On: How to form a California LLC without a lawyer

[stillmotion]

You still have to pay a minimum of $800 a year to the franchise tax board for operating a non-Californian business.

[pianoben → stillmotion]

Word. California always gets its cut. If you're in California, or have customers there, going to other states only increases your potential obligations.

[feross → pianoben]

Exactly. Which is why I just recommend forming a California LLC directly if you live in California (like I do).

[CalChris → feross]

Yeah. I understand the advantages of a Delaware C corporation if you need a C corporation. But I don't see the advantages of a Delaware LLC if you will be operating in California.

[NewJazz → stillmotion]

If you own the LLC but don't take a salary, do you still have to pay the fee?

[glimshe → NewJazz]

Yes.

[ISL → stillmotion]

NYS was the same way. It was irrelevant whether the company made money or not.

[LordAtlas → stillmotion]

As a non-US citizen, California taxes and fees seem ridiculous.

[manigandham → LordAtlas]

They are. There's little-to-no benefit derived from these arbitrary fees, especially amongst all the other high taxes in the state.