California Statement of Information Filing Online | Lovie — US Company Formation

The California Statement of Information (SOI) is a crucial document that every business entity registered in California must file with the Secretary of State. It ensures the state has up-to-date contact information for your business, including details about its officers, directors, managers, or members, depending on your business structure. Failing to file this report on time can lead to significant penalties, including suspension of your business and substantial fines. Fortunately, the process can often be completed online, making it more accessible for busy entrepreneurs and business owners across the state. This guide will walk you through the specifics of filing your California Statement of Information online. We’ll cover who needs to file, when it’s due, the information required, the filing fees, and how Lovie can simplify this essential compliance task. Understanding and adhering to these requirements is vital for maintaining good standing with the state, which is necessary for operating your business legally and avoiding disruptions. Whether you're forming a new LLC, Corporation, or Non-profit in California, or you're already established, staying on top of your SOI filing is paramount.

Who Needs to File a California Statement of Information?

In California, nearly all registered business entities are required to file a Statement of Information. This includes Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Corporations (both S-Corps and C-Corps), and Non-profit Organizations. Even if your business has no operations within California but is registered there, you still must comply with this filing requirement. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships typically do not need to file an SOI unless they are operating under a fictitious business nam

• All California LLCs, Corporations, and Non-profits must file an SOI.
• Includes details on managers/members (LLCs), directors/officers (Corps), and directors (Non-profits).
• Required even if your business is registered in California but operates elsewhere.
• Ensures the state has current contact and management information for your entity.

California Statement of Information Filing Deadlines and Frequency

The filing schedule for the Statement of Information depends on your business entity type. For LLCs and Corporations, 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 and Corporations must file an updated SOI every two years. The filing period is the six-month period ending on the last day of the anniversary month of your LLC’s or Corporation’s original registration. For example,

• Initial SOI due within 90 days of formation for LLCs and Corporations.
• Biennial (every two years) filings required for LLCs and Corporations.
• Annual filings required for Non-profit organizations.
• Failure to file can result in a $250 penalty and business suspension.

How to File Your California Statement of Information Online

The California Secretary of State provides an online portal for filing the Statement of Information, which is the most convenient method for most businesses. To file online, you will typically need your entity’s 12-digit California Secretary of State File Number. This number is assigned when your business is officially registered. Navigate to the California Secretary of State's business portal. You will look for the section related to business filings and specifically for the Statement of Infor

• Use the California Secretary of State's online business portal.
• Requires your entity's 12-digit California File Number.
• Input business details, registered agent information, and management/director details.
• Payment of the filing fee is required online.

California Statement of Information Filing Fees and Required Information

The filing fee for the California Statement of Information is currently $20 for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and $25 for Corporations and Non-profit Organizations. This fee is paid at the time of filing, whether you submit it online, by mail, or in person. It's important to note that these fees are subject to change by the California Secretary of State, so it’s always wise to check the official website for the most current fee schedule. Beyond the fee, the information required on the SOI

• LLC SOI filing fee: $20.
• Corporation and Non-profit SOI filing fee: $25.
• Requires business name, file number, principal office address, and mailing address.
• Must include details of registered agent, managers/members (LLCs), or directors/officers (Corps).

Consequences of Not Filing Your California Statement of Information

Failing to file your California Statement of Information on time, or failing to file it altogether, carries significant consequences that can severely impact your business operations. The most immediate penalty is a $250 fine levied by the California Secretary of State. This penalty is applied for failure to file the SOI within the required timeframe, whether it's the initial filing or a subsequent periodic filing. Beyond the financial penalty, the state can also suspend your business. Business

• A $250 penalty is imposed for late or missing filings.
• Your business can be suspended, losing its legal right to operate in California.
• Suspension can void contracts and expose personal assets.
• Reinstatement processes are complex and costly.

LLC vs. Corporation: Statement of Information Differences

While the core purpose of the Statement of Information (SOI) is the same for both LLCs and Corporations – to provide essential contact and management details to the state – there are key differences in the specific information required. These distinctions reflect the fundamental structural differences between these two popular business entity types. For a California LLC, the SOI requires you to identify whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. If it's member-managed, you must list

• LLCs report on members (member-managed) or managers (manager-managed).
• Corporations report on directors and principal officers (President, Secretary, CFO, etc.).
• Both require business address, mailing address, and registered agent details.
• LLC SOI fee is $20; Corporation SOI fee is $25.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

LLCs and Corporations file every two years (biennially). Non-profit organizations must file annually. The initial filing for LLCs and Corporations is due within 90 days of formation.

What is the fee for filing a California Statement of Information online?

The filing fee is $20 for LLCs and $25 for Corporations and Non-profits. This fee is payable at the time of online submission.

Can I change my registered agent on the Statement of Information?

Yes, the Statement of Information is the correct place to update your registered agent's information if you are changing services or updating contact details.

What happens if I file my California Statement of Information late?

You will incur a $250 penalty from the Secretary of State, and your business may be suspended, losing its legal standing to operate in California.

Do I need an EIN to file my California Statement of Information?

No, an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is not required for filing the California Statement of Information. This filing relates to state registration details.

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