How do I transfer ownership of an LLC in California?
John Peck
Updated on March 31, 2026
California requires LLCs to report changes in company membership to the Secretary of State. You can do this by filing a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12). California LLCs have to file one of these annually anyway, so if you have not yet filed for the year, you can simply include the updated member information.
How do I change a multi-member LLC to a single-member LLC in California?
The only things that are officially required for a multiple-member LLC to become a single-member LLC are the sale of the membership interest of the leaving member(s) to the remaining member and the filing of a new tax election form.
Can I change the purpose of my LLC?
You can always change the purpose of your LLC later (by filing an amendment), but it’s really not required. You just need to list an LLC business purpose during the initial filing for your LLC.
Who are the members of a LLC and shares?
Information About an LLC and Shares LLC owners are referred to as members. Each member has a claim to business assets and a portion of the LLC’s profits. Ownership interests in an LLC-structured business do not receive shares.
Who are the members of a California LLC?
A member of a California LLC can be a person, a corporation, another LLC, a trust, or any type of partnership. Member can reside in any state or any where in the world. Members do not have to be citizens or residents of the United States (aka nonresident aliens).
How to register a limited liability company in California?
An LLC must have the same classification for both California and federal tax purposes. To register or organize an LLC in California, contact the Secretary of State (SOS): for more information. Every LLC that is doing business or organized in California must pay an annual tax of $800.
Do you have shares in a limited liability company?
No. Only businesses structured as a corporation issue shares. With a limited liability company, ownership is expressed by percentage and membership units. LLC owners are referred to as members.
