Annual Report
Definition: A recurring state filing that confirms an entity still exists and updates its addresses, agent and leaders.
An annual report is the filing a state uses to confirm that a business entity still exists and to refresh the information on its public record: principal address, registered agent, and in many states the names of officers, managers or members. It is not a financial report and it is not a tax return, even though a few states collect a tax with it.
Names and cycles vary by state
| State | What it is called | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| California | Statement of Information | Every 2 years for LLCs |
| Georgia | Annual registration | Yearly |
| Michigan | Annual statement | Yearly |
| Nevada | Annual list | Yearly |
| New York | Biennial statement | Every 2 years |
| Ohio | None | No report required |
What a missed report does to the record
Most states first mark the entity delinquent or not in good standing, then administratively dissolve or revoke it after a notice period. Once that happens the name can become available to someone else. The full fee and due date for every state is in the Secretary of State directory, and state pages such as Florida and Massachusetts explain the late penalties that apply there.
When you read a record during an LLC lookup, the date of the last report filed is a quick signal of whether anyone is still maintaining the company.
Annual Report questions
Is an annual report the same as a tax return?
No. An annual report updates the state record with addresses, the registered agent and often officers or managers. A few states collect a tax with it, but it is not an income tax return.
What happens if I miss an annual report?
The entity usually loses good standing first, then is administratively dissolved or revoked after a notice period. Most states allow reinstatement by filing the missed reports and fees.
Do all states require an annual report?
No. Several states require none for LLCs, and others use a two-year cycle. The Secretary of State directory lists the rule for every state.
Sources
- U.S. Small Business Administration, Stay legally compliant
- Florida Division of Corporations, annual report FAQ
Data Updated Recently