If you conduct business in California and operate as either a corporation or an LLC (Limited Liability Company), you will need to file a statement of information with the state either annually or bi-annually. If you fail to file on time, there are penalties, and the state could even suspend or cancel your business license.
What is a CA statement of information?
Another name for a corporate or LLC statement of information is called an annual report. The extent of information in the annual report will depend on whether the business is operating as a corporation or an LLC.
Corporations’ statements of information filings are much more detailed because they are required to report specific information, especially if the company is publicly traded on one of the stock markets. For example, a California corporation that was publicly traded would need to file a statement of information with California and file their annual report with the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).
LLCs’ statements of information filings are not as complex as one might think. In general, they will contain the following information:
- The name of the LLC
- The 12-digit Entity Number issued by the California Secretary of State
- The complete address of the LLC’s principal office
- The names of the managers and members, along with their business or residential addresses
- The name and address of the Agent of Service of Process
- A brief description of the type of business and primary business activity
- The complete name and address of the LLC’s CEO
- The name and title of the person who completed the statement of information and the date
Who must file a CA statement of information?
Any registered corporation or LLC conducting business in the state of California must file a statement of information. Even corporations and LLCs formed outside the state and operating as a business entity in the state must file a statement of information in California.
How often do you need to file a statement of information in California?
The filing periods for filing a statement of information depends on the business structure, as follows:
Corporations
- A corporation must file its initial statement of information within 90 days of registering the corporation with the California Secretary of State.
- Thereafter, a corporation’s statement of information is due every year based on the initial registration date.
- The filing period includes a six-month grace period that includes the five months preceding the registration month.
LLCs
- An LLC must file its initial statement of information within 90 days of the LCC’s registration with the California Secretary of State.
- LLCs must file a new statement of information bi-annually.
- The information due date is the initial registration date.
- The filing period includes the five months prior to the registration month, for a total six-month grace period.
In addition to the annual or bi-annual filing requirements, corporations and LLCs must file a statement of information in California at any time there are major changes to the structure of the business.
For example, if a new board of directors is elected, then a statement of information must be filed updating this information unless the business is within the six-month grace period. In that case, they would just update the information as part of the regular filing period.
How to File a Statement of Information in CA Using FastFilings
Statements of information filings are simple and easy when you use FastFilings. We take the guesswork out of knowing what form to complete and what information to provide, using the following steps:
- Step 1: Complete the secure online form and provide the requested information.
- Step 2: FastFilings verifies the information and completes the official statement of information form.
- Step 3: Before submitting the form to the state, FastFilings has the business verify everything is accurate.
- Step 4: The statement of information is filed with the state on behalf of your business.
To get started on filing your statement of information, fill out our online form at FastFilings today! You may also use our online contact form if you require further assistance or have questions.