What Is the California LLC Statement of Information?

The Statement of Information (SOI) is a filing requirement for all California LLCs. Unlike most states that require annual reports every year, California requires LLCs to file every two years — but also requires an initial filing within 90 days of forming your LLC. It’s filed with the California Secretary of State and costs $20.

The SOI updates the state’s records with your LLC’s current information: registered agent, business address, member/manager names, and type of business. It’s not a financial report — it’s a contact information update.

When Is the California LLC Statement of Information Due?

What Information Is Required on the California LLC SOI?

• LLC name — exactly as registered with the Secretary of State
• 12-digit California Secretary of State file number — on your Articles of Organization
• Business address — principal office address (can be out of state)
• Mailing address — if different from principal address
• Agent for service of process — your registered agent’s name and address
• Manager or member information — for manager-managed LLCs: name and address of each manager. For member-managed LLCs: name and address of one member (not all members required).
• Chief Executive Officer — name and address if the LLC has a CEO
• Type of business — brief description of what your LLC does

How to File the California LLC Statement of Information

Option 1: File Online (Fastest)

1. Go to bizfile.sos.ca.gov — California’s official business filing portal
2. Click “File a Statement of Information”
3. Enter your LLC’s 12-digit file number or search by business name
4. Fill in the required fields — takes about 5 minutes
5. Pay the $20 filing fee by credit/debit card
6. Download and save your confirmation immediately

Option 2: File by Mail

Download Form LLC-12 from the California Secretary of State website, complete it, and mail with a check for $20 to: Secretary of State, Statement of Information Unit, P.O. Box 944230, Sacramento, CA 94244-2300. Mail processing takes 5–8 business days and you don’t get real-time confirmation.

The $250 Late Penalty — And How to Avoid It

California charges a $250 penalty for LLCs that fail to file their Statement of Information on time. This is in addition to the $20 filing fee — meaning a late SOI costs you $270 total instead of $20. That’s a 1,250% penalty for missing a deadline.

Worse: if you continue to ignore the requirement, the California Secretary of State can suspend your LLC’s status. A suspended LLC cannot legally enter contracts, sue or be sued in California courts, or do business in the state. Reinstating a suspended LLC requires paying all back fees, penalties, and filing a Certificate of Revivor — which can take weeks.

What Happens After You File

After filing, the California Secretary of State updates your LLC’s public record. You can verify the filing at bizfile.sos.ca.gov by searching your LLC name. Your confirmation serves as proof of filing. Keep digital and physical copies for your records — banks, investors, and lenders sometimes request proof of current SOI filing when evaluating your business.

Statement of Information vs Annual Report: What’s the Difference?

Most states call this requirement an “annual report.” California calls it a “Statement of Information” — but it serves the same purpose: keeping state records current. The key California difference is the biennial filing frequency (every 2 years instead of annually) and the relatively low $20 fee compared to states like Florida ($138.75/yr) or Massachusetts ($500/yr).