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Filing a California LLC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

This guide will walk you through the process of filing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in California. By the end of this guide, you will understand how to gather necessary information, use the state’s online platform for filing, and complete all tasks related to the LLC formation. This guide is especially useful for those who need to file immediately or future date their LLC formation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Understanding the Trigger Email

The filing process begins with an auto-generated email from the engineering team. This email contains essential details such as the company name, full name of the person, address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email. It also specifies the urgency of the filing, indicated by the word "immediate."
Email containing LLC details

Gathering Required Information

Ensure all details in the email are complete and correct. This includes verifying the company name, contact information, and registered agent details.
Details required for filing the LLC

Initiating the Filing Process

Copy the email content into Salesforce and verify formation details. Ensure that the address and other information are accurate and complete.
Verify formation details task

Accessing the State’s Website

Navigate to the state's website and begin the LLC formation process under the limited liability company section. Accept any terms and conditions to proceed.
Start LLC formation on the state's website

Entering the Company Name

Enter the name of the LLC, ensuring that you omit the "LLC" identifier, as it will be selected from a dropdown menu.
Entering the LLC name

Address Input and Verification

Copy and paste the address details, verifying that there are no errors or omissions, such as missing apartment numbers.
Address verification

Selecting the Registered Agent

Choose the registered agent from the dropdown, typically "Registered Agent Solutions Incorporated" if referred to as "Razzy" in communications.

Future Filing Date

If the filing is not immediate, you can select a future date for the LLC to be officially recognized. This is common when filing towards the end of the year.
Future filing date options

Submission Review and Confirmation

Review all entered information, take a screenshot of the submission for records, and proceed to the payment section. Enter the necessary credit card details and submit the application.
Submission review and confirmation

Completing the Process in Salesforce

Return to Salesforce to mark the filing task as complete. This will automatically create a new task to initiate the registered agency.
Complete the filing task in Salesforce

Awaiting State Confirmation

Once the state processes the filing, you will receive an email confirmation. At this stage, you cannot proceed with emailing the LLC documents until you receive this confirmation.
Pending state confirmation

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully file an LLC in California. This guide has covered the entire process from receiving the initial trigger email to completing the filing tasks in Salesforce. Once you receive the state's confirmation, you will be ready to finalize any remaining tasks.