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California . Reinstatement 2026

Reinstate your California business and get back in good standing.

If California administratively dissolved your entity for missed annual reports or unpaid franchise tax, you can reinstate. Here is exactly what is required, what it costs, and how to do it.

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When you need it

When do you need to reinstate?

California administratively dissolves an entity for any of these reasons. If your business is on the public record as "Administratively Dissolved" or "Forfeited", you need to reinstate.

  • Missed annual report. The most common reason. California dissolves after a sustained period of non-filing.
  • Unpaid franchise tax. Even with annual report filed, unpaid franchise tax triggers administrative dissolution.
  • No registered agent on file. Failure to maintain a registered agent is grounds for dissolution.
  • Failure to respond to state correspondence. If the state notifies the agent and gets no response, dissolution follows.
  • Foreign entities only: Failure to file foreign qualification renewals.
What it costs

California reinstatement fees

Component California cost
LLC reinstatement$70 + Statement of Information + back franchise tax (FTB)
Corporation reinstatement$100 + Statement of Information + back franchise tax (FTB)
Each missed annual report$20 (every 2 years) (LLC) per year missed
Late penalties$250 penalty

File.Business preparation: $149. State fees passed through at cost. We calculate the exact reinstatement cost for your entity upfront.

Step by step

California reinstatement process

  1. 1Identify everything missed. File.Business pulls the California Secretary of State (BizFile) record and quotes the exact cost upfront: missed reports, back franchise taxes, late penalties.
  2. 2Update officer + member information. Some California entities require current officer/member data with the reinstatement.
  3. 3Confirm a registered agent. California requires an active agent. If none, designate one as part of the reinstatement.
  4. 4File reinstatement with all back-fees. California processes reinstatement and restores the entity to active status.
  5. 5Confirmation arrives in your Vault. The reinstatement order is delivered to your Document Vault. Entity is now back in good standing for banking, contracts, and other business.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I reinstate a California business?
File a Reinstatement with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division. Include all missed annual reports, back franchise taxes, and the $70 + Statement of Information + back franchise tax (FTB) reinstatement fee for LLCs. File.Business handles the whole process for $149 plus state fees.
How much does California reinstatement cost?
LLC: $70 + Statement of Information + back franchise tax (FTB). Corporation: $100 + Statement of Information + back franchise tax (FTB). Plus all back annual reports ($20 (every 2 years) per year missed) and late penalties.
How long does California reinstatement take?
5-7 business days standard. 4-hour and 24-hour expedite available. Once filed, the entity returns to good standing the day California stamps the filing.
Can I reinstate after California administratively dissolved my entity?
Yes, if you file within the reinstatement window. After 3 years past due, reinstatement may no longer be available and a new entity formation may be required.
Does reinstatement reset my entity formation date?
No. The original formation date and document number remain. The reinstatement restores the entity as if it had never been dissolved.
Do I owe back franchise tax during the dissolved period?
Yes. California considers the entity legally existing during the dissolved period. Back franchise tax is owed for every year missed.
Can File.Business handle California reinstatement?
Yes. Send us the entity name and we calculate the exact cost upfront, prepare all back filings, pay state fees, and confirm when reinstated. Typical turnaround: 3 to 7 business days.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

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Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed California attorney or CPA.

Reinstate California →
File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.