Here at Sierra Express, we understand that starting a business, no matter what size or industry, is a monumental undertaking. From conception to opening there are innumerable details and expenses – both time and money. Most businesses need capital to meet their administrative costs, professional fees, and marketing expenses before they have a chance to generate income. Those expenses vary depending on the company’s size, field, and location, but there are some established start up costs to include in every new business’s budget. Below you’ll find a breakdown of some of the overlooked government start up costs and how Sierra Express Filings can help facilitate a business formation.
Secretary of State Fees
Regardless which service company you choose, you’ll need to account for the Secretary of State fees in your start up costs. The SOS fees vary in accordance with the legal structure of your business entity. There are special handling fees and copy fees involved in every filing.
Counter Fees: Non-refundable fee due for services rendered at the SOS.
• Standard: Non-refundable $15 fee for standard processing time (4-10 business days).
– SOIs: The counter fee for a SOI that is submitted with Standard Processing is waived by the SOS.
• Expedited: Non-refundable $350 fee for expedited processing time (1 business day/24 hours).
• Records Request: Non-refundable $10 fee for copies of records (1-4 business days).
• Apostille: Non-refundable $20 fee for document authentication (same-day).
Filing Fees: Fee associated with your specific document of formation. In most cases the filing fee can be found on the upper left portion of SOS forms.
• Corporations: $100
• Limited Liability Companies: $70
• Non Profit Corporations: $30
• Limited or General Partnerships: $70
Statements of Information: SOIs must be filed within 90 days of your company’s formation.
• Corporations: $25 filing fee (Required Annually after 1st)
• LLCs: $20 filing fee (Required Biennially after 1st)
Certified Copies: The SOS no longer includes a certified copy of Articles of Organization or Incorporation in their filing prices. There is also extra charges for having multiple pages.
• Initial Filing: $5 for Certified Copy
• Records Requests & SOIs: $6 Certified Copy Fee
Taxes
Tax laws change frequently, it usually pays to consult an accountant or tax attorney to ensure your business complies with current state and federal tax requirements. Be sure to consider how the tax regulations affect which type of legal entity you choose when selecting your business entity’s structure. Keep in mind that LLCs are subjected to an annual $800 tax in California, and Nonprofit Corporations must apply for tax exemptions from the IRS and/or FTB. Be sure to include any taxes and fees in your start up costs.
Sierra Express Filings Services
Sierra Express Filings has a wide array of service options to best suit your business needs and budget. We offer standard business filings for $65 and expedited business filings for $100 which always include personally filing your documents at the Secretary of State’s offices in Sacramento. We are also happy to provide a plethora of additional services – including Name Availability Research, Corporate Kits, Registered Agent Services, Substitute Serve to the SOS, and more!
Sierra Express Filings is proud to offer the expertise you might expect from larger legal or filing service firms, while still maintaining personal customer service. Please explore the rest of our website and contact us with any of your inquiries about your start up costs.