How to Change an LLC Address in California: Form LLC-12, FTB, and IRS

To change an LLC address in California, file an updated Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the California Secretary of State for a $20 fee, then separately notify the Franchise Tax Board using Form FTB 3533-B and the IRS using Form 8822-B. The Secretary of State filing alone will not update your tax records, so all three steps matter.

Know Which Address You’re Changing

California tracks three addresses for every LLC, and they don’t all follow the same rules.

When people say “change my LLC address,” they usually mean the principal office. If you’re physically relocating, though, check whether the mailing address and the agent’s address also need to move.

File Form LLC-12 with the Secretary of State

There is no separate address-change form in California. You file a fresh Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with all current information, updating whichever address has changed. The instructions direct filers to complete the form “in its entirety” whenever any information changes, including an address.3California Secretary of State. Instructions for Completing Form LLC-12

The principal office field requires a complete physical street address with street number, street name, city, state, and zip code. No P.O. Boxes, no “in care of” addresses, no abbreviated city names.2California Secretary of State. Instructions for Completing the Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) If your mailing address differs, enter it in the separate mailing address field, where a P.O. Box is allowed.

Filing Methods and Fee

You have two ways to submit the form:

Processing times fluctuate and slow down near the end of fiscal and calendar years when filings spike, so check the Secretary of State’s processing dates page before you file.4California Secretary of State. Current Processing Dates If you need the change recorded quickly, California offers expedited processing at $350 for 24-hour turnaround or $750 for same-day service.5California Secretary of State. Service Options – Business Entities

When to File

Every California LLC must file its initial Statement of Information within 90 days of formation and then biennially.1California Legislative Information. California Corporations Code 17702.09 Don’t wait for that biennial cycle to report an address change. File the updated LLC-12 promptly. Every day your state records show the wrong address is a day you could miss a legal filing or notice.

Update the Franchise Tax Board Separately

The Secretary of State and the Franchise Tax Board are separate agencies, and they don’t automatically share address updates. To notify the FTB, complete Form FTB 3533-B (Change of Address for Businesses, Exempt Organizations, Estates and Trusts) and mail it to Franchise Tax Board, P.O. Box 942840, Sacramento, CA 94240-0002.6California Franchise Tax Board. How Do I Change My Address

Skip this step and your annual tax notices, correspondence about the $800 minimum franchise tax, and any audit or collection letters go to the old address. An LLC that doesn’t respond to FTB notices because it never received them faces the same penalties as one that ignored them.

Update the IRS Separately

For federal tax purposes, file IRS Form 8822-B (Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business). The form covers changes to your business mailing address, business location, or the identity of your responsible party.7Internal Revenue Service. About Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business For a simple address change, filing is voluntary but strongly recommended. If your LLC’s responsible party has also changed, filing becomes mandatory within 60 days of the change.8Internal Revenue Service. Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business

Without this update, IRS correspondence about your EIN, tax returns, and notices of deficiency go to your old address. Missing an IRS response deadline because the letter didn’t reach you is not a defense the IRS accepts.

What a Stale Address Actually Costs

Failing to file the required Statement of Information can result in the Franchise Tax Board assessing penalties against your LLC and, ultimately, suspension or forfeiture of your LLC’s legal standing.9California Secretary of State. Statements of Information Filing Tips A suspended LLC cannot legally do business in California. It cannot enforce contracts, file lawsuits, or defend itself in court. Reviving it means paying back penalties and outstanding fees plus filing every missing Statement of Information.

The agent for service of process address carries a different kind of risk. If someone sues your LLC and legal papers are delivered to an old agent address, the court can enter a default judgment because you were technically served. You might not learn about the lawsuit until a creditor is enforcing that judgment, and undoing it requires a separate court motion with no guarantee of success.

Other Places to Update After an Address Change

A handful of updates round out the move:

  • Contact the city and county where your LLC operates about local business licenses and permits. If you’ve moved to a new jurisdiction, you may need a new business license rather than just an address update. Requirements and fees vary by city.
  • Notify your business insurance provider before the move if possible, or within 30 days after relocating. Your new location’s risk profile can change your premiums and coverage. Ask your agent to confirm your general liability and property coverage still fit.
  • Update your address with every bank, lender, and credit card company tied to the LLC so statements, tax documents, and fraud alerts still reach you.
  • Update payment addresses, shipping information, and contact details with vendors and clients you do regular business with.

If your operating agreement lists a specific office address, update that document too. The state doesn’t police operating agreement contents, but outdated internal documents create confusion during disputes between members.