Fill Out Your Ca Llc 12R Form
When operating a limited liability company (LLC) in California, staying compliant with state requirements is essential for smooth business operations. One key component of this compliance is the completion and submission of the C.A. LLC 12R form, officially known as the Statement of Information. This form serves as a vital update to the California Secretary of State, providing crucial information about the LLC's status, principal office address, and management structure. The initial filing is required within 90 days of the LLC's formation and subsequently every two years during a designated filing window based on the original registration date. It’s important to verify the LLC’s active status, as only LLCs that are active or in a suspended situation can submit this form. Covering various aspects, the LLC 12R form requires details such as the LLC's entity number, the agent for service of process, and addresses related to both the principal office and mailing. Furthermore, there are associated fees for filing this document, and penalties may apply for non-compliance. Filing can be conveniently completed online or by mail, so ensuring timely submission aids in maintaining your LLC’s good standing with the state.
Ca Llc 12R Example
Instructions for Completing the
Statement of Information (Form
Every California and registered foreign limited liability company must file a Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State, within 90 days of registering with the California Secretary of State, and every two years thereafter during a specific
All Statements of Information for limited liability companies can be filed online at bizfile.sos.ca.gov.
Status of LLC: In order to file Form
Fees: See chart below. Checks should be made payable to the Secretary of State.
Copies: To obtain a copy or certified copy of this filed Statement of Information, include payment for copy fees and certification fees at the time this Statement of Information is submitted. Copy fees are $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each attachment page. For certified copies, there is an additional $5.00 certification fee, per document. If you would like a free filed copy of your Statement of Information, go to BusinessSearch.sos.ca.gov.
Processing Dates: For current processing dates, go to
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Filing |
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Initial Filing |
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The initial filing is due 90 days from |
File online at bizfile.sos.ca.gov. |
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the entity’s registration date. |
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Required |
• The periodic filing is due every two |
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years based on the entity’s |
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registration date. |
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• If the registration occurred in an |
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filing is due every even year. |
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since the last complete Statement |
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• If the registration occurred in an |
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of Information) |
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filing is due every odd year. |
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• The filing period includes the |
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registration month and the |
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immediately preceding five (5) |
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months. |
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No Fee |
A Statement of Information is |
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No Fee |
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Statement |
submitted after the initial or required |
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filing requirements have been met to |
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update information including changes |
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to the agent for service of process. |
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2021 California Secretary of State |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov |
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Statutory Required 6 Month Filing Window for Limited Liability Companies |
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Month of Formation, |
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Statement of Information |
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Registration or Conversion |
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Applicable Filing Period |
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First Day of |
Through Last Day |
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January |
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August |
January |
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September |
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March |
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October |
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April |
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December |
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January |
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July |
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July |
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August |
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October |
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November |
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If you are not completing this form online, type or print legibly in black or blue ink. Complete the |
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Statement of Information (Form |
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Tips |
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1. |
Enter the name of the limited liability |
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company exactly as it appears on file |
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to your registration document filed with the California |
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with the California Secretary of State, |
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Secretary of State and any name change |
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including the entity ending |
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amendments. |
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(ex: “Jones & Company, LLC” or “Smith |
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• Some foreign LLCs may have registered in California |
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Construction, a Limited Liability |
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using an alternate name. If your LLC is a registered |
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Company”). |
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foreign LLC using an alternate name in California, |
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you must enter the complete alternate name. |
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2. |
Enter the |
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• The |
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to the LLC by the California Secretary |
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Secretary of State above the file stamp at the top of |
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of State at the time of registration. |
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the LLC’s registration document filed with the |
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California Secretary of State or if filed electronically, |
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in the top section, below the Entity Name. |
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• Secretary of State Records can be accessed online |
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through our Business Search at |
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BusinessSearch.sos.ca.gov. While searching the |
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Business Search, be sure to identify your LLC |
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correctly including the jurisdiction that matches your |
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LLC. |
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3. |
If formed outside of California, enter |
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• The jurisdiction must match the Secretary of State’s |
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the state, foreign country or other place |
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records. |
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where the LLC is organized. |
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• Secretary of State Records can be accessed online |
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through our Business Search at |
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BusinessSearch.sos.ca.gov. While searching the |
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Business Search, be sure to identify your LLC |
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correctly including the jurisdiction that matches your |
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registered foreign LLC. |
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2021 California Secretary of State |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov |
Item |
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Instruction |
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Tips |
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• If the LLC is formed in California, leave Item 3 blank. |
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4a. |
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Enter the complete street address, city, |
• The complete street address is required, including |
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state and zip code of the LLC’s |
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the street name and number, city, state and zip code. |
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principal office. |
• Address must be a physical address. |
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• Do not enter a P.O. Box address, an “in care of” |
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address, or abbreviate the name of the city. |
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4b. |
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If different from the address in Item 4a, |
• This address will be used for mailing purposes and |
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enter the complete mailing address, |
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may be a P.O. Box address or “in care of” an |
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city, state and zip code of the LLC. |
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individual or entity. |
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• Do not abbreviate the name of the city. |
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4c. |
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• If the LLC is formed in California, |
• The complete street address is required, including |
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enter the complete street address, |
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the street name and number, city and zip code. |
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city and zip code of the office in |
• Address must be a physical address in California. |
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California, if different from Item 4a. |
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• Do not enter a P.O. Box address, an “in care of” |
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• If the LLC is formed outside of |
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address, or abbreviate the name of the city. |
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California, enter the complete street |
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• If Item 4a is an address in California leave Item 4c |
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address, city and zip code of the |
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principle business office in California, |
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blank and proceed to Item 5. |
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if any. |
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5. |
Enter the name and complete business |
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or residential address of any |
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enter the name(s) and address(es) of the additional |
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manager(s), appointed or elected in |
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mangers or members on Form |
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accordance with the Articles of |
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• Please do not abbreviate the name of the city. |
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Organization or Operating Agreement, |
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• Review your Articles of Organization or any |
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or if no manager(s) has been so |
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elected or appointed, the name and |
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amendments thereto, to determine if the LLC is run |
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business or residential address of each |
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by a single manager, more than one manager or by |
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member. |
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its member(s). |
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• Every LLC is required to have at least one |
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manager/member. |
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• A member(s) is the owner of the LLC similar to a |
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shareholder(s) in a corporation. |
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6. |
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The LLC must have an Agent for |
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• An Agent for Service of Process is responsible for |
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Service of Process. |
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accepting legal documents (e.g. service of process, |
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There are two types of Agents that can |
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lawsuits, subpoenas, other types of legal notices, |
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be named: |
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etc.) on behalf of the LLC. |
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• an individual (e.g., member, manager, |
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• You must provide information for either an individual |
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or any other individual) who resides in |
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OR a registered corporate agent, not both. |
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California with a physical California |
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• If using a registered corporate agent, the corporation |
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street address; OR |
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must have a current agent registration certificate on |
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• a registered corporate agent qualified |
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file with the California Secretary of State as required |
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with the California Secretary of State. |
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by Section 1505. |
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6a & b. |
If Individual Agent: |
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• The complete street address is required, including |
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• Enter the name of the agent for |
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the street name and number, city and zip code. |
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service of process and the agent’s |
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• Do not enter a P.O. Box address, an “in care of” |
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complete California street address, |
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address, or abbreviate the name of the city. |
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city and zip code. |
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• Many times, a small LLC will designate a member or |
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2021 California Secretary of State |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov |
Item |
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Instruction |
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Tips |
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• If an individual is designated as the |
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manager as the agent for service of process. |
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agent, complete Items 6a and 6b |
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• The individual agent should be aware that the name |
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ONLY. Do not complete Item 6c. |
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and the physical street address of the agent for |
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service of process is a public record, open to all (as |
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are all the addresses of the LLC provided in filings). |
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6c. |
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If Registered Corporate Agent: |
• Before a corporation is designated as agent for the |
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• Enter the name of the registered |
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LLC, that corporation must have a current agent |
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registration certificate on file with the California |
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corporate agent exactly as registered |
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Secretary of State as required by Section 1505 stating |
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in California. |
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the address(es) of the registered corporate agent and |
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• If a registered corporate agent is |
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the authorized employees that will accept service of |
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designated as the agent, complete |
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process of legal documents and notices on behalf of |
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Item 6c ONLY. Do not complete |
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the LLC. |
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Items 6a and 6b. |
• Advanced approval must be obtained from a |
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registered corporate agent prior to designating that |
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corporation as your agent for service of process. |
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• No California or foreign corporation may register as |
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California corporate agent unless the corporation |
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currently is authorized to engage in business in |
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California and is in good standing on the records of |
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the California Secretary of State. |
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• Provide your Registered Corporate Agent’s exact |
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name as registered with the California Secretary of |
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State. To confirm that you are providing the exact |
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name of the Registered Corporate Agent, go to https:// |
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businesssearch.sos.ca.gov/cbs/List1505Agents. |
7. |
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Briefly describe the general type of |
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business that is the principal business |
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activity of the LLC. |
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8. |
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Enter the name and complete business |
• A chief executive officer may be in addition to |
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or residential address of the chief |
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members and managers but generally is the person |
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executive officer, if any. |
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that occupies the highest level position in the LLC’s |
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organization hierarchy in charge of managing the |
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LLC. |
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9. |
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Check either YES or NO to disclose if |
• Check YES if any Manager or any Member of this |
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any Manager or any Member have an |
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Limited Liability Company have an outstanding final |
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outstanding final judgment issued by |
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judgment issued by the Division of Labor Standards |
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the Division of Labor Standards |
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Enforcement or a court of law, for which no appeal |
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Enforcement or a court of law, for |
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therefrom is pending, for the violation of any wage |
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which no appeal is pending, for the |
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order or provision of the Labor Code. |
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violation of any wage order or provision |
• Check NO if no Manager or Member of this Limited |
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of the Labor Code. |
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Liability Company has an outstanding final judgment |
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issued by the Division of Labor Standards |
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Enforcement or a court of law, for which no appeal |
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therefrom is pending, for the violation of any wage |
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order or provision of the Labor Code. |
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10. |
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Type or print the date, the name and |
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title of the person completing this form |
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and sign where indicated. |
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2021 California Secretary of State |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov |
Submission Cover Sheet (Optional): To make it easier to receive communication related to this document, including the copy of the filed document, complete the Submission Cover Sheet. For the Return Address: enter the name of a designated person and/or company and the corresponding mailing address. Please note: the Submission Cover Sheet will be treated as correspondence and will not be made part of the filed document.
Where to File: For faster service, this form can be filed online at bizfile.sos.ca.gov. The completed form along with the applicable fees can be mailed to Secretary of State, Statement of Information Unit, P.O. Box 944230, Sacramento, CA
Legal Authority: General statutory filing provisions are found in Section 17702.09 unless otherwise indicated. All statutory references are to the California Corporations Code, unless otherwise stated. Failure to file this Statement of Information by the due date will result in the assessment of a $250.00 penalty. (Sections 17713.07(b) and 17713.09; California Revenue and Taxation Code section 19141.)
FTB Suspension/Forfeiture: If the LLC’s status is FTB suspended/forfeited, the status must be resolved with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) for the LLC to be returned to active status. For revivor requirements, go to the FTB’s website at https://www.ftb.ca.gov or contact the FTB at (800)
2021 California Secretary of State |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov |
Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
Statement of Information
1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
P.O. Box 944230, Sacramento, CA
Submission Cover Sheet
Instructions:
•Complete and include this form with your submission. This information only will be used to communicate with you in writing about the submission. This form will be treated as correspondence and will not be made part of the filed document.
•Make all checks or money orders payable to the Secretary of State.
•Standard processing time for submissions to this office is approximately 5 business days from receipt. All submissions are reviewed in the date order of receipt. For updated processing time information, go to
Optional Copy and Certification Fees:
•If applicable, include optional copy and certification fees with your submission.
•For applicable copy and certification fee information, refer to the instructions of the specific form you are submitting.
Entity Information: (Please type or print legibly)
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Entity Number (if applicable):_____________________________________
Comments: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Return Address: For written communication from the Secretary of State related to this document, or if purchasing a copy of the filed document enter the name of a person or company and the mailing address.
Name: |
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Company: |
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Address: |
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City/State/Zip: |
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Doc Submission Cover - SI (Rev. 11/2020)
Secretary of State Use Only
T/TR:
AMT REC’D: $
Clear Form 
Print Form
Secretary of State |
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Statement of Information |
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(Limited Liability Company) |
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IMPORTANT — This form can be filed online at |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov. |
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Read instructions before completing this form. |
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Filing Fee - $20.00 |
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Copy Fees - First page $1.00; each attachment page $0.50; |
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Certification Fee - $5.00 plus copy fees |
This Space For Office Use Only |
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1.Limited Liability Company Name (Enter the exact name of the LLC. If you registered in California using an alternate name, see instructions.)
2.
3.State, Foreign Country or Place of Organization
(only if formed outside of California)
4. Business Addresses
a. Street Address of Principal Office - Do not list a P.O. Box |
City (no abbreviations) |
State |
Zip Code |
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b. Mailing Address of LLC, if different than item 4a |
City (no abbreviations) |
State |
Zip Code |
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c. Street Address of California Office, if Item 4a is not in California |
City (no abbreviations) |
State |
Zip Code |
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Do not list a P.O. Box |
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CA |
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5. Manager(s) or Member(s) |
If no managers have been appointed or elected, provide the name and address of |
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each member. At least one name and address must be listed. If the |
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manager/member is an individual, complete Items 5a and 5c (leave Item 5b blank). If the manager/member is an additional managers/members, enter the names(s) and address(es) on Form
a. First Name, if an individual - Do not complete Item 5b
Middle Name
Last Name
Suffix
b. Entity Name - Do not complete Item 5a
c. Address
City (no abbreviations)
State
Zip Code
2021 California Secretary of State |
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bizfile.sos.ca.gov |
6.Service of Process (Must provide either Individual OR Corporation.)
INDIVIDUAL – Complete Items 6a and 6b only. Must include agent’s full name and California street address.
a. California Agent's First Name (if agent is not a corporation) |
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Last Name |
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Suffix |
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b. Street Address (if agent is not a corporation) - Do not enter a |
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City (no abbreviations) |
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Zip Code |
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P.O. Box |
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CA |
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CORPORATION – Complete Item 6c only. Only include the name of the registered agent Corporation. |
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c. California Registered Corporate Agent’s Name (if agent is a corporation) – Do not complete Item 6a or 6b |
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7. Type of Business |
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Describe the type of business or services of the Limited Liability Company |
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8. Chief Executive Officer, if elected or appointed |
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a. First Name |
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Middle Name |
Last Name |
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Suffix |
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b. Address |
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City (no abbreviations) |
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State |
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Zip Code |
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9. Labor Judgment |
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Does any Manager or Member have an outstanding final judgment issued by the |
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10.By signing, I affirm under penalty of perjury that the information herein is true and correct and that I am authorized by California law to sign.
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Date |
Type or Print Name |
Title |
Signature |
Print Form
Clear Form
2021 California Secretary of State
bizfile.sos.ca.gov
Form Characteristics
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Filing Requirement | Every California limited liability company (LLC) must file Form LLC-12 within 90 days of registration and every two years thereafter. |
| Status Check | The LLC must be active or suspended to file Form LLC-12. Status can be verified using the California Secretary of State’s online Business Search. |
| Submission Method | Form LLC-12 can be submitted online at bizfile.sos.ca.gov or mailed to the Secretary of State's office. |
| Filing Fee | The fee for filing Form LLC-12 is $20.00, applicable for both initial and periodic filings. |
| Copy and Certification Fees | To obtain copies, fee structure is $1.00 for the first page, $0.50 for additional pages, plus a $5.00 certification fee. |
| Legal Authority | Filing provisions are governed by Section 17702.09 of the California Corporations Code. |
| Two-Year Cycle | Periodic filings are timed based on the original registration date and occur either in even or odd numbered years, depending on the initial filing year. |
| No Fee Updates | No fee is required if the form is submitted to update information, such as changing the agent for service of process. |
| Consequences of Noncompliance | Failing to file Form LLC-12 by the due date incurs a penalty of $250.00. |
Guidelines on Utilizing Ca Llc 12R
Filling out the Ca LLC 12R form involves providing specific information about your limited liability company. This is a necessary step to ensure your business remains compliant with state regulations. Following the outlined steps will help you complete the form accurately and submit it without any issues.
- Enter the name of your limited liability company exactly as it appears on file with the California Secretary of State.
- Provide the 12-digit Entity Number that the California Secretary of State issued to your LLC at registration.
- If your LLC was formed outside California, enter the jurisdiction where it is organized. If it was formed in California, leave this section blank.
- For Item 4a, enter the complete street address, city, state, and zip code of your LLC’s principal office.
- If your mailing address differs from the principal office address, complete Item 4b with the appropriate information; this can include a P.O. Box.
- Complete Item 4c if your LLC is formed in California and the office address differs from Item 4a. Otherwise, leave it blank.
- Enter the name and address of any manager(s) or member(s) in Item 5. If there are multiple individuals, fill out Form LLC-12A to provide more names.
- For Item 6, designate an Agent for Service of Process. Decide if this will be an individual or a registered corporate agent, and provide the required details accordingly.
- Briefly describe the general type of business that your LLC engages in for Item 7.
- If applicable, provide the name and address of the chief executive officer in Item 8.
- Answer YES or NO in Item 9 regarding any outstanding judgment for the LLC related to labor law violations.
- Complete Item 10 with the date, your name, title, and signature where indicated.
You may choose to complete a Submission Cover Sheet for easier communication regarding your filing. To submit the form, you can file it online, or send it by mail or deliver it in person to the Secretary of State's office. Ensure you include any applicable fees. Timely filing is crucial to avoid penalties.
What You Should Know About This Form
What is the timeline for filing the LLC-12 form in California?
Every California-based limited liability company (LLC) must file the LLC-12 form within 90 days of its registration with the Secretary of State. After the initial filing, subsequent filings are required every two years. The filing period is determined by the original registration month and spans the registration month and the previous five months. It’s important to note that if the entity was registered in an odd-numbered year, the periodic filing falls due in odd-numbered years, and similarly for even-numbered years.
What happens if an LLC fails to file the Statement of Information on time?
If an LLC does not file the LLC-12 by the due date, it can incur a penalty of $250. To avoid this penalty, businesses should mark their calendars and set reminders for the filing deadlines. Ensuring compliance with filing requirements is essential for maintaining active status and avoiding unnecessary fees.
Can changes be made to the LLC-12 after it has been filed?
Yes, if there are changes to the information that was filed in the initial Statement of Information, an LLC can submit a new LLC-12 form to update this information. However, if no changes have occurred since the last complete statement, an LLC may file a Form LLC-12NC without a fee to confirm this. Keeping the information current is vital for compliance and can affect legal and operational matters.
How can an LLC obtain a copy of its filed Statement of Information?
An LLC can obtain a copy or a certified copy of its filed Statement of Information by including the appropriate payment for the copy fees at the time of submission. The fees include $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional attachment page, along with an additional $5.00 certification fee if a certified copy is requested. Alternatively, a free filed copy can be accessed online through the Secretary of State’s Business Search.
Common mistakes
Filling out the California LLC 12R form can seem daunting, but many common mistakes can easily be avoided. Understanding these pitfalls will help ensure that your submission is accurate and accepted without delay.
One frequent mistake is failing to enter the exact name of the limited liability company as registered. It is crucial to cross-reference the name with your original registration documents. Some individuals overlook minor variations, such as punctuation or pluralization, which can lead to unnecessary complications. Always ensure the name matches precisely as listed with the California Secretary of State.
Another common error involves the 12-digit Entity Number. This number is unique to your LLC and is assigned at registration. Many people forget to include or misplace this number on the form. If you do not provide it, your application can face significant delays. To locate your Entity Number, consult your registration documents or the California Secretary of State’s Business Search tool.
Address information can also be problematic. The requirement to provide a complete street address, city, state, and zip code for your principal office is strict; abbreviations and P.O. Box numbers are not acceptable. Individuals often skip over these details, thinking it won't matter, but they are essential for proper identification. If your LLC's office address changes, make sure to update this information accurately.
Particularly in a scenario where the LLC has multiple members or managers, individuals frequently make the mistake of not including all applicable names and addresses. If your LLC has more than one member, or if your structure changes, failing to disclose every person can create issues. Each name and residential or business address must reflect current information to avoid penalties or disputes later.
Finally, it’s essential to carefully read the section regarding the Agent for Service of Process. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to missed legal notifications. Be mindful to designate either an individual or a registered corporate agent, not both. It’s a simple oversight, but one that could have significant ramifications. Verify that the chosen agent is eligible and has a current certificate filed with the Secretary of State.
A little attention to detail goes a long way when completing the LLC 12R form. By being aware of these common mistakes, you can save yourself time, money, and potential headaches in the filing process.
Documents used along the form
When dealing with the California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12), it’s important to understand that several other forms may also be necessary for managing your LLC effectively. Here are five commonly used documents that many LLCs file alongside or in relation to Form LLC-12.
- Form LLC-12A: This form is required when an LLC has more than one manager or member. It provides the names and addresses of all additional managers or members who have been appointed or elected in accordance with the LLC's Articles of Organization or Operating Agreement.
- Form LLC-12NC: Use this form if there have been no changes to your LLC's information since the last filed Statement of Information. It's a no-fee filing that simplifies the update process and confirms that the existing information remains accurate.
- Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1): This foundational document is necessary when establishing an LLC. It includes critical information, such as the name of the LLC, its purpose, and the designated agent for service of process. It must be filed with the California Secretary of State at the time of formation.
- Certificate of Good Standing: Although not required, obtaining a certificate of good standing can be beneficial, especially for those looking to engage in business out-of-state. This document shows that the LLC is compliant with all state requirements and is legally recognized in California.
- Business License or Permit: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain a specific license or permit to operate legally within California. This document varies by industry and local jurisdiction, making it essential to check with the appropriate authorities.
Keeping these documents organized ensures your LLC remains compliant with state regulations and can facilitate any future business transactions or audits. Staying on top of your filings will save time and headaches down the road.
Similar forms
The CA LLC 12R form, formally known as the Statement of Information, shares similarities with several other important documents related to the management and compliance requirements of limited liability companies in California. Understanding these similarities can assist in maintaining a compliant LLC. Here are six documents that resemble the CA LLC 12R form:
- Form LLC-1 (Articles of Organization): This initial filing establishes an LLC's legal existence in California. Like the LLC 12R, it requires specific information about the LLC, including its name and address, helping to provide a formal record to the state.
- Form LLC-2 (Certificate of Amendment): If any changes occur, such as a change in the LLC's name or address, the LLC must file this form. It parallels the LLC 12R in that both require timely updates to keep official records accurate and current.
- Form LLC-4 (Certificate of Dissolution): This document is used to formally dissolve an LLC. Similar to the LLC 12R, accurate details regarding the LLC must be disclosed to ensure compliance with state requirements, regardless of whether the company is ongoing or being dissolved.
- Form LLC-12NC (No Change Statement): When there are no changes to report since the last Statement of Information, this simplified form may be used. It serves a similar purpose as the LLC 12R, helping to maintain the necessary transparency with state authorities.
- Form LLC-16 (Application for Certificate of Good Standing): This document is important when a business needs to prove its compliance and active status, much like the information provided in the LLC 12R. It ensures that the LLC maintains a good standing with the Secretary of State.
- Form SI-100 (Statement of Information for Corporations): Applicable to corporations, this form is similar to the LLC 12R in structure and purpose. Both forms require periodic updates regarding business structure and operations, emphasizing the ongoing need for accurate corporate records.
Each of these documents plays a critical role in maintaining compliance and ensuring that your business operates according to state regulations. Missing a filing could lead to penalties or loss of good standing, so it is vital to stay informed and proactive with these filings.
Dos and Don'ts
Things to Do When Filling Out the CA LLC-12R Form:
- Verify the LLC's name and ensure it matches the registration document exactly.
- Provide a complete and physical street address for the LLC’s principal office.
- Confirm the active status of the LLC before filing.
- Ensure correct and complete information about the designated Agent for Service of Process is provided.
Things Not to Do When Filling Out the CA LLC-12R Form:
- Avoid using a P.O. Box or "in care of" address for the principal office.
- Do not abbreviate city names or other relevant information.
- Refrain from submitting the form if the LLC is not in good standing with the California Secretary of State.
- Do not include the name of a registered corporate agent unless it has a current agent registration certificate on file.
Misconceptions
- All LLCs are exempt from filing the form. Many people believe that small or newly formed LLCs can skip filing the CA LLC 12R form. In reality, every California LLC, regardless of size, must submit a Statement of Information within 90 days of its formation and every two years thereafter.
- Filing the form is optional. Some assume that submitting the CA LLC 12R form merely provides useful information; however, it is a statutory requirement. Failure to file can lead to penalties.
- The form can be completed without any prior documentation. Individuals often think they can fill out the form without accessing previous registration documents. However, checking the exact entity name and the 12-digit Entity Number from the original filing is necessary to avoid errors.
- Only changes in management require a new filing. Some believe the CA LLC 12R form is needed only when there are changes in management or structure. In fact, periodic updates are required even if there are no significant changes.
- Any address can be used for the principal office. A common misconception is that any address can serve as the LLC's principal office. It must be a physical location; P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable.
- Filing online is not obligatory. While many assume they can submit the form via mail to bypass technology, electronic filing is encouraged for efficiency, although mailing is still accepted.
- Paying fees is unnecessary if filing online. Some people mistakenly think that online submissions waive any associated fees. There are fees for filing, regardless of the submission method.
- The form's processing is immediate. Many believe that processing their CA LLC 12R form will be instant, but there is often a delay. Checking the processing dates on the Secretary of State’s website is advisable.
- All information on the form is confidential. While privacy is important, the details provided on the CA LLC 12R form become part of the public record. Basic information regarding members and agents can be accessed by the public.
Key takeaways
When filling out the CA LLC 12R form, attention to detail is essential. Here are five key takeaways to keep in mind:
- The CA LLC 12R form must be filed within 90 days of registering the LLC and every two years thereafter. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties.
- Ensure the LLC's status is active before submitting the form. You can verify status through the California Secretary of State’s Business Search online.
- Provide complete and accurate addresses. This includes the principal office and mailing address, and using a P.O. Box is not allowed for the principal office address.
- Filing online is recommended for faster service, using the website bizfile.sos.ca.gov. This process is straightforward and helps avoid errors.
- Be aware that failing to file this Statement of Information on time results in a $250 penalty. Staying compliant is crucial for maintaining good standing.
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