Why California?
California requires an $800/year minimum franchise tax regardless of revenue — making it expensive for non-residents without California activity. Non-residents can form a California LLC without any US address, SSN, or physical presence. Edeal handles the registered agent requirement and the entire filing process.
Most non-residents registering a US LLC choose Wyoming ($100 filing fee, $60/year) or Delaware (investor-friendly). California makes the most sense when you have real customers, employees, or operations in California — the market justifies the cost.
State Fees
These are government fees paid to the State of California — not Edeal's service fee. Edeal registers your LLC for $1 + state fees.
LLC Formation
- Filing fee: $70 — one-time, paid to the California Secretary of State
- Annual fee: $800/yr — franchise tax (min), paid to the State of California to keep your LLC in good standing
- Registered Agent: required by law — Edeal provides a registered agent as part of its service
All fees are set by the State of California and publicly available from the California Secretary of State's office.
Who California Is Right For
- Businesses with physical presence in California — employees, office space, or warehouse
- Companies serving California-based customers — local nexus justifies registration here
- Non-residents when you have real customers, employees, or operations in California — the market justifies the cost
Who California Is Not the Best Fit For
- Freelancers and remote businesses without California ties — Wyoming or Delaware are usually more cost-effective
- Non-residents seeking maximum privacy — Wyoming and New Mexico offer stronger member privacy protections
- Businesses optimizing purely for cost — Wyoming at $100 + $60/year is typically the baseline for non-residents
If you are unsure which state fits your situation, Edeal can help you compare before you register.
FAQ
Do I need to visit California or have a US address to register an LLC?
No. Non-residents from any country can register a California LLC without visiting the state, without a US address, and without an SSN. The only requirement is a registered agent with a California address — Edeal provides this.
What is the annual fee for a California LLC?
The annual government fee for a California LLC is $800/yr (Franchise Tax (min)). This fee is paid to the State of California to keep your LLC in good standing — it is a mandatory government fee, not an income tax rate.
Can I open a US bank account with a California LLC?
Yes. A California LLC formed through Edeal comes with the documentation typically required by US banks and fintechs (Mercury, Relay, Brex). Having an EIN is usually also required — Edeal can assist with that process.