There are many steps that are required to start a business, such as creating a business plan, finding financing to start the business, hiring employees, finding office space and buying office supplies. One very important step in starting a business in California is registering your company with the state. Whether you are choosing to start your company as a corporation, a limited liability company, a limited partnership or a limited liability partnership, you must register the business with the California Secretary of State's office.
Instructions
1. Research and choose a legal structure for your business. There are a variety of different legal structures to choose for your business. California recognizes limited liability companies, corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, general partnerships and sole proprietorships. Each business structure has its own tax and liability implications.
2. Obtain the necessary filing document for your business structure. Once you have chosen your business structure, you must obtain the necessary filing documents from the California Secretary of State's office. Corporations must file Articles of Incorporation, limited liability companies must file Articles of Organization, limited partnerships file a Certificate of Limited Partnership, general partnerships must file a Statement of Partnership Authority and limited liability partnerships must file a Registered Limited Liability Partnership Registration. You can obtain the filing document by downloading it from the California Secretary of State's website.
3. Complete the filing documents, which will require you to provide information such as the name of the business, the physical address of the business, the name and address of a registered agent in California and the names and addresses of the owners of the business.
4. Return the filing documents with the appropriate fees to the California Secretary of State's office. The filing fees range from $10 to $100, depending on what type of business you are creating.
