How to Get Started with a California LLC
Starting a business can be an intimidating process3 min read
Starting a business can be an intimidating process. It's not easy to handle the legal aspects of establishing and running a business while still managing the day-to-day operations. This is especially true if you plan to do business in California. With its particular requirements and regulations, navigating the legal requirements of a California LLC can be a challenging task. Fortunately, there are resources available to ease the process and help you set up a California LLC the right way.
What is a California LLC?
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a legal business entity that provides its owners, also known as members, with limited liability protections similar to those of a corporation. This means that, in the event of the LLC becoming liable for damages or debts, its members are only liable for those debts or damages up to the amount of their investments in the LLC. This protection of personal assets makes the LLC an attractive entity for business owners seeking to protect themselves individually from the debts of the business.
In California, forming an LLC is technically a simpler process than that of other states. This is largely due to the California Secretary of State’s website, which makes it relatively easy to research legal requirements and submit the necessary documents to set up a California LLC. Overseen by the Secretary of State, LLCs in California must still comply with all relevant state laws and regulations in order to operate.
How to Start An LLC in California
Beginning the process of establishing an LLC in California is fairly straightforward. In order to do so, you must first decide on the name and members of the LLC, file formation documents with the Secretary of State, apply for any required licenses and permits, and register with the state.
1. Choose a Name for Your LLC
The name of your LLC must comply with California legal requirements. This means it must end with ‘LLC,’ ‘L.L.C.,’ or the latest accepted equivalent, ‘Limited Liability Company.’ Your LLC name must also include no restricted words, such as ‘bank,’ ‘attorney.’ etc. To ensure that your chosen name is compliant and that it won’t be confused with any existing California business entity, you should run a name search on the California Secretary of State’s website to make sure it is not already in use.
2. File the Articles of Organization
In order to formally create an LLC, the Articles of Organization must be filed with the California Secretary of State’s office. This document contains basic information about the new LLC, such as its name, address,purpose, and members. Once filed, the California Secretary of State will review the document and return an official filing receipt, which serves as your proof of the LLC’s registration.
3. Obtain Required Licenses and Permits
Depending on the type of business you are engaging in, you may need to obtain a variety of licenses and permits. These requirements may be federal or state-level.Business owners should research the necessary licenses and permits their businesses may need and make sure that they are in compliance before launching their business.
4. Register With State and Local Agencies
Once you’ve successfully formed your LLC and obtained all the necessary licenses and permits, you may need to register with a state or local agency or agencies. This is typically required for businesses that sell taxable goods or services, to ensure that the business is properly collecting and filing sales taxes.
Finding the Right Legal Services for Your California LLC
Though California makes forming an LLC relatively simple, there may still be complexities that you can benefit from professional advice for. If you require expert assistance in getting your California LLC off the ground, UpCounsel makes it easy to find experienced legal counsel that understands the nuances of local regulation.
Whether you need a one-time consult or an entire freelance legal department, UpCounsel's network of experienced lawyers has you covered. From small businesses to the Fortune 1000, groundbreaking companies of all sizes trust UpCounsel and its attorney community to provide high quality, cost-effective legal services. Access to high quality attorneys on demand, business attorneys with an average of 14 years of experience, and profiles of our online attorneys displaying client ratings and reviews of recent work, UpCounsel can provide you with the support you need to properly establish a California LLC.
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