How to form a sole proprietorship in California?

If a sole proprietorship is formed with a name other than the individual’s name (example: John Smiths Fishing Shop), a Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed with the county where the principal place of business is located. No formation documents are filed with the California Secretary of State’s office.

What happens to a business entity in California?

Business entities doing or transacting business in California or registered with the California Secretary of State ( SOS) can dissolve, surrender, or cancel when they cease operations in California and need to terminate their legal existence here. Domestic corporations (those originally incorporated in California) may legally dissolve.

Who is the sole owner of a LLC?

A limited liability company (LLC) that has one owner is designed to protect that owner against personal liability. Accordingly, it should be treated as a separate “person” for legal purposes, and thus the sole member and equity holder should be shielded from any liabilities of the LLC, including debts and lawsuits.

Can a foreign business entity dissolve in California?

) can dissolve, surrender, or cancel when they cease operations in California and need to terminate their legal existence here. Domestic corporations (those originally incorporated in California) may legally dissolve. Foreign corporations (those originally incorporated outside California) may legally surrender.

If a sole proprietorship is formed with a name other than the individual’s name (example: John Smiths Fishing Shop), a Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed with the county where the principal place of business is located. No formation documents are filed with the California Secretary of State’s office.

When do you have to file a California business name statement?

Although business owners don’t have to file their Fictitious Business Name Statement by the time they start doing business because there is a grace period. But they must file the form no more than 40 days after their business start date. In California, there is a $26 fee to file the Fictitious Business Name Statement.

How do you form a corporation in California?

To form a corporation in California, Articles of Incorporation must be filed with the California Secretary of State’s office. Forms for the most common types of Articles of Incorporation are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. You may use the form or prepare your own statutorily compliant document.

Can a sole proprietorship have a last name?

A sole proprietorship will be doing business under a name that does not contain the owner’s last name.