California entity cost planner

Most entity comparisons show you the generic math. They leave out California’s $800/year LLC fee, the S-corp’s 1.5% franchise rate, and the real payroll and compliance costs. This one shows you the full picture — at your income level.

Educational estimate — not tax advice. Confirm with your CPA before forming an entity or electing S-corp status.

Your numbers

Annual net self-employment income$100,000

After business expenses, before owner pay or taxes

$20k$400k

S-corp salary assumption

What fraction of income you pay yourself as W-2 salary (the remainder becomes distributions). Higher salary = smaller SE tax savings. IRS requires a “reasonable” salary.

Option A

Sole Proprietorship

Zero setup. No state entity. Tax on Schedule C.

CA setup cost

City of SD license

Initial registration

$34

CA franchise tax

No state entity

Annual city renewal

$34

SE tax on income

15.3% on ~92% of net profit

$14,130

Liability protection

None

Total year-1 entity costs

$34

Then $34/yr

Option B

Single-Member LLC

Liability protection. Same SE tax as sole prop.

CA SOS filing (Articles)

$70

Statement of Information

Due within 90 days

$20

City of SD license

$34

CA annual franchise tax

Flat $800/yr minimum

$800

SE tax on income

Same as sole prop — no savings

$14,130

Liability protection

Yes

Total year-1 entity costs

$124

Then $844/yr

Option C

S-Corporation

SE tax savings on distributions — at a compliance cost.

CA SOS filing + SOI

LLC-to-S-corp path

$124

City of SD license

$34

CA franchise tax

Greater of $800 or 1.5% of CA net income

$1,500

Payroll service

Gusto, Rippling, etc.

$600

Extra tax return (1120-S)

Form 1120-S + CA 100S

$900

SE tax savings

Salary $50,000 · Distributions $50,000

−$6,480

Net vs sole prop after all costs

+$3,470/yr

vs. LLC: +$4,280/yr

The California S-corp wrinkle most tools miss

Most states let LLCs off with a flat annual fee. California charges S-corps 1.5% of net income (minimum $800). At $100,000, that’s $1,500/year — compared to a flat $800 for an LLC. The difference ($700/yr) is a real cost that erodes your SE tax savings, especially at higher income levels.

SE tax savings

$6,480

From distributions not subject to payroll tax

Annual S-corp costs

$3,044

CA franchise + payroll service + extra return

Net vs. staying as LLC

+$4,280/yr

S-corp saves money

S-corp likely saves money at $100,000

The estimated net savings of $4,280/year exceeds compliance costs. The main next step is determining a defensible reasonable salary with a CPA — that number drives the whole calculation.

LLC vs. sole prop: what the $800 actually buys

A single-member LLC pays $800/year in California franchise tax more than a sole prop — and saves exactly $0 in self-employment tax. What it buys is legal separation between your personal assets and the business. If a client slips in your office, your business debt goes to collections, or a contract dispute becomes a lawsuit, an LLC keeps your personal bank account, car, and home off the table. For most service businesses with real clients, real contracts, or any physical interaction, the $800 is worth it.

Costs based on 2026 California filing fees and estimates for typical compliance services. SE tax savings use 2026 SS wage base of $184,500 (SSA). S-corp compliance costs (payroll service and return) are midpoint estimates — actual costs vary by provider and CPA. Not tax advice. Consult a CPA for your specific situation.

California-specific things to know

LLCs do NOT save self-employment tax

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes — it files on Schedule C just like a sole prop. The $800/year California franchise tax adds cost with zero SE tax savings. The only thing it buys is liability protection.

S-corps pay 1.5% in California

Unlike the flat $800 for LLCs, California S-corps pay the greater of $800 or 1.5% of net income in franchise tax. At $100k income, that's $1,500/year — $700 more than an LLC. This is a real California-specific cost most national tools miss.

The $800 LLC fee is tax-deductible

The California minimum franchise tax is a deductible business expense on your federal return, so its after-tax cost is lower than the sticker price. At a 22% marginal rate, $800 costs you about $624 after the deduction.

Statement of Information timing

LLCs must file Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information) within 90 days of formation, then every two years. Missing it costs $250. Set a calendar reminder the day you form the LLC — it's an easy $250 to lose.

S-corp election has a deadline

To be taxed as an S-corp for the current year, you must file Form 2553 by March 15 (if already operating) or within 75 days of forming a new entity. Missing this window means waiting until next year.

Reasonable salary matters in California too

California conforms to the federal requirement for a reasonable salary in S-corps. It also means California payroll taxes apply to the salary portion — plan for state SDI and ETT contributions on top of FICA.

Entity structure analyzer →S-corp salary calculator →SE tax calculator →