How to File Statement of Information California | Lovie — US Company Formation

If you've formed an LLC, Corporation, Nonprofit, or LP in California, you have a crucial ongoing compliance requirement: filing a Statement of Information (SOI) with the California Secretary of State (SOS). This document provides essential details about your business, including its principal business address, mailing address, registered agent information, and details about your directors or managers. Failing to file your SOI on time can lead to significant penalties, including suspension of your business and substantial fines. Understanding the process and deadlines is vital for maintaining good standing and avoiding operational disruptions for your California entity. This guide will walk you through exactly how to file your Statement of Information in California, whether you're forming a new entity or updating existing information.

What is a Statement of Information in California?

The Statement of Information (Form SI-550 for LLCs, Form SI-100 for Corporations, Form SI-350 for Nonprofits) is a triennial (every three years) or annual filing required by the California Secretary of State. Its primary purpose is to keep the state's records up-to-date regarding your business entity's key contacts and operational details. This includes the names and addresses of your principal executive officers, the business address where records are kept, and the name and address of your regi

• The Statement of Information keeps California's business records current.
• It includes details on addresses, registered agents, and management.
• It's a mandatory filing for LLCs, Corporations, and Nonprofits in California.
• Failure to file can result in penalties and business suspension.

Who Needs to File a Statement of Information in California?

Any business entity that has been officially registered with the California Secretary of State must file a Statement of Information. This includes Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), both member-managed and manager-managed. It also applies to Corporations, including S-Corporations and C-Corporations. Nonprofits, Limited Partnerships (LPs), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) also have this filing requirement. Essentially, if you've filed Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organizatio

• All registered LLCs, Corporations, and Nonprofits in California must file.
• The requirement starts within 90 days of formation.
• LLCs file every two years; Corporations and Nonprofits file annually.
• This is distinct from federal tax identification (EIN) requirements.

California Statement of Information Deadlines and Filing Fees

Understanding the deadlines and associated fees for your Statement of Information is critical to maintaining your business's good standing. For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), the initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) is due within 90 days of filing your Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State. Following the initial filing, LLCs must file a Statement of Information every two years. The filing fee for an LLC Statement of Information is currently $20. For Corpo

• Initial SOI for LLCs, Corps, Nonprofits due within 90 days of formation.
• LLCs file every 2 years; Corporations and Nonprofits file annually.
• The current filing fee for each SOI is $20.
• Late filings can incur a $250 penalty for corporations and lead to suspension for all entities.

How to File Your Statement of Information Online in California

The most common and recommended method for filing your Statement of Information in California is online through the Secretary of State's website. This method is typically the fastest and most efficient. To begin, navigate to the California Secretary of State's business portal. You will need your entity's 12-digit California SOS file number to proceed. If you don't have it readily available, you can search for your entity on the SOS website using its name to find the file number. Once you've loca

• File online via the California Secretary of State's business portal.
• You'll need your entity's 12-digit SOS file number.
• Update principal address, mailing address, registered agent, and management details.
• Payment is made via credit/debit card; save confirmation for your records.

Filing Your Statement of Information by Mail in California

While online filing is the preferred method, you can also file your Statement of Information by mail. This process is slower and carries a higher risk of errors or delays. To file by mail, you first need to download the correct form from the California Secretary of State's website. For LLCs, this is Form LLC-12; for Corporations, it's Form 100; and for Nonprofits, it's Form NP-100. Ensure you download the most current version of the form. You must then accurately complete the form by hand or typ

• Download the correct form (LLC-12, 100, NP-100) from the SOS website.
• Complete the form accurately, including your entity's file number.
• Submit the form with a $20 fee via check or money order by mail.
• Use certified mail for proof of delivery; allow several weeks for processing.

When to Update Your Statement of Information in California

While the Statement of Information has a regular filing schedule (triennial for LLCs, annual for Corporations and Nonprofits), you are also legally obligated to update it within 90 days of any changes to the information it contains. This is a critical compliance requirement that many businesses overlook. The most common reasons for needing to update your SOI outside of its regular filing cycle include changes to your registered agent, a change in your business's principal executive office addres

• Update your SOI within 90 days of any changes to its information.
• Common updates include changes to registered agent, addresses, or management.
• File an amendment form (e.g., LLC-12X, 100X) or a new SOI to report changes.
• The filing fee for updates is also $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the penalty for not filing the Statement of Information in California?

Corporations face a $250 penalty for late filing of their Statement of Information. For LLCs and other entities, while there isn't a specific late fee, failure to file can lead to the suspension or forfeiture of the business entity's rights and privileges.

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

California LLCs must file their Statement of Information every two years (triennially). The initial filing is due within 90 days of forming the LLC.

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

Corporations in California must file their Statement of Information every year (annually). The initial filing is due within 90 days of incorporating.

Can I file my Statement of Information for free in California?

No, there is a mandatory filing fee of $20 for each Statement of Information filed with the California Secretary of State, whether it's the initial filing, a biennial/annual filing, or an amendment.

What information is included on the California Statement of Information?

The SOI includes your entity's name, SOS file number, principal business address, mailing address, registered agent's name and address, and names/addresses of managers/members (LLC) or directors/officers (Corporation).

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