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California LLC Annual Report

How to Start an LLC

No matter which state you do business in, that state’s government is going to need to ensure that your LLC remains compliant with state laws and regulations. Some states will require that you provide them with financial information each year, while others like Pennsylvania may ask for one every 10 years. California is a biennial state, requiring you to do this every other year. Having a consistent report can also reassure current investors and shareholders, help your business attract new investors, or provide information and insight to your business analysts and creditors.

What is an LLC Annual Report?

An annual report is a legal document containing comprehensive financial information about companies, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Whether you are working as a corporation or an LLC, the state you do business in is going to need to receive updates about your company including changes in ownership or business location. In California, it’s referred to as the statement of information, and it is required to submit it upon creation of the company, as well as biennially (every other year) for LLCs. This report will contain information about the financial performance and activities within the past two years of operation.

Start an LLC in California

Information Included in the Statement of Information

Every company will have certain required checkboxes when being formed, and a statement of information will need to update these details when reporting to the state. They aren’t too complex, but the information is vital to get right to stay in good standing. In the event of a huge business or management shift, it’s important for a state to know who or what has changed. Here are some of the basic things to include in a report:

Name of the Business

Having this written down makes it clear which business is being represented. This is matched with your business ID numbers which should also be included.

Managers and/or Members

It’s important to reaffirm whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed. The people who own part of the business or are in charge of day-to-day activities should have their names and addresses included as well.

Business ID Numbers

Providing the Employer Identification Number assigned to your LLC by the IRS will also help verify the business. You can find your EIN number on your IRS confirmation letter, tax returns, loan applications, or you can just call up the IRS and look up your federal tax ID number.

Registered Agent Information

The state you do business in is going to want to know who to contact with legal information and this is your guy. In California they are known as your agent for service of process. If your registered agent ever changes or can no longer accept documents on your behalf, you will need to fill this role as soon as possible and update your statement of information accordingly. Failure to have a registered agent can lead to your business being dissolved.

Company Address

This is the physical location of your business. Alternatively for privacy protection, this can be the address of your registered agent. Make sure you know which address is listed, as this is where report reminders will be mailed from the Secretary of State.

Purpose of Business

A business purpose is generally what products are sold or the service provided to customers. It describes the reasons or purposes that a company was founded initially. It’s different from a mission statement and is generally much more direct with the intention.

Shares Issued by Company

You should list in your report how shares are divided among members or how the profits are split. It’s good to reconsider this as members invest more into the LLC.

Economic Status Report

If your LLC contains multiple members or investors, then including a report on the current economic status and the yearly highlights will keep everyone involved with the business in the loop. This can also contain information on new products, goals, future needs, as well as the direction the company is heading towards.

Restatement of Values

Restating your core values, mission statement, and future objectives reaffirms the goals of your company. This should also be considered, should your values or objectives change over time.

How to File an Annual Report?

There are two ways to file your statement of information. Once you’ve collected all the information required, either apply online using the Secretary of State’s website, or write the form and submit it in person or mail it to the Secretary of State Business Programs Division. Keep a copy for your personal records, regardless of how you decide to file.

Annual Report Cost for LLCs in California

The standard fee for filing a California statement of information is $20 for LLCs when filing initially, and $20 every two years when your biennial report is due. In the event your agent for service of process changes, there is no cost when updating your information.

What Happens if You Don’t File an Annual Report?

There are several potential consequences should you fail to file your statement of information. The fee for profit entities is $250 (for non-profits it’s $50) and you risk suspension. If suspended, your LLC will lose the ability to do business legally, be unable to sell, transfer, or exchange property, file claims for refunds, maintain an appeal before the Office of Tax Appeals, and you lose the right to your business name and may lose it.

If you continue failing to file the report, your business might be entirely dissolved and you lose all the limited liability protections that come with it. The notice to renew is typically mailed to whichever business address is listed. This typically might be the address of your registered agent. It’s important to know where this reminder will be sent, in order to prevent the harsh penalties that come with failing to update your statement of information. Setting a reminder on a calendar is advised, since it is the responsibility of your business to update these forms.

How can a Business Lawyer Help?

If you’re having difficulties keeping up with the requirements involved with updating your LLC’s statement of information, then a business lawyer will have the answers you need. Contact us and we can help you figure out what you need to keep your business in good standing.