Annual Statement of Information California | Lovie — US Company Formation

Businesses registered in California, whether they are LLCs, corporations, or nonprofits, are required to file a Statement of Information (SOIR) with the California Secretary of State (SOS). This document provides up-to-date contact and operational details about your business, ensuring the state has accurate records. Failing to file or filing late can lead to significant penalties, including administrative dissolution of your business and substantial fines. Understanding the nuances of this filing is crucial for maintaining good standing and avoiding legal complications. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the California Statement of Information, including who needs to file, when to file, what information is required, and the associated costs. We will also cover common pitfalls and how Lovie can help streamline this essential compliance task, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

Who Needs to File a Statement of Information in California?

Virtually all business entities formed or registered to do business in California must file a Statement of Information. This includes domestic (formed in California) and foreign (formed outside California but registered to operate within the state) Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), corporations (S-corps, C-corps), and nonprofit corporations. Partnerships, sole proprietorships, and general partnerships generally do not need to file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State, as thei

All LLCs, corporations (S-corp, C-corp), and nonprofits formed or registered in California must file.
Includes both domestic and foreign entities operating in California.
Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are typically exempt.
Ensures the state has current contact and operational information.

Statement of Information Filing Deadlines in California

The timing of your Statement of Information filing depends on the type of entity you have. For LLCs, the initial Statement of Information is due within 90 days of filing your formation documents with the California Secretary of State. After the initial filing, LLCs must file an updated Statement of Information every two years. This biennial filing requirement aims to keep the state's records current without imposing an annual burden. Corporations, on the other hand, have slightly different dead

LLCs: Initial filing within 90 days of formation; subsequent filings every two years (biennially).
Corporations (S-corp, C-corp): Initial filing within 90 days of incorporation; subsequent filings annually.
Nonprofits: File annually.
Meeting deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain good standing.

Required Information for Your California Statement of Information

The California Statement of Information requires specific details about your business to be accurate and up-to-date. For LLCs, you will need to provide the full legal name of the LLC, the street address of its principal executive office (a P.O. Box is not acceptable for the principal office address, though it can be used for mailing purposes), and the name and address of the LLC's agent for service of process. If the LLC has one or more managers, you must also list the names and business address

LLCs: Principal business address, agent for service of process, manager/member names and addresses.
Corporations: Principal business address, agent for service of process, CEO, Secretary, CFO names and addresses.
Nonprofits: Principal business address, agent for service of process, director names and addresses.
Principal executive office address cannot be a P.O. Box.

Statement of Information Filing Fees and Penalties in California

Filing the Statement of Information in California involves a fee, which varies slightly by entity type. For LLCs, the filing fee for the Statement of Information is $20. This fee covers the cost of processing and maintaining the records with the Secretary of State. For corporations and nonprofits, the filing fee is also $25. These fees are subject to change, so it's always wise to verify the current amounts on the California Secretary of State's official website or consult with a formation servi

LLC Statement of Information Fee: $20.
Corporation & Nonprofit Statement of Information Fee: $25.
Late filing penalty: $250 from the Secretary of State.
Failure to file can lead to administrative dissolution and loss of business authority.

How to File Your Statement of Information in California

Filing your Statement of Information in California can be done through several methods, offering flexibility for business owners. The most common and recommended method is online filing via the California Secretary of State's bizfile Online portal. This platform allows you to submit your initial or subsequent Statement of Information electronically, often resulting in faster processing times. You will need to accurately input all the required information, including your business entity name, SOS

Primary method: Online via California Secretary of State's bizfile Online portal.
Alternative: Download form, complete, and mail to the SOS.
Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
Online filing is generally faster than mail-in submissions.

The Role of the Registered Agent in Your Statement of Information

Your Statement of Information requires you to designate a Registered Agent for Service of Process. This agent is a person or company officially designated to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits, subpoenas, and official government correspondence, on behalf of your business. The Registered Agent must have a physical street address within California (a P.O. Box is not sufficient for this purpose) and be available during normal business hours to accept service. This ensures that your business

A Registered Agent is required for all LLCs and corporations in California.
The agent receives legal and official documents on behalf of the business.
Must have a physical street address in California and be available during business hours.
Changes to the agent or their address must be reported on the Statement of Information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an LLC and a corporation Statement of Information filing frequency?: LLCs file their Statement of Information every two years (biennially) after the initial filing. Corporations, however, must file their Statement of Information annually. Both entity types have an initial filing deadline within 90 days of formation or incorporation.
Can I use a P.O. Box as my principal business address on the Statement of Information?: No, you cannot use a P.O. Box as your principal executive office address on the Statement of Information. A physical street address is required. You can list a P.O. Box as a mailing address if needed, separate from the principal office address.
What happens if I don't file my Statement of Information in California?: Failure to file can result in a $250 penalty from the Secretary of State. Continued delinquency may lead to administrative dissolution of your business, meaning it loses its legal standing and liability protection in California.
How do I update my Statement of Information if my business information changes?: You must file an updated Statement of Information whenever there is a change in the information previously reported, such as a change in the principal business address, agent for service of process, or officers/directors. This can be filed online or by mail.
Does Lovie help with filing the Statement of Information in California?: Yes, Lovie can assist with filing your Statement of Information in California. We help ensure your filing is accurate and submitted on time, simplifying compliance for your business.

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