Why Do You Need California Reinstatement For Your LLC Or Corporation?
Noncompliance with state obligations puts your company at risk of suspension or administrative dissolution. At the same time, you may face penalties and lose the benefits of your business entity type until you settle everything through California reinstatement.
What Is Needed To File For Reinstatement?
If you want to ensure the good standing status of your company, you will have to go through the reinstatement process. This may vary depending on the state where you formed your business. For California companies, reinstatement depends on which state office suspended your company.
If the Secretary of State (SOS) suspended/forfeited your company, then you will have to request revival by filing a Statement of Information form. You can submit this by mail, in person, or online.
If the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is the one behind the suspension, then you will have to pay all outstanding balances, file all late tax returns, and submit a completed Application for Certificate of Revivor. The common causes of FTB suspensions are the following:
- Failure to file a return
- Failure to pay taxes, penalties, fees, or interest
If the forfeiture or suspension is from both agencies, then you will have to file the Statement of Information form first to get a letter from the SOS to propose relief from the suspension. After that, you need to submit a copy of the said letter along with the Application for Certificate of Revivor to the FTB. Additionally, you will also have to file all delinquent returns and/or taxes, along with corresponding fees.
How Much Will It Cost To Reinstate?
LLC – The reinstatement of a California LLC with the SOS comes with a $20 filing fee. If you file in person, you will have to pay an additional $15 for the handling fee. For 24-hour expedited processing, you have to pay another $350. For same-day processing, you will have to add $750. Meanwhile, the FTB will compute all taxes, penalties, and/or interest due.
Corporation – The filing fee for SOS suspension is $25. Corporations may also have to pay a fine of $250 if it has been issued. In-person filings require a $15 handling fee. You will need to pay an additional $350 for 24-hour expedited processing and $750 for same-day processing. As for the FTB, they will determine the amount depending on the taxes, penalties, and/or interest.
How Long Will This Process Take?
The processing of documents normally takes eight weeks. You can also check for the current processing time on the website of the SOS. You can opt for expedited processing for an additional payment.
What Is Required On The Forms?
LLC – California LLCs need to prepare the following information:
- LLC Name
- 12-Digit Entity File Number
- SOS Number
- Complete Principal Office Address
- Name And Complete Address Of A Manager
- Registered Agent And Their Office Address
- Description Of The Type Of Business
- Name, Title, Signature, And Contact Information Of The Authorized Person
Corporation – Corporations have to provide the following:
- Company Name
- Entity Number
- SOS Number
- Complete Principal Office Address
- Registered Agent And Their Office Address
- Name, Signature, Title, And Contact Information Of The Authorized representative
What Cannot Be Changed On The Forms?
Unlike other states, California allows you to make additional changes using the California reinstatement process. You can change certain pieces of information related to your company’s registered agent, officials, and address.
What If My Company’s Name Is In Use When I Need To Reinstate?
If another business entity decides to use your company name, you will have to use a different one. Another option is to ask for consent from the other entity so you can use the name.
How Can DoMyLLC Assist With Streamlining?
Reinstating your California business after suspension or forfeiture requires you to complete a multi-step process with the California reinstatement. For company owners who do not have experience or enough time, the ordeal can be stressful and challenging. A third-party organization like DoMyLLC can help you by providing custom solutions and live support.
California Reinstatement FAQs
Can you change your registered agent on the reinstatement?
You can include changes in the registered agent information on the Statement of Information form.
Does the state allow companies to change members/managers or officers/directors on the reinstatement?
You can add, remove, or edit any information related to the officials in your company.
Can your company change its principal address at the same time as the reinstatement?
Yes, the Statement of Information form allows you to change the principal office address of the company.
How long can your company be inactive with the state before it has to start over as a new business entity?
If the SOS or FTB suspends your company, you can reinstate it at any time. However, if your company receives an Administrative Dissolution/Cancelation Intent Notice letter from the state, you have to take action within 60 days. Failure to do so can lead to dissolution. When that happens, you can no longer appeal or reinstate the business.