How Administry Handles Your Business Formation
Administry handles California LLC and corporation formation end-to-end — articles of organization, EIN, operating agreement, registered agent, and initial compliance filings.
What We Do For You
When you choose Administry to form your California business, we handle every step of the formation process. You submit a single intake questionnaire; we take it from there.
Here's exactly what's included in Administry's formation service:
1. Business Name Search
Before we file anything, we search the California Secretary of State's entity database to confirm your chosen business name is available. If it's taken, we'll suggest variations and work with you to find a name that's unique and available.
We also do a basic trademark availability check and flag any potential conflicts with existing registered marks — we don't provide legal advice on trademarks, but we'll flag obvious issues before you're committed.
What you do: Provide your preferred business name (and 1-2 backups).
2. Articles of Organization / Incorporation
For an LLC, we prepare and file Form LLC-1 (Articles of Organization) with the California Secretary of State. The state's standard processing time is currently 3-5 business days for online filings; expedited options are available.
For a Corporation, we prepare and file Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS) with the Secretary of State.
We pay the filing fee on your behalf and recover it through your service fee.
What you do: Confirm the business name, entity type, and California county of principal office.
3. Operating Agreement or Corporate Bylaws
California requires LLCs to have an operating agreement, even though it's not filed with the state. We prepare a standard operating agreement that covers:
- Ownership percentages (member interests)
- Management structure (member-managed vs. manager-managed)
- Profit and loss distribution
- Voting rights
- Dissolution procedures
For corporations, we prepare initial bylaws and the organizational minutes documenting the first board meeting (required even if it's just you).
What you do: Review and sign the document. For multi-member LLCs, all members sign.
4. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Your EIN is your business's federal tax ID — you need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file taxes. We apply for your EIN with the IRS on your behalf using Form SS-4.
EINs are typically issued within 1-2 business days for online applications.
What you do: Nothing — we handle it and deliver the EIN confirmation to your document vault.
5. Registered Agent Service
Every California LLC and corporation must designate a registered agent — a person or company with a California street address who is authorized to receive official state and legal correspondence (lawsuits, tax notices, Secretary of State mail).
Administry provides registered agent service as part of your plan. Your business's registered agent address is Administry's California address. All correspondence received is scanned, uploaded to your document vault, and you're notified within 24 hours.
Why this matters: Without a registered agent, you can miss critical legal notices — including service of process in a lawsuit, which can result in a default judgment against you if you don't respond in time.
6. Initial Statement of Information
California LLCs must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) within 90 days of formation, and then every two years after that. Corporations file annually.
This form confirms your registered agent, principal office address, and manager/member information. We file it on your behalf as part of your initial setup.
What you do: Confirm your address and officer/member information during intake.
7. Franchise Tax Board Registration
We register your business with the California Franchise Tax Board and help you understand your first-year tax obligations. The $800 annual minimum franchise tax is due on the 15th day of the 4th month after your LLC/corporation is formed.
We'll remind you when this payment is due. (You make the payment directly to the FTB — we don't handle tax payments.)
Timeline Summary
| Step | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Name search | Same day |
| Articles of Organization filed | 1-2 business days (we submit); 3-5 days state processing |
| EIN obtained | 1-2 business days |
| Operating Agreement prepared | 2-3 business days |
| Statement of Information | Within 30 days of state approval |
| Full setup complete | 7-14 calendar days |
See Formation Timeline for a detailed view of what happens week by week.
What Happens After Formation?
Once your entity is formed, Administry transitions into maintenance mode:
- We monitor your compliance calendar and file your biennial/annual Statement of Information when it comes due
- We hold your registered agent address and forward any official correspondence
- We set up your accounting chart of accounts and begin categorizing transactions
- Your documents (Articles, Operating Agreement, EIN, etc.) are all in your document vault
Your business is formed. Administry keeps it in good standing.