How to File an Annual Report for an LLC

Knowing when and how to file an annual report for your LLC is an important part of keeping your business in compliance. Let’s review the steps, so you stay in good standing. Keep in mind, the process and form vary from state to state.

Six Steps to File Your Report and Stay in Compliance

1. Check the State’s Requirements – Some states require LLCs to submit an annual report each year, while others require one every two years. Call your state’s Secretary of State office (or other office in charge of business filings) or visit their website for details about deadlines, fees, the information you must provide in your report, and other requirements. You can also review our guide which covers states that require LLC annual report filings for helpful information.
2. Get Your Information Together – Make sure you have all the required details ready. That might include:
   • LLC name
   • Principal office address
   • Purpose of the business
   • Federal tax ID (EIN) and state-issued identification number
   • Names and addresses of LLC members or managers
   • Registered agent’s name and address
   • DBAs (a.k.a. fictitious, assumed, or trade names), if applicable
3. Complete the Form – Most states have an online portal for submitting annual reports electronically, which saves time and allows for a timelier turnaround than printing and sending a form by snail mail or fax. If an online filing option isn’t available, download the form from the state’s website or request one to be sent to you so you can fill it out and prepare it for mailing.
4. Pay the Filing Fee – Filing fees vary by state. Make sure you issue the correct payment with your report so you don’t risk delays in its processing and acceptance by the state.
5. Submit Your Report Before the Deadline – To avoid penalties, file your LLC annual report before its due date. Mark the date on your calendar so you don’t forget, and consider using a compliance monitoring service to ensure you stay on top of your deadlines each year.
6. Keep a Record of Your Filing – States typically send a confirmation notice to the email of the person who filed the annual report. Maintain your accepted annual reports with your other LLC formation and compliance documents.

Why Filing Is Important

Filing an annual report may seem like a small task, but it’s essential for maintaining an LLC’s legal standing and active status with the state.

If you fail to file on time, you could face penalties and late fees. In cases where an LLC has neglected its annual report responsibilities for an extended time, the state might even administratively dissolve the entity or retract its right to operate. Those extreme consequences can not only hurt a business’s bottom line, but they can also do permanent damage to the company’s reputation, limit the business owners’ legal protections, and make it more difficult to restore the entity to good standing.

The Easiest Way to File Your Annual Report

Our company has helped thousands upon thousands of LLCs file their annual reports accurately and on time. And we also help monitor due dates and proactively send you alerts when paperwork is due.

Here’s how to file your annual report quickly:

1. Head on over to our Annual Report service page.
2. Under the Request an Annual Report box, select your business type and state and click on the Order Now button.
3. Complete the information in the form, which will include basic data such as:
   • Email address
   • Company name
   • Business address
   • Members and officers
4. Next click on the Go To Payment button.
5. Enter your credit card information to complete the payment process.

That’s it! Our team takes care of everything else and you can return to running your business.

And remember, our services are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee!