About
A field manual, not a law firm
This site exists so a California software engineer can decide whether to form an LLC, file it without a mill, and know what the $800 actually buys — without sitting through a webinar.
This is a practical briefing compiled from California SOS, FTB, CDTFA, IRS, and SSA publications as of August 2026. It is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Filing fees and tax rules change. Confirm figures on the official sites before you pay or elect anything, and consult a California CPA or business attorney.
Who writes this
A software engineer in California. I am not a lawyer, a CPA, an enrolled agent, or a registered tax preparer. Nothing here is legal, tax, or insurance advice for your facts.
Where the numbers come from
Fees, due dates, and tax rules are taken from California Secretary of State forms, Franchise Tax Board LLC guidance (updated March 5, 2026), CDTFA Regulation 1502, IRS publications, and the SSA 2026 contribution and benefit base. Last reviewed August 2026. Confirm them on the official pages before you pay or elect anything.
This site is not affiliated with the Secretary of State, the Franchise Tax Board, the IRS, CDTFA, or any formation mill.
How the site stays up
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