File California Statement of Information | Lovie — US Company Formation

If you've formed an LLC, Corporation, or other business entity in California, you're likely aware of the requirement to file a Statement of Information. This document, filed with the California Secretary of State (SOS), is crucial for keeping your business's official records up-to-date. It provides essential details about your business, including its principal address, mailing address, registered agent, and information about your directors or managers. Failing to file this statement on time can lead to penalties, including administrative dissolution of your business. Understanding the filing process, deadlines, and requirements is vital for any business operating in the Golden State. Lovie is here to guide you through this process, whether you're forming a new entity or managing an existing one.

What is a California Statement of Information?

The California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12 for LLCs, Form SI-550 for Corporations) is a mandatory filing with the California Secretary of State. It serves as a snapshot of your business's essential information, ensuring the state has accurate contact details and management information. For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), this filing includes the LLC's name, Secretary of State file number, principal executive office address, mailing address (if different), the name and address of th

• The Statement of Information is a mandatory filing with the California Secretary of State.
• It provides essential details about your business, including address, registered agent, and management information.
• Accurate and up-to-date filings are crucial for legal compliance and maintaining good standing.
• It serves as the official contact point for legal notices and state communications.

Who Needs to File a Statement of Information in California?

Any business entity registered with the California Secretary of State must file a Statement of Information. This includes Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations (both S-corps and C-corps), and Limited Partnerships (LPs). Even if your business is not actively operating or has no employees, if it is registered with the state, you are still required to file. This applies to entities formed in California, as well as foreign entities that have qualified to do business in California. For exa

• All registered LLCs, Corporations, and Limited Partnerships must file.
• Includes both domestic (formed in CA) and foreign (qualified in CA) entities.
• Initial filing is due within 90 days of formation or qualification.
• Subsequent filings are required annually for corporations and biennially for LLCs.

How to File Your California Statement of Information

Filing your California Statement of Information can be done online, by mail, or in person. The most common and efficient method is online through the California Secretary of State's bizfile Online portal. To file online, you will need your business's 12-digit California Secretary of State file number, which you receive when your business is formed or qualified. The bizfile Online system guides you through the process, allowing you to enter or update your business information, including the princ

• Online filing via bizfile Online is the recommended method.
• You will need your 12-digit California Secretary of State file number.
• Ensure you have accurate business address, registered agent, and management details.
• Mail-in and in-person filing options are also available but slower.

California Statement of Information Fees and Deadlines

The filing fee for a Statement of Information in California is currently $20 for both LLCs and Corporations. This fee is subject to change by the California Legislature, so it's always wise to check the official California Secretary of State website for the most current fee schedule. For LLCs, this $20 fee is paid at the time of the initial filing (within 90 days of formation) and then every two years thereafter. For corporations, the $20 fee is due with the initial filing and then annually. The

• The current filing fee is $20 for LLCs and Corporations.
• Initial filing is due within 90 days of formation/qualification.
• LLCs file biennially (every two years) on their anniversary month.
• Corporations file annually on their anniversary month.
• Failure to file can result in a $250 penalty and potential suspension/dissolution.

Registered Agent Requirements for California Filings

A crucial component of your Statement of Information is the Registered Agent for Service of Process. California law requires every LLC and Corporation to designate and maintain a registered agent. This individual or company is responsible for receiving official legal documents, such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and official government correspondence, on behalf of your business. The registered agent must have a physical street address in California (a P.O. Box is not acceptable) and be available durin

• A Registered Agent is mandatory for all California LLCs and Corporations.
• The agent must have a physical California street address.
• They receive legal documents and official government correspondence.
• Third-party registered agent services offer reliability and compliance.

Consequences of Non-Compliance with Statement of Information Filings

Failing to file your California Statement of Information on time or keeping it outdated carries significant consequences that can jeopardize your business operations. The most immediate penalty is a $250 fine imposed by the California Secretary of State. This fine is typically assessed if the Statement of Information is not filed within 90 days of formation or qualification, or if it's not filed biennially (for LLCs) or annually (for corporations) by the due date. This penalty is in addition to

• A $250 penalty is imposed for late or missing filings.
• Continued non-compliance can lead to business suspension or dissolution.
• Suspended businesses lose legal protections and cannot operate legally.
• Reinstatement can be a complex and expensive process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to file a Statement of Information in California?

For LLCs, you must file a Statement of Information biennially (every two years) on or before the last day of the anniversary month of your initial registration. Corporations must file annually on or before the last day of their anniversary month.

What is the fee to file a Statement of Information in California?

The current filing fee for a Statement of Information in California is $20. This fee is subject to change and should be verified on the California Secretary of State's website.

Can I use a P.O. Box for my business address or registered agent address on the Statement of Information?

No, you cannot use a P.O. Box for your principal business address if it's also your registered agent's address, and a P.O. Box is never acceptable for the registered agent's address itself. The registered agent must have a physical street address in California.

What happens if I forget to file my Statement of Information?

You will incur a $250 penalty from the California Secretary of State. Continued failure to file can lead to your business being suspended or dissolved, losing its legal protections and ability to operate.

How do I update my Statement of Information if my business information changes?

You can file an amended Statement of Information at any time to update information such as your registered agent, principal address, or management details. This is typically done online via bizfile Online or by submitting a paper amendment form.

Start your formation with Lovie — $20/month, everything included.