California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): 2026 Guide
What Form LLC-12 is, when it's due, how to file online in 10 minutes, and the $250 penalty to avoid.
Reviewed by the NerdMoney editors — 8+ years covering small-business formation, tax, and compliance across all 50 states.
Every California LLC must file Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information) with the Secretary of State within 90 days of forming, then every 2 years after. The filing fee is $20. It takes about 10 minutes online at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Miss it and California assesses a $250 penalty plus possible suspension of your LLC. Below: exactly what to include, how to file online, and the renewal cycle.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $20 |
| First filing due | Within 90 days of formation |
| Renewal frequency | Every 2 years |
| Renewal window | 5 months before, up to last day of formation month |
| Online filing time | ~10 minutes |
| Late penalty | $250 + suspension risk |
| Filed where | bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov |
What is Form LLC-12?
Form LLC-12 is California's Statement of Information — basically a yearly check-in confirming your LLC's address, agent, and management structure are current. It's how the state keeps its business registry accurate. You file it with the California Secretary of State, not the FTB.
When is the Statement of Information due?
First filing: within 90 days of your LLC being formed. The clock starts the day your Articles of Organization are filed.
Renewals: every 2 years after. The filing window opens 5 months before the due date and closes on the last day of your LLC's formation month. Form in March → due by March 31 every other year.
What information is required?
- LLC name and Secretary of State entity number
- Street address of principal executive office
- Mailing address (if different)
- Name and address of CEO (if any)
- Name and address of each manager — or if member-managed, each member
- Name and California address of the agent for service of process
- Type of business (brief description)
- Email address (for notifications)
How to file Form LLC-12 online (10 minutes)
- Go to bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
- Sign in or create a free account
- Search for your LLC by name or entity number
- Select File Statement of Information
- Confirm or update each field
- Pay $20 by credit card
- Download the filed confirmation immediately
The $250 penalty (don't trigger it)
If you miss the deadline, the Secretary of State notifies the FTB, which assesses a $250 penalty. Worse, your LLC can be suspended — meaning you lose the right to do business, file or defend lawsuits, or use your LLC name. Reinstatement adds more fees and time.
Easiest fix: file it the same week you form your LLC. It's $20 well spent for peace of mind.
How to know when yours is due
The Secretary of State sends a reminder by email to the address on file. Don't rely on it — calendar your due date manually. You can also check status anytime at the CA Business Search.
Filing changes mid-cycle
If your address or agent changes between filings, you can file a free Statement of No Change or an amended LLC-12 anytime. Better to update voluntarily than have official notices go to a stale address.
Sources & further reading
- California Secretary of State — Business Filings — sos.ca.gov
- Franchise Tax Board — LLC tax information — ftb.ca.gov
- IRS — Apply for an EIN online — irs.gov
- Form LLC-12 (PDF) — sos.ca.gov
FAQ
How often does a California LLC file the Statement of Information?
Within 90 days of formation, then every 2 years on the anniversary of formation.
How much does the California Statement of Information cost?
$20 per filing, paid online to the Secretary of State.
What happens if I don't file Form LLC-12 in California?
A $250 penalty is assessed by the FTB and your LLC can be suspended — meaning you can't legally do business or defend lawsuits.
Can I file the California Statement of Information online?
Yes. File at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov in about 10 minutes. $20 paid by credit card, confirmation downloadable immediately.
When is the California LLC Statement of Information due?
First filing within 90 days of forming. Renewals every 2 years, due by the last day of your LLC's formation month.