If you are interested in starting a Limited Liability Company in California, there is no time like the present. In an effort to welcome new businesses to the golden state, California Governor Gavin Newsome signed legislation in 2020 to exempt startups from paying the LLC franchise tax during their first year in business. Assembly Bill 85, exempts LLCs. LLPs, and LPs from paying the annual minimum franchise tax of $800 in their first taxable year. To qualify for this exemption, the entity must register, organize, or file with the secretary of state to do business in California between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023.

After receiving their initial exemption, the entity must begin to pay the $800 annual minimum franchise tax each year until it formally dissolves. Previously only corporations were exempt from paying the franchise tax in their first tax year.