

• Compare the included features
  LLC formation services don't include the same features in their packages. Compare each to see which package has the services you need at the price you're willing to pay.

• Read customer reviews
  You want an LLC service that provides high-quality customer support, even after placing your order. Check customer reviews to see how well they handle concerns and inquiries.

• Consider their specialty
  LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer are better choices if you need legal assistance. But Bizee and Northwest Registered Agent are better if you need more startup business-oriented services, like registered agent services or annual compliance assistance.

Setup Fee	Starts at $0 + state fees (Basic)	Starts at $0 + state fees (Lite)	$39 + state fees
Registered Agent	$249/year	$199/year	$125/year
Order Processing Time	1 to 2 weeks	14 business days	Within 1 business day
Expedited Processing	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs	Available with extra costs
Cancellation	60-day money-back guarantee; State fees are refundable until paid to the state	Case-to-case basis, otherwise, non-refundable	90-day money-back guarantee; State fees are non-refundable
Customer Service	Phone: (888) 379-0854 Monday - Friday: 5AM - 7PM PT Weekends: 7AM - 4PM PT Online chat	Phone: 888-209-2092 Monday - Friday: 8AM - 7:30PM (EST) Saturday: 8AM - 5PM EST Email: contact@tailorbrands.com Online chat Web form	24/7 Phone: 509-768-2249 Online chat Web form

DIY vs. Hire LLC Services in California

The decision to DIY or hire an LLC service depends on your comfort level, budget, and priorities. Here are points to consider:

• Cost
  Filing business formation documents on your own is cheaper as you only pay state filing fees. Alternatively, subscribe to free LLC formation services like those offered by Tailor Brands and Bizee. Just be prepared for the upsells of other services.

• Time and convenience
  You can DIY if you have time to research the requirements, prepare the documents, file them with the state, and track its status. Otherwise, hire an LLC service to do the job.

• Expertise
  Use LLC services if you’re unsure about legal jargon or don’t want to risk making mistakes. Alternatively, take time to learn them before filing documents with the state.

• Registered agent services
  You can be the LLC's registered agent as long as you qualify. But if you aren't ready to shoulder this responsibility, appoint someone else or an LLC service as the registered agent.

• Compliance requirements
  Most states have annual LLC requirements, including annual fees and reports. If you want someone else to manage these, hire an LLC service.

• Control
  You hire LLC services because they can do the heavy lifting. However, that also means you rely on them to do everything correctly. That said, DIY is ideal if you want complete control over the process.

Generally, DIY is easy if your LLC is simple, like a single-member LLC with no special tax needs.

Why Form an LLC in California?

Forming an LLC in California can be worth it because of its thriving economy. The state is a major hub for venture capital and investment, giving your startup easier access to funding.

However, maintaining an LLC in California isn't cheap. For instance, the $800 annual franchise tax is mandatory for all LLCs in the state. You must also be prepared for other ongoing expenses, like registered agent services and business insurance.

How to Form an LLC in California

Starting an LLC in California is easy enough. You can even do it yourself in six steps:

1. Choose a name
   Your LLC name must be unique and distinguishable from other businesses registered in California. It must also have Limited Liability Company, LLC, or similar at the end.

2. Appoint a registered agent
   A registered agent receives legal documents on behalf of your LLC. They must have a physical address in the state where the LLC does business.

3. File the Articles of Organization
   Next, submit the Articles of Organization and the filing fee to the California Secretary of State. This form usually includes details like the LLC name, registered agent, and business purpose.

4. Create an operating agreement
   An LLC operating agreement contains information like the roles and responsibilities of each member, how new or departing members will be treated, and how business profits and losses will be divided.

5. Get an EIN
   Any LLC with more than one member or with employees must have an EIN, regardless of how it's taxed. This is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax-related purposes.

6. Get business permits and licenses
   Depending on your business, you may need additional licenses or permits. For example, you need a sales tax permit if you sell consumable goods. Research state-specific requirements and local rules that apply to your LLC.

Once your LLC is up and running, comply with ongoing requirements like filing the Statement of Information and renewing business permits and licenses.

For an in-depth guide, read this step-by-step How to Start an LLC in California guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it worth having an LLC in California?

  If your business idea has strong profit potential, forming a California LLC could be worth it because of the state's big market and many opportunities. However, it also has high taxes and yearly costs, like the $800 franchise tax. Make sure you're earning enough to cover ongoing expenses without stress.

• What is the cheapest way to form an LLC in California?

  The cheapest way to form an LLC in California is by filing the paperwork yourself. Or, you can use a free LLC service, which only charges you the state filing fees.

• What is required to maintain an LLC in California?

  To maintain an LLC in California, you must file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State every two years.^[22] It contains up-to-date information about your LLC, including its business address, email, and registered agent details.

• Why are California LLCs so expensive?

  California LLCs are considered expensive because you need to pay several fees after formation. These include the franchise tax, income tax, statement of information filing fee, and business permit and license fees.

• How do I avoid $800 LLC fees in California?

  You can't avoid California's $800 annual franchise tax. The Assembly Bill 85 only provided a first-year exemption for LLCs formed on or after January 1, 2021, and before January 1, 2024.^[23]

Bottom Line

Northwest Registered Agent, LegalZoom, and Tailor Brands are the best LLC services in California because they do more than just filing and preparing business documents.

From registered agents to ongoing compliance, their comprehensive services can help your business thrive in the competitive California market.

Carefully compare their offers, pricing, and customer reviews to select the perfect partner for your business needs.

References