How to File a Statement of Information in Fresno

Located in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is a dynamic and thriving city known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and vibrant community. With a population of over half a million residents, Fresno stands as the fifth-largest city in the state, offering a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. In other words, it’s a fine place to start a business. But if that’s your plan, you need to know about California Statement of Information filings, and how you can fulfill your legal obligation to send in your paperwork on time and according to the state’s requirements. 

If you’re not certain how to complete your CA Statement of Information filing, you have access to all the assistance you need right here at FastFilings. With our simple online ordering system, you can get the process started in just a matter of minutes. There’s no easier way to ensure an error-free filing of your Statement.

What Is a California Statement of Information?

A CA Statement of Information is essentially the same type of document as an annual report. It plays a crucial role in keeping the state’s records up-to-date and providing the public with information about businesses operating within California. If you’re running a business in Fresno, understanding the process of filing a Statement of Information is essential. Let’s delve into the specifics of this requirement and its implications for Fresno-based businesses.

A Statement of Information lists the following key information related to a specific business:

1. Registered Name – The legal name of the business entity.
2. Secretary of State File No. – A unique identifier assigned by the Secretary of State’s office. Corporations have a 7-digit number, while LLCs have a 12-digit number.
3. Business Address – The physical street address of the business.
4. Mailing Address – If different from the street address, the designated mailing address for official correspondence.
5. Chief Executive Officer – The name and address of the CEO of the business.
6. Other Officers, Members, or Managers – Names and addresses of individuals holding key positions within the company.
7. California Agent for Service of Process – The name and address of the agent designated to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.
8. Director (for Stock and Agricultural Cooperative Corporations) – Name and address of the director(s) associated with the business.
9. Brief Business Description – A summary of the nature of the business.

Finally, the Statement of Information must be signed and dated by an authorized person.

It is important to note that Fresno businesses are required to use the correct form provided by the California Secretary of State‘s office. For corporations, Form SI-550 is used, while limited liability companies (LLCs) use Form LLC-12. Nonprofits utilize Form SI-100. 

Fresno does not have a unique city-specific Statement of Information form; businesses throughout California follow the same statewide filing requirements.

Which Businesses Are Required to File a Statement of Information? 

The following types of businesses in California, including those in Fresno, are expected to file a Statement of Information as per the state’s schedule:

• Corporations
• Limited liability companies (LLCs)
• Agricultural cooperatives
• Nonprofit organizations
• Registered foreign corporations conducting business in California

When Is a Statement of Information Due?

Understanding the filing deadlines is critical. A business’s first Statement of Information is due within 90 days of registering with the California Secretary of State. After that initial statement, corporations (including stock, agricultural cooperative, and registered foreign corporations) must file every year, while LLCs and nonprofits file every other year.

It’s important to send in your Statement within a specific six-month filing window determined by the month your business was legally formed in California. This window concludes on the last day of the calendar month in which the business was registered, and extends a full six months backward. In every case, the filing window starts on the first day of a month and ends on the last day of the final month.

For instance, if your Fresno business was registered on November 15, your filing annual or biennial period will start on June 1 and end on November 31. 

Remember, if you appoint a new agent for service of process or if their address changes, you are expected to file an updated Statement of Information promptly, even if your scheduled filing isn’t due yet. 

What If You Don’t File a Statement of Information? 

Failing to file a mandatory corporation or LLC Statement of Information can result in severe penalties imposed by the state of California. After the due date, the state sends a notice of delinquency, granting an additional 60 days to file. If the Statement of Information has not been received within 60 days of the delinquency notice, the Franchise Tax Board may assess a financial penalty.

On top of that, failure to file can lead to the suspension or forfeiture of your business. A suspended or forfeited business is prohibited from carrying out normal operations within the state. Moreover, if another entity decides to register the same name as your suspended/forfeited business, you may permanently lose the right to use that name.

To avoid these consequences and ensure compliance, Fresno-based businesses must prioritize the timely filing of their Statement of Information. Stay organized and mark the due dates on your calendar to avoid any oversights.

Filing Your Statement of Information

Although you can always file your LLC or corporate Statement of Information directly with the California Secretary of State’s office, FastFilings has an easier way. For a modest filing fee and a few minutes of your time, you’ll be able to file your Statement for the year. Get started now!