What Forms Do I Need to File for My LLC in California?

Starting and running a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in California comes with a few annual filing responsibilities. If you own an LLC in California—whether it’s a one-person business or a team—you’ll need to submit specific forms to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

Here’s a breakdown of the most important forms your California LLC needs to file.

1. Form 568 – LLC Return of Income

What it is:
Form 568 is a tax form that all LLCs doing business in California must file each year, even if your LLC made no money.

When it’s due:
Typically due by March 15 for LLCs taxed as partnerships or by the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of your tax year.

Example:
If you started a freelance graphic design business under an LLC in Los Angeles, you still need to file Form 568 every year—even if you only made a few hundred dollars or had no clients at all.

2. $800 Annual Franchise Tax

What it is:
California requires most LLCs to pay an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). This applies whether you made a profit or not.

When it’s due:

• First year: Due by the 15th day of the 4th month after forming your LLC.
• Every year after: Due by April 15 (or 15th day of the 4th month of your tax year).

Example:
Let’s say you formed an LLC in February. Your $800 payment would be due in May of that same year—even if your business hasn’t made any money yet.

Important: You must pay this $800 even if your business is inactive.

3. Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)

What it is:
This form keeps the state updated about your LLC’s address, ownership, and business activities.

When it’s due:

• First filing: Within 90 days of forming your LLC.
• Then: Every two years (also known as a “biennial filing”).

Example:
If you’re a small business owner offering consulting services in Los Angeles, you’ll need to file this form after you set up your LLC—and then every other year after that.

4. Form 3536 – Estimated Fee for LLCs

What it is:
If your LLC makes over $250,000 in total annual gross receipts (not profit), you may owe an additional fee. This is calculated and paid using Form 3536.

When it’s due:
Typically due by June 15 each year if you meet the income threshold.

Example:
If your Los Angeles-based photography LLC brings in $300,000 in total income from client shoots and digital sales, you’ll likely need to file Form 3536 and pay the additional LLC fee.

5. Federal Tax Forms (Based on Your LLC Type)

What it is:
Your federal filing obligations depend on how your LLC is taxed by the IRS:

• Single-member LLC (disregarded entity): File income and expenses using Schedule C with your personal Form 1040.
• Multi-member LLC (partnership): File a partnership return using Form 1065 and issue K-1s to each member.
• LLC elected as S Corporation: File a corporate return using Form 1120S.

Example:
A freelance writer operating a single-member LLC in Los Angeles will typically file a Schedule C. But a husband-and-wife LLC running an online store together may need to file Form 1065.

Do I Need Help Filing?

If you’re unsure which forms to file or when to pay, don’t risk missing a deadline or getting hit with penalties. Many self-employed professionals, creatives, and small business owners in Los Angeles work with a reliable Tax Advisor Los Angeles or CPA Los Angeles to stay on track.

Let Velin & Associates, Inc. Help You Stay Compliant

Filing taxes and forms for your LLC in California can get confusing. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or creative professional, we’re here to guide you.

✅ Experienced Accountants Los Angeles
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Call us today: 323-902-1000
Email: dmitriy@losangelescpa.org
Visit: www.losangelescpa.org

Let Velin & Associates, Inc. take the stress out of taxes—so you can focus on growing your business.