Annual Report Filing: Deadlines, Fees, and Requirements by State
<h2>Why Annual Reports Matter</h2>
<p>Filing your annual report (sometimes called a biennial report, periodic report, or statement of information) is one of the most basic and important compliance obligations for LLCs, corporations, and other registered business entities. Despite its importance, it is also one of the most commonly missed deadlines, leading to late fees, loss of good standing, and in some cases, administrative dissolution of your business.</p>
<p>An annual report updates the state on your business's current information: registered agent, principal office address, officers and directors, and sometimes basic financial data. It is not the same as a tax return. Even if your business had no activity during the year, you still need to file. This guide covers annual report requirements for all 50 states. For a complete view of your compliance obligations, <a href="/wizard">use the SMBRegs compliance wizard</a>.</p>
<h2>How Annual Reports Work</h2>
<h3>What Information Is Required</h3>
<p>While specifics vary by state, most annual reports require the following information:</p>
<ul>
<li>Business legal name and any DBAs</li>
<li>Principal office address</li>
<li>Registered agent name and address</li>
<li>Names and addresses of officers, directors, or managing members</li>
<li>Business purpose or NAICS code (some states)</li>
<li>Authorized shares and par value (corporations, some states)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Filing Methods</h3>
<p>Most states now offer online filing through their Secretary of State website, which is typically the fastest and cheapest option. Some states still accept paper filings, and a few require them for certain entity types. Online filings are usually processed within a few business days, while paper filings may take weeks.</p>
<h2>State-by-State Annual Report Guide</h2>
<h3>States with Annual Filing Requirements</h3>
<p>The majority of states require annual filings. Here are key details for the most populous states:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>California:</strong> Statement of Information due within 90 days of formation, then biennially for LLCs ($20) and annually for corporations ($25). Additionally, LLCs pay an $800 annual franchise tax.</li>
<li><strong>Florida:</strong> Annual report due by May 1 each year. LLCs and corporations pay $138.75. Late filings incur a $400 penalty.</li>
<li><strong>Illinois:</strong> Annual report due before the anniversary of formation. Corporations pay $75, LLCs pay $75.</li>
<li><strong>New York:</strong> Biennial statement due every two years during your anniversary month. LLCs pay $9, corporations pay $9. See our <a href="/blog/new-york-business-compliance-guide-2026">New York compliance guide</a> for additional requirements.</li>
<li><strong>Pennsylvania:</strong> Decennial report due every 10 years. No annual report required, but businesses must still maintain current registration information.</li>
<li><strong>Texas:</strong> No separate annual report. The annual franchise tax report serves this purpose (due May 15). See our <a href="/blog/texas-business-compliance-guide-2026">Texas compliance guide</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>States with Biennial Filing</h3>
<p>Some states require filings every two years instead of annually:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>New York:</strong> Every 2 years, $9</li>
<li><strong>Indiana:</strong> Every 2 years (odd years for LLCs, even years for corporations), $32 online</li>
<li><strong>Montana:</strong> Every 2 years, $20</li>
<li><strong>Minnesota:</strong> Every year for corporations, no annual report for LLCs (but an annual renewal is required)</li>
</ul>
<h3>States with No Annual Report</h3>
<p>A few states do not require annual or biennial reports:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ohio:</strong> No annual report for LLCs (corporations must file every other year)</li>
<li><strong>Pennsylvania:</strong> Decennial report only (every 10 years)</li>
<li><strong>Alabama:</strong> No annual report, but annual business privilege tax filing is required</li>
</ul>
<h2>Filing Deadlines: Common Patterns</h2>
<p>Annual report deadlines follow several patterns depending on the state:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Anniversary date:</strong> Many states set the deadline based on the anniversary of your business's formation date (examples: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan)</li>
<li><strong>Calendar year fixed date:</strong> Some states use a fixed date for all businesses, such as April 1 (e.g., Florida uses May 1, Kansas uses April 15)</li>
<li><strong>End of anniversary month:</strong> Your filing is due at the end of the month in which your business was formed</li>
<li><strong>Fiscal year based:</strong> A small number of states tie the deadline to your fiscal year end</li>
</ul>
<h2>Annual Report Fees by State</h2>
<p>Filing fees range from free to several hundred dollars. Here is a sampling of fees:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Lowest:</strong> New York ($9), Arkansas ($0 online for LLCs), Arizona ($0 for LLCs)</li>
<li><strong>Moderate:</strong> Colorado ($10), Georgia ($50), North Carolina ($25 for LLCs)</li>
<li><strong>Higher:</strong> Florida ($138.75), Massachusetts ($500 for LLCs), California ($20 for LLCs but $800 franchise tax)</li>
<li><strong>Highest:</strong> Massachusetts charges $500 for LLC annual reports, one of the highest in the nation</li>
</ul>
<h2>Consequences of Missing Your Deadline</h2>
<h3>Late Fees</h3>
<p>Most states impose a late fee if you miss your deadline. These range from modest ($25 in some states) to significant ($400 in Florida). Late fees are in addition to the regular filing fee, so missing your deadline always costs more than filing on time.</p>
<h3>Loss of Good Standing</h3>
<p>If your annual report is overdue, your business will lose its "good standing" status with the state. This can prevent you from obtaining business licenses, securing loans or investment, entering contracts with government agencies, and registering to do business in other states. A Certificate of Good Standing is frequently required for these activities.</p>
<h3>Administrative Dissolution or Revocation</h3>
<p>If you fail to file for an extended period (typically one to three years, depending on the state), the state can administratively dissolve your LLC or revoke your corporation's charter. This means your business legally ceases to exist. While most states allow reinstatement, the process involves additional fees, potential back-filings, and the risk that someone else may have registered your business name during the lapsed period.</p>
<h3>Personal Liability</h3>
<p>If your entity is dissolved or revoked and you continue operating, you may lose the liability protection that your LLC or corporation normally provides. This means your personal assets could be at risk for business debts and obligations.</p>
<h2>Tips for Staying on Track</h2>
<ul>
<li><strong>Set calendar reminders:</strong> Schedule alerts at least 30 days before your filing deadline</li>
<li><strong>Use your state's email notifications:</strong> Many Secretary of State offices send reminder emails. Sign up for them.</li>
<li><strong>File early:</strong> You typically can file your annual report as soon as the filing window opens. Do not wait until the deadline.</li>
<li><strong>Keep your information current:</strong> Having up-to-date officer, director, and registered agent information makes filing quick and easy</li>
<li><strong>Track multi-state filings:</strong> If you are registered in multiple states, create a master calendar of all deadlines. Our <a href="/compliance/california">state compliance pages</a> list filing requirements for each state.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Automate Your Compliance Tracking</h2>
<p>Annual report filings are just one piece of your ongoing compliance puzzle. Between tax deadlines, license renewals, insurance requirements, and regulatory changes, there is a lot to track.</p>
<p><strong><a href="/wizard">Use the SMBRegs compliance wizard</a></strong> to identify all of your filing obligations across every state where your business operates. Our tool generates a comprehensive compliance calendar so you never miss a deadline.</p>
<p>For more on keeping your business in good standing, explore our guides on <a href="/blog/small-business-compliance-checklist">the small business compliance checklist</a> and <a href="/blog/why-small-businesses-fail-compliance-audits">why businesses fail compliance audits</a>. Visit the <a href="/glossary">compliance glossary</a> for definitions of terms like annual report, good standing, and administrative dissolution.</p>