Avoid Paying California $800 per Year … for 15 Days
The California $800 per year minimum franchise tax applies to both corporations and limited liability companies. Many people do not realize, however, that the tax can be avoided – at least, for a short time.
As explained in Franchise Tax Board Publications 1060 (for corporations) and 3556 (for LLCs), there is a “15-day rule” or “15-day exception” stating that the minimum franchise tax need not be paid for an initial tax year if:
- The corporation or LLC was formed (Articles filed with the Secretary of State) during the last 15 days of the entity’s tax year, and
- The entity conducted no business during that period.
So, if an entity has a tax year ending December 31 (as most do), then it can be formed on December 17 or later, and it will not have to pay the California $800 minimum franchise tax until the following year.
Dana H. Shultz, Attorney at Law +1 510-547-0545 dana [at] danashultz [dot] com
This blog does not provide legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice, please contact a lawyer directly.
How Can I Revive My Suspended / Forfeited Entity?
Yesterday I wrote about how the status of a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) in California might be suspended or forfeited. Please see Why was My Corporation / LLC Suspended or Forfeited? This post explains how one may revive a suspended of forfeited entity.
Section references below reflect California’s new LLC law that took effect on January 1, 2014. See RULLCA Brings New LLC Laws to California in 2014.
The steps required to revive the entity depend on whether it was suspended or forfeited by the Secretary of State, by the Franchise Tax Board, or by both the SoS and the FTB: (more…)
Why was My Corporation / LLC Suspended or Forfeited?
If you do a business entity search using the California Secretary of State database, you might find that the status of a corporation or limited liability company (LLC) is “suspended” or “forfeited“. This post explains what those terms mean.
Section references below have been updated to reflect California’s new LLC law that took effect on January 1, 2014 (see RULLCA Brings New LLC Laws to California in 2014).
Corporations and LLCs have many “powers, rights and privileges” under California law. Those powers, rights and privileges can be taken away if the entity: (more…)
