Corporation · California · 2026

What a corporation really costs in California

Every state fee and deadline for a corporation in California, from the official state source, checked October 2026.

To form

$100

Articles of Incorporation (ARTS-GS)

First year with the state

~$950

Filing + one round of required reports and minimum taxes

With Incorra

$100

Free filing, state fee at cost. Or $349 with Plus (agent + reports, $249/yr).

Every recurring requirement

  • California Statement of Information (initial)Once, within 90 days of forming$25
  • California Statement of InformationEvery year in the month you formed$25
  • California $800 minimum franchise taxEvery year by April 15. Newly incorporated corporations do not owe the minimum franchise tax in their first taxable year (FTB).$800

How fast

  • 24-hour (Class C)+$350
  • Same day (Class B)+$750

Questions

How much does it cost to form a corporation in California?

California charges $100 to file the Articles of Incorporation (ARTS-GS).

What does a corporation cost every year in California?

California Statement of Information (initial): $25, once, within 90 days of forming. California Statement of Information: $25, every year in the month you formed. California $800 minimum franchise tax: $800, every year by April 15 (Newly incorporated corporations do not owe the minimum franchise tax in their first taxable year (FTB).).

Can I expedite a corporation filing in California?

Yes: 24-hour (Class C) for $350, Same day (Class B) for $750, on top of the filing fee.

What if my corporation was formed in another state?

To do business in California you register as a foreign entity: Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation - Stock (S&DC-S/N), $100.

Not sure a corporation is right?

Describe your business and Incorra compares LLC, S-corp and C-corp with your numbers, including the tax when you sell, then files it in California.

Plan my company free

Source: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/forms · verified 2026-10-15. State fees change; Incorra re-checks them regularly. General information, not legal or tax advice.