Key takeaways
- The name, date and fee all differ by state. Check your own state's rule.
- Missing a date can mean late fees, loss of good standing or administrative dissolution.
- An annual report is usually an update of your company details, not a tax return.
- Put each date in your calendar when you form, and keep your registered agent current.
What an annual report is
An annual report (some states call it a periodic report or a statement) keeps the state's record of your company up to date. In Florida, for example, it is not a financial statement or a tax return: it confirms or updates details on the state record, such as officers, managers, addresses and the registered agent. A name change needs a separate amendment.
Some states ask for it every year, some every two years, and some skip the report and charge an annual tax instead. That is why a single deadline for every LLC does not exist.
Deadlines in five states
| State | What is due | When | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Annual report | Every year, January 1 to May 1 | $138.75 for an LLC; $400 late fee after May 1 |
| Delaware LLC | No report; an annual LLC tax | Every year, by June 1 | $400; late adds $200 plus 1.5% interest a month |
| Delaware corporation | Annual report and franchise tax | Every year, by March 1 | $50 filing fee for most; franchise tax from $175 |
| California | Statement of Information (LLCs: within 90 days, then every 2 years; corporations: every year) | Within 90 days of registration, then as shown | $20 for an LLC; $25 for a corporation. The $800 annual LLC tax is separate |
| New York | Biennial Statement | Every 2 years, in the month you formed | $9 |
| Wyoming | Annual report and license tax | First day of your anniversary month; may be filed up to 120 days early | $60 minimum, or $0.0002 of Wyoming assets if greater |
Each state guide lists the full rules: Florida, Delaware, California, New York and Wyoming.
What happens if you miss it
It depends on the state and the filing. Possible outcomes include late fees, penalties, loss of good standing and administrative dissolution.
- Florida: a $400 late fee applies after May 1. If the report is still not filed, the state can administratively dissolve the business later in the year, and it must be reinstated to operate.
- Delaware: a late payment adds a $200 penalty plus 1.5% interest a month on the tax and penalty.
- Wyoming: an entity that has not filed within 60 days after the due date is subject to administrative dissolution.
How to keep track
Write the date in your calendar when you form the company, and check it again each year, because rules and fees can change. Keep your registered agent and your business address current so the state reaches you.
Our Annual Reports service tracks the date for you, and Business Compliance keeps your other recurring items in one place. You can also try the annual report finder.
Forming or operating in another state?
Our state guides are growing. If your state is not covered yet, ask us and we will point you to the right filing. A company formed in one state that does business in another may also need to register there; see Foreign Qualification.
