Californian LLC operating agreement template.
Free customizable operating agreement designed for Californian LLCs. Includes state-specific provisions, customize bracketed fields, and download in seconds. In California, an operating agreement is required by statute.
Key state filing details.
Cost to file Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State.
Typical California state filing turnaround for new LLC formation.
Ongoing state compliance filing required to maintain good standing.
Where Californian LLC filings are submitted and stored.
California Revised Uniform LLC Act (RULLCA) requires operating agreement (Corp. Code § 17701.02). Statement of Information ($20) due within 90 days of formation, every 2 years thereafter.
$800 minimum franchise tax + LLC fee (revenue-based) + state income tax.
Standard sections.
Formation
States that the LLC is formed under California law. References the Articles of Organization filed with the California Secretary of State.
Purpose
Business purpose. Most Californian LLCs use broad "any lawful business" language.
Members and ownership
Lists each member by name, address, ownership percentage, and capital contribution.
Management
Member-managed or manager-managed. California default rules apply absent operating agreement.
Distributions and allocations
How profits and losses are allocated; when distributions are made; tax distributions.
Voting
Decision thresholds for ordinary business vs major decisions (admit members, sale, dissolution).
Transfer restrictions
Right of first refusal on member transfers. Drag-along and tag-along rights.
Buy-sell on departure
What happens on death, disability, divorce, bankruptcy, or voluntary withdrawal.
Dissolution
Events triggering dissolution. Wind-up procedures under California law.
Governing law
California law governs the operating agreement.
Californian operating agreement questions.
Is an operating agreement required in California?
What does it cost to form an LLC in California?
How long does Californian LLC formation take?
Where do I file the operating agreement?
Can I use this template if I plan to elect S-Corp tax status?
What if I have multiple members?
Does this need to be notarized in California?
What if my LLC operates in multiple states?
Form your Californian LLC.
$0 service fee. $70 California state fee. EIN, BOI, and registered agent included.
Template is educational. Specific situations may require attorney review.
On the $129/yr Compliance Annual Filings plan, we cover state late fees.
When you autofile your annual report through the $129/yr plan and we miss the deadline, we pay the state's late fee. The guarantee applies to that specific plan and the filings it includes. Other File.Business services are billed at the prices on this page.