California Statement of Information Filing | Lovie — US Company Formation

Forming a business in California involves several key compliance steps, and one of the most crucial is the Statement of Information filing. This document, filed with the California Secretary of State (SOS), is a snapshot of your business's essential details. It ensures that state officials and the public have up-to-date information about your company's management, registered agent, and principal business address. Failure to file this crucial document can lead to significant penalties, including administrative dissolution of your business entity. Understanding the requirements for the Statement of Information is vital for any business owner operating in the Golden State. Whether you're forming a new Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, or even a Nonprofit Corporation, this filing is a recurring obligation. Lovie is here to guide you through the process, ensuring your California business remains compliant and in good standing. We help entrepreneurs navigate complex state regulations, including this fundamental filing, so you can focus on growing your business.

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 required by the California Secretary of State. It serves as an official record of your business's key personnel and operational details. This document includes information such as the names and addresses of your LLC's managers or members (for LLCs), or directors and officers (for Corporations), the name and address of your registered agent in California, and the principal executive

A mandatory filing with the California Secretary of State.
Provides essential details about your business's management and registered agent.
Required for LLCs, Corporations, and Nonprofits.
Helps the state maintain accurate public records.

Filing Requirements for California LLCs and Corporations

Both Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and Corporations in California have specific requirements when it comes to the Statement of Information. For LLCs, the initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) must be filed within 90 days of the LLC's formation. Subsequent filings are due every two years, on or before the anniversary month of the LLC's formation. For example, if your LLC was formed on June 15, 2023, your initial filing is due by September 13, 2023, and your next filing will be due b

LLCs file initial Statement of Information within 90 days, then biennially.
Corporations file initial Statement of Information within 90 days, then annually.
Nonprofits also have specific filing requirements.
Accurate filing schedules are crucial for maintaining good standing.

California Statement of Information Fees and Penalties

The filing fee for the California Statement of Information is currently $20 for LLCs and $25 for Corporations. This fee is payable directly to the California Secretary of State. For LLCs, this fee is paid with the initial filing and then every two years thereafter. For Corporations, the fee is paid with the initial filing and then annually. It's important to verify the current fee schedule on the California Secretary of State's website, as these amounts can change. While these fees might seem mi

Current filing fee for LLCs is $20 (biennially).
Current filing fee for Corporations is $25 (annually).
A $250 late filing penalty is assessed for overdue filings.
Failure to file can lead to suspension or forfeiture of business rights.

How to File Your California Statement of Information

Filing the California Statement of Information can be done online, by mail, or in person. The most common and often the easiest method is online through the California Secretary of State's bizfile Online portal. This system allows you to submit your initial filing or subsequent updates efficiently. You will need your business's entity number, which can be found on your formation documents or by searching the SOS database. The online portal guides you through the required fields, making it relati

Primary filing method is online via bizfile Online.
Mail-in option is available using downloadable forms.
Requires business entity number, registered agent details, and management information.
Lovie can assist with accurate and timely online filing.

Updating Your California Statement of Information

Your business information isn't static, and it's crucial to keep your Statement of Information current. If there are any changes to the information previously filed, such as a change in your registered agent's address, a change in your principal business address, or a shift in management personnel (officers, directors, managers, or members), you must file an amended Statement of Information. This amended filing should reflect the most up-to-date details of your business operations and structure.

Amendments are required for changes in registered agent, addresses, or management.
File an amended Statement of Information within 90 days of a change.
No additional fee for filing an amendment.
Keeping information current is vital for legal compliance.

The Role of the Registered Agent in Statement of Information Filing

The Registered Agent is a cornerstone of your business's compliance in California, and their information is a mandatory component of the Statement of Information. The Registered Agent is the designated individual or entity responsible for receiving official legal documents and government notices on behalf of your business. This includes service of process (lawsuit notifications), tax forms, and other important correspondence from the California Secretary of State and other state agencies. It is

Registered Agent receives legal documents and official notices.
Must have a physical California street address.
Changes to Registered Agent information require an amended filing.
Lovie offers reliable Registered Agent services for compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do LLCs need to file a Statement of Information in California?: California LLCs must file their initial Statement of Information within 90 days of formation and then every two years thereafter, during the anniversary month of their formation.
What is the fee for filing a California Statement of Information for a Corporation?: The current filing fee for a California Corporation's Statement of Information is $25. This fee is due with the initial filing and then annually.
Can I file my Statement of Information online in California?: Yes, the California Secretary of State's bizfile Online portal is the primary and most efficient method for filing your Statement of Information electronically.
What happens if I don't file my California Statement of Information on time?: Failure to file on time can result in a $250 late penalty and, if neglected, could lead to the suspension or forfeiture of your business's legal rights and privileges in California.
Do I need to file an amended Statement of Information if my business address changes?: Yes, if your principal business address changes, you must file an amended Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State within 90 days of the change.

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