To form a corporation in California, you file Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and pay the $100 state fee. You name an agent for service of process, set the number of authorized shares, adopt bylaws and appoint directors and officers. Within 90 days you file a Statement of Information ($25), then every year after.
What we do
We prepare your Articles of Incorporation, file them with the Secretary of State and email the state-certified documents when the state approves them. Order by 12:00 noon PT on a business day for next-business-day eligibility.
| Service | Timing | Today’s price |
|---|---|---|
| California corporation formation | Next business day | $625 |
| California corporation formation | 3 to 5 business days | $299 |
Price includes the $100 state filing fee and $350 state 24-hour expedite fee. (next-business-day service). Includes your first year of registered agent service ($75 a year after that) and EIN service if needed.
How to incorporate in California
- Choose a name that is distinguishable from names already on file with the Secretary of State.
- Decide on shares. The Articles state how many shares the corporation is authorized to issue.
- Name an agent for service of process with a California street address.
- File the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State.
- Hold an organizational meeting. The directors adopt bylaws, appoint officers and authorize the issuance of shares.
- File the Statement of Information within 90 days. It must list the chief executive officer, secretary, chief financial officer and directors, and it is public.
- Get an EIN and decide, with your CPA, whether to elect S corporation status with the IRS.
Corporation or LLC?
Corporations suit businesses that plan to raise money from investors or issue stock to employees. They cost a bit more to keep up, with a yearly Statement of Information and formal meetings and minutes. Corporations are not charged the $800 minimum franchise tax in their first tax year. Privacy is not available for corporations because officers and directors must be listed publicly. See LLC vs. corporation.
Source: California Secretary of State, Business Entities.
Questions
How many people do I need to form a California corporation?
One person can form a California corporation and serve as the sole director and all officers.
What is the difference between a C corporation and an S corporation?
Both are formed the same way with the state. S corporation status is a federal tax election made with the IRS on Form 2553. California taxes S corporations at 1.5 percent of net income, with an $800 minimum, and C corporations at 8.84 percent. Ask a CPA which fits.
Can I keep my name private with a corporation?
No. California requires corporations to list officers and directors on the public Statement of Information. If privacy matters to you, consider an LLC with privacy.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 against California Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board sources. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.