California LLC Biennial Report
Once you have formed your California LLC, you must stay on top of your state’s filing deadlines (biennial report) in order to stay in good standing and avoid unnecessary fines or penalties.
This article answers the following questions for a California LLC Biennial Report:
What Is the Statement of Information?
In California, the Statement of Information (also known as a biennial report) is a regular filing that your LLC must complete every two years to update your business information, including:
- Company address
- Registered agent address
- Registered agent changes require a separate filing.
- Names and addresses of LLC members or managers
- Principal business activity
The purpose of this report is to keep your business records up to date with the State of Alaska. This allows creditors and other interested parties to look up your business address in case they need to contact you. The government uses this information to track the payment of your LLC state taxes.
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How Do I File the Statement of Information?
You can file your California LLC Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. You must know your Entity File Number in order to file, which online filers can search for using the provided business name search.
File Your California Statement of Information
OPTION 1: File Online With the California Secretary of State
File Online- OR -
OPTION 2: File Form LLC-12 by Mail or in Person
Download FormFee: $20
Mailing Address:
Secretary of State
Statement of Information Unit
P.O. Box 944230
Sacramento, CA 94244-2300
Office Address:
Secretary of State
1500 11th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Due Date: California LLC Statements of Information are first due within 90 days of registration with the Secretary of State and then every two years within a six-month filing window that depends on your initial filing date.
Late Filings: Any Statement of Information filed after the required due date will result in a $250 late penalty. Further failure to file a biennial report could result in the dissolution of your California LLC.
Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?
A registered agent, known in California as an agent for service of process, is a person or business nominated by your company to officially receive and send papers on your behalf. By using a registered agent service, you can ensure that your LLC's reports are always filed on time to the appropriate government agency. Here are the three main advantages to using a registered agent service for your LLC:
- Avoid late filing penalties: The Secretary of State can dissolve a California LLC if it does not file a Statement of Information. A registered agent service will notify you when reports are due, and they can also submit the filing for you for an additional fee.
- Gain flexibility: A registered agent service can receive and send documents for your LLC during regular business hours so that you don’t have to be on the job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every week. You can also use a registered agent service to form an LLC in other states where you don't already have an established business presence.
- Maintain privacy: Using a registered agent service allows you to keep your personal address off of public records, ensuring your privacy. Additionally, if someone sues your LLC, the lawsuit will be served to the registered agent’s address rather than your place of business.
Learn more about getting a California agent for service of process by reading our guide.
Recommended: Northwest provides free registered agent service for the first year as part of their LLC packages.