The NerdMoney blog
Deep-dive guides on forming and running an LLC — state breakdowns, costs, tax angles, and the order operations actually happen in.
How to Start an LLC in California (2026): The Real Step-by-Step
Form a California LLC in 2026: $70 filing fee, $800 annual franchise tax, the Statement of Information, EIN, and the order that saves you weeks.
California LLC Tax Guide (2026): Every Tax a New LLC Actually Pays
Every tax a California LLC pays in 2026: $800 franchise tax, the gross receipts LLC fee, federal pass-through, self-employment, and sales tax. Plain-English.
California LLC Operating Agreement (2026): Free Template + What to Include
California requires every LLC to have an operating agreement. Free template, what to include for single-member vs multi-member, and the clauses that protect you in court.
The $800 California LLC Fee, Explained (2026): When It's Due, How to Pay, Can You Avoid It
Everything about California's $800 LLC franchise tax: when it's due, how to pay online, whether you can avoid it, and if it's tax deductible. Updated for 2026.
California LLC Cost (2026): The Complete First-Year + Annual Breakdown
What a California LLC actually costs in 2026: $70 filing, $20 Statement of Information, $800 franchise tax, optional registered agent. First-year + recurring totals.
California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): Complete 2026 Filing Guide
How to file Form LLC-12 in California: $20 fee, due within 90 days of formation then every 2 years. Step-by-step online filing, what to include, and how to avoid the $250 penalty.
LLC for California Rental Property (2026): The Prop 13 Reassessment Trap to Avoid
Putting California rental property in an LLC: liability protection vs the Prop 13 property tax reassessment trap. How to structure it without triggering a tax hike.
Is a California LLC Worth It for Dropshipping? ($800/yr Math, 2026)
Dropshipping in California: when an LLC is worth the $800/year and when a sole proprietorship is smarter. Real numbers, real thresholds, real liability scenarios.
LLC for California Freelancers & 1099 Contractors (2026): Worth It or Overkill?
Should a California freelancer or 1099 contractor form an LLC? Liability vs $800/yr, S-corp tax savings at $60K+, and the AB 5 angle most freelancers miss.