California vs Delaware LLC Cost (2026): $80 vs $390
Side-by-side LLC formation cost comparison for California and Delaware: filing fees, annual report costs, processing time, and tax implications.
Forming an LLC in California costs $80 in year one — $310 cheaper than Delaware ($390).
California
Lower CostDelaware
Full LLC Cost Comparison: California vs Delaware
| Factor | California | Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| State filing fee (one-time) | $70 | $90 |
| Annual report fee | $20 / every 2 years | $300 / per year |
| Processing time | 5–10 business days | 1–2 business days |
| State income tax | Yes | Yes |
| First-year total | $80 | $390 |
California saves you $310 in year one compared to Delaware.
California LLC Notes
California LLCs must pay an $800 minimum annual franchise tax regardless of revenue.
Delaware LLC Notes
Delaware is a top choice for startups due to business-friendly courts, though annual franchise taxes can be high.
Which State Should You Actually Use?
For most small businesses, form your LLC where you actually do business — not where the filing fee is cheapest. If you operate in California, form there. If you operate in Delaware, form there.
- Forming in your home state: Simpler compliance, no registered agent needed in another state, no foreign qualification fees.
- Forming in Wyoming or Delaware: Makes sense for investor-backed startups, multi-member LLCs with complex ownership structures, or businesses operating in multiple states.
- Key cost trap: If you form in Delaware but operate in California, you'll pay both states' fees — eliminating any savings.
Compare More LLC Formation Costs
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