What is Statement of Information California | Lovie — US Company Formation

When forming a business entity like an LLC or Corporation in California, you'll encounter various compliance requirements. One of the most critical is the Statement of Information (SOI). This document, filed with the California Secretary of State (SOS), serves as a crucial record of your business's key details. It's not a one-time filing; it requires regular updates, ensuring the state has current information about your company's management and registered agent. Failing to file or file on time can lead to penalties and even administrative dissolution of your business, underscoring its importance for maintaining good standing. Think of the Statement of Information as your business's official contact card with the state. It provides essential information that the SOS uses to maintain its public records and to contact your business if necessary. This includes details about your business's physical address, mailing address, the names and addresses of your officers or managers, and the name and address of your registered agent. For LLCs, it details the management structure (member-managed or manager-managed) and the individuals involved. For corporations, it lists the directors, officers, and the incorporator. Keeping this information accurate and up-to-date is a fundamental aspect of corporate or LLC governance in California, impacting your ability to conduct business legally and smoothly.

What Exactly is a Statement of Information?

The Statement of Information (Form LLC-12 for LLCs, Form SI-550 for Corporations) is a mandatory document filed with the California Secretary of State. Its primary purpose is to provide and update essential details about your business entity. For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), it includes the LLC's name, the registered agent's name and address, the principal business address, and the names and addresses of its managers or members, depending on the management structure. For Corporations (bot

• A mandatory filing with the California Secretary of State.
• Provides and updates key business details like addresses, managers/directors, and officers.
• Essential for public transparency and legal communication.
• Required for LLCs, Corporations, and other business structures in California.

When Do You Need to File the Statement of Information?

The timing for filing the Statement of Information depends on the type of business entity and whether it's an initial filing or a subsequent update. For newly formed LLCs and Corporations, the initial Statement of Information must be filed within 90 days of the formation date. This initial filing establishes your business's presence in the state's records and provides the foundational information. For example, if you file your Articles of Incorporation for a C-Corp on March 1st, 2024, your initi

• Initial filing is due within 90 days of business formation.
• Subsequent filings are required every two years (biennially).
• The biennial filing window is a six-month period ending on the anniversary month.
• File an updated SOI immediately after significant changes (e.g., registered agent, address).

Understanding the Statement of Information Filing Fees

Filing the Statement of Information in California involves a fee, which is essential for covering the administrative costs of the Secretary of State's office. For Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), the filing fee for both the initial and subsequent Statements of Information (Form LLC-12) is $20. This fee is paid directly to the California Secretary of State. In addition to this filing fee, LLCs are also subject to the biennial LLC Fee, which is currently $800, due alongside the Statement of Inf

• LLC Statement of Information filing fee: $20.
• LLC Biennial Fee (paid with SOI): $800 (total $820 every two years).
• Corporation Statement of Information filing fee: $25.
• Fees are paid to the California Secretary of State and are subject to change.

Consequences of Not Filing Your Statement of Information

Failing to file your Statement of Information (SOI) on time in California can lead to serious repercussions for your business. The most immediate consequence is a penalty of $250 imposed by the Secretary of State. This penalty is applied if the SOI is not filed within 90 days of the initial formation or if the biennial SOI is not filed within the prescribed six-month window. This $250 penalty is in addition to the regular filing fee and does not waive the requirement to file the document. It's a

• A $250 penalty for late or missed filings.
• Potential suspension (LLCs) or forfeiture (Corporations) of business rights.
• Inability to legally conduct business, sue, or defend in court.
• Requires filing delinquent SOIs and paying all fees/penalties for reinstatement.

Statement of Information vs. Other Business Filings

It's important to distinguish the Statement of Information (SOI) from other essential business filings required in California and federally. The SOI is a state-level requirement managed by the California Secretary of State, focusing on the basic operational details and contacts of your entity. It's distinct from your initial formation documents, such as the Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) or Articles of Organization (for LLCs), which legally create your entity. The SOI is a post-for

• SOI is a recurring compliance filing; formation documents legally create the entity.
• SOI provides state-level contact/operational details; EIN is for federal tax identification.
• Registered agent information is included in the SOI, but the SOI is not the agent designation itself.
• Both SOI and registered agent are crucial for legal compliance and business operations.

How Lovie Simplifies Statement of Information Filings

Navigating the complexities of state-specific business compliance can be daunting, especially when you're focused on growing your business. The Statement of Information in California is a prime example of a recurring filing that, if missed, can lead to significant penalties and operational disruptions. Lovie is designed to alleviate this burden for entrepreneurs and business owners across the United States. We understand that managing deadlines, filling out the correct forms, and remitting the a

• Lovie files the initial Statement of Information within the 90-day deadline.
• We track and manage biennial SOI filings to ensure timely compliance.
• Lovie provides registered agent services, ensuring accurate SOI data.
• Our services prevent penalties and maintain your business's good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file the Statement of Information online in California?

Yes, the California Secretary of State offers an online portal for filing the Statement of Information for LLCs and Corporations. However, navigating the process and ensuring accuracy can still be challenging. Lovie can handle this filing for you.

What happens if I move my business address in California?

If your principal business address changes, you must file an updated Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State. This can be done online or through Lovie's services, and it should be filed promptly after the address change.

Do I need to file a Statement of Information for a DBA in California?

A DBA (Doing Business As), also known as a Fictitious Business Name, is not a separate legal entity. If you operate a DBA under an existing LLC or Corporation, the SOI is filed for the underlying entity (LLC or Corporation), not the DBA itself. The DBA information is typically filed with the county clerk, not the Secretary of State.

How long does it take to process a Statement of Information filing?

Online filings with the California Secretary of State are typically processed within a few business days. Paper filings may take longer. Once filed, the information becomes part of the public record.

What is the difference between an LLC and a Corporation Statement of Information?

While both report key business details, the LLC SOI (LLC-12) focuses on members/managers, while the Corporation SOI (SI-550) requires details on directors and officers. Fees also differ slightly.

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