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Business Formation Guide
complianceUpdated 2026-03-30

What is the LLC Filing Deadline in California?

California LLCs must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days of formation with the California Secretary of State, then every two years during the filing month thereafter. The $20 filing fee applies to each report. Failure to file triggers a $250 penalty with no grace period and may result in suspension or forfeiture of your LLC (Cal. Corp. Code § 17707.01).

Initial Filing Deadline

Your first Statement of Information is due within 90 days after your Articles of Organization are accepted by the Secretary of State. This deadline is mandatory—California offers no grace period. File online at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/ or submit by mail to the California Secretary of State, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Ongoing Biennial Requirements

After the initial 90-day filing, you must file the Statement of Information every two years during your designated filing month. For example, if you filed your Articles in March, all future biennial reports are due in March. The $20 filing fee applies to each report.

Penalties for Missing Deadlines

Failure to file on time triggers automatic consequences:

  • $250 penalty per missed filing (no grace period)
  • Suspension or forfeiture of your LLC by the Secretary of State
  • Dissolution risk if delinquency continues

The penalty applies immediately upon missing the deadline.

Reinstatement After Late Filing

If your LLC is suspended, you can reinstate by:

  1. Filing all delinquent Statements of Information with the $20 fee per report
  2. Paying the $250 penalty for each missed deadline
  3. Requesting revival from both the California Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board

There is no reinstatement fee, but you must satisfy all back-filing obligations and penalties.

How to File

File online through BizFile at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/ to ensure timely submission. Online filing is faster and reduces the risk of missing deadlines.

California Secretary of State Contact:

This is general information, not legal advice.