Corporation Filings

Corporate Filings in California: Understanding Your Options

When forming a business entity in California, it’s essential to understand the different types of corporate filings required. Consulting a CPA or tax advisor can help determine which structure best suits your business needs. Below is a breakdown of key business entity types and their associated filings:

Corporations (C Corps & S Corps)

  • Articles of Incorporation: The foundational document required to establish a corporation in California.
  • Statement of Information: A mandatory periodic filing that updates the state on corporate officers, directors, and business addresses.
  • Additional Filings (as applicable): Amendments, stock issuance filings, and mergers/dissolutions.

Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

  • Articles of Organization: Required to formally create an LLC.
  • Statement of Information: Must be filed periodically to maintain updated business details with the state.

Limited Partnerships (LPs)

  • Certificate of Limited Partnership: Official filing to establish a limited partnership.
Business Document
Professional Business Meeting

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

  • Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership: Required for certain professional partnerships (e.g., law, accounting firms).

General Partnerships (GPs)

  • Statement of Partnership Authority (Optional): Not mandatory, but can clarify the authority of partners.

Where to File and Find More Information