Annual Reports

Learn how to file your LLC annual report, meet deadlines, and avoid penalties. ScribeCount simplifies compliance for your business.

Updated on March 13, 2025 by Randall Wood

Annual Reports - Image

Annual Reports


An Annual Report is required by your state in order to keep your LLC in compliance. This ensures them that your contact information is current and your LLC is in good standing. Fees and due dates will vary by state and range from $10/year up to $800/year.

WARNING: If you fail to file your annual report the result will be the state automatically dissolving or shutting  down your LLC. To renew it will cost you an additional fee. Most states (not all!) will send you a reminder, but it is wise to use one of your own to avoid a costly fee.

The Annual Report can take many names. These are some of the most popular ones you may see. They all refer to the same document.

  • Annual Report
  • Annual Statement
  • Biennial Statement
  • Decennial Report
  • Periodic Report
  • Statement of Information

Although they are referred to as “Annual” Reports, that is not an all-inclusive term. In some states your LLC may be required to file every year, in others every two years, and in a few, only every ten years. Be sure to research the requirements for your state and follow them accurately. 

Your annual report will include your LLC name, your office address, your registered agent information, and an LLC number from your Secretary of State. 

Note: The LLC number is the number that your state will use to reference and identify your LLC. This is not your EIN number.


Filing and paying your annual report:

In all fifty states and the District of Columbia, there are two ways you can file your annual report: by mail, or online.

Mail:

- fill out your annual report on your computer (or by hand).

- Print/make a copy for your business records

- Mail the original to your state, along with the required fee as a check or money order.

Online

- prepare and submit your annual report on the state’s website

- pay the filing fee with your company debit or credit card.

- Before you send the completed form off there should be an option to print it. There should also be a confirmation email or message once the file is successfully received. This should both be printed off for your records as well.


Filing Late

If, for some reason, you still forget to file on time, do so as soon as you realize the error. Yes, the state will charge you a late fee. This fee is expensive, but it is less than the cost of having to re-start your LLC from the beginning.

As we warned previously, should you totally forget to file your Annual Report the state will automatically dissolve and shut down your LLC. However, most will keep your information on file and charge you a fee for reinstatement, but some do not, and you will have to refile from step one to reestablish your LLC.


Where can you check the status of your LLC?

Every state has a portal with which you can view your LLC’s status. This is also where you will find the links needed to download and/or print the necessary form(s). The links to the various states’ websites can be found in the appendix.

Note: If you hired a company to form your LLC, then you need to verify whether they will file it on your behalf (and charge you to do so) or if you are required to do so on your own. Hiring a company to form your LLC does not automatically include them attending to the annual report. It is ultimately up to the  LLC’s manager to keep the LLC both in compliance and in good standing. When you hire a company to form your LLC, be sure to find out whether they will be filing your annual report, or if you are. Be wary of the fees associated.

Here is the complete list with links to each entity:


What do you put in your Annual Report?

Here’s a comprehensive template for an LLC Annual Report, which can be customized according to state-specific requirements. The content typically includes business information, governance details, and other required filings:

[LLC Name] Annual Report

Filing Year: [Year]
Filing Deadline: [Deadline Date]
State of Incorporation: [State Name]

1. Company Information

  • LLC Name: [Legal Name of the LLC]

  • Business Address:
    [Street Address]
    [City, State, ZIP Code]

  • Mailing Address (if different from business address):
    [Street Address]
    [City, State, ZIP Code]

  • Primary Email Address: [Business Email Address]

  • Phone Number: [Phone Number]

2. Business Activity Description

  • Nature of Business:
    [Brief description of the business activities or the purpose for which the LLC was formed.]

3. Registered Agent Information

  • Registered Agent Name: [Name of the registered agent]

  • Registered Agent Address:
    [Street Address]
    [City, State, ZIP Code]

  • Email Address of Registered Agent (optional): [Email Address]

4. LLC Management Structure

  • Manager-managed or Member-managed: [Select one]

    • If Manager-managed:
      • Manager(s) Name(s):
        [Manager Name(s) and titles, if applicable]
    • If Member-managed:
      • Member(s) Name(s):
        [Member Name(s) and titles, if applicable]

5. Officers, Directors, and Members

  • List of LLC Members or Managers:
    [Name, Address, Title, % ownership of each member or manager]

6. Annual Report Information

  • Changes in the LLC’s Business:
    [Any changes in business address, phone number, registered agent, etc. that have occurred since the last filing.]

  • Filing Status:
    [Indicate whether any legal or regulatory filings, taxes, or obligations are pending.]

7. Financial Information

  • Financial Status (Optional but may be required by certain states):
    [A brief financial overview, such as assets, liabilities, revenue, etc.]

8. Signature and Certification

  • Signature of Authorized Person:
    [Full name and signature of the individual completing the report]

  • Date:
    [Date of submission]

9. Filing Fees and Payment

  • Total Annual Report Filing Fee:
    [List applicable filing fees for the state]

  • Payment Method:
    [Credit Card, Check, Bank Transfer, etc.]

10. Additional Information (if applicable)

  • [Any other state-specific information or attachments that need to be included.]

Note: Make sure to check the exact requirements for your state as some states may require additional sections or documentation. Some states have online forms with pre-populated information, reducing the need for manual entry.


The state is primarily concerned with three things:

  1. Is your LLC still in business?
  2. Has anything changed?
  3. Where's our money?

If you answer all three to their satisfaction, you are good for another year.


Alternative Annual Reports (For employees and shareholders)

If your company is big or perhaps a global operation it might be a good time to give the employees and/or any investors you may have an annual report as well. If so you can easily write a alternative report.


EXAMPLE:


From the desk of Phil Memouthwithfarts, CEO, Kill Me Now Publishing LLC
Annual Report - Year Ending 2024

A Message from the CEO
As we close another remarkable year at Kill Me Now Publishing, I am filled with gratitude and optimism. What began as a bold endeavor has flourished into a dynamic publishing house, championing bold voices and unique narratives. The past year has been one of growth, innovation, and resilience, made possible by our talented team and our unwavering commitment to literary excellence. It is an honor to reflect on our achievements and set our sights on an even brighter future.

Company Overview
Kill Me Now Publishing LLC was founded with a singular vision—to amplify compelling stories that challenge conventions and inspire readers. Headquartered in the heart of Delmarva, we have cultivated a reputation for fearless storytelling and a keen eye for emerging literary talent. Our catalog spans genres, from contemporary fiction and poetry to thought-provoking non-fiction, all bound by a commitment to artistic integrity. Through strategic partnerships, innovative marketing, and a steadfast dedication to our authors, we continue to push the boundaries of independent publishing.

Our Mission
At Kill Me Now Publishing, our mission is simple yet profound: to give voice to the unheard, to champion bold storytelling, and to create a literary space where creativity thrives. We believe in the transformative power of words and remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive, dynamic publishing landscape that welcomes diverse perspectives and groundbreaking ideas.

Financial Performance
The financial health of Kill Me Now Publishing remains strong, reflecting our continued success in an evolving market. Revenue has grown by an impressive 18% compared to the previous fiscal year, driven by increased book sales, expanded digital distribution, and strategic licensing agreements. Our investment in high-quality marketing campaigns and digital platforms has resulted in a 25% increase in online engagement, further boosting book sales across all formats. Additionally, our careful financial stewardship has allowed us to reinvest in author advances, printing expansions, and new talent acquisition, ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.

Key Achievements and Milestones
The past year has been defined by several remarkable achievements. We successfully launched fifteen new titles, four of which became national bestsellers within their first quarter of release. Our imprint for debut authors, Fresh Ink, celebrated its first year with resounding success, providing a platform for new voices to shine. Kill Me Now Publishing was also honored with the Delmarva Literary Excellence Award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality storytelling. Additionally, our digital readership grew substantially, with a 30% increase in eBook and audiobook sales, proving our adaptability in the modern literary landscape.

Outlook for the Future
Looking ahead, we are poised for another year of strategic expansion and creative exploration. As we navigate the ever-changing publishing industry, we remain committed to embracing technological advancements and broadening our reach. Investments in artificial intelligence for editorial assistance, dynamic marketing strategies, and international distribution partnerships will further cement our position as a leader in independent publishing. The continued rise of audiobook consumption and direct-to-consumer sales presents new opportunities for growth that we intend to fully leverage.

Short and Long-Term Goals
In the short term, our focus remains on expanding our catalog with fresh and innovative titles while strengthening our relationship with independent booksellers and libraries. We also plan to enhance our digital marketing strategies to maximize discoverability and reader engagement. Over the long term, our vision includes establishing an in-house printing division to streamline production, launching an annual literary festival in Delmarva, and creating a mentorship program for aspiring writers and editors. By staying true to our mission while embracing industry evolution, we aim to ensure a lasting impact on the literary world.

Conclusion
As we celebrate another year of success, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our dedicated employees, our talented authors, and our loyal readers. Every milestone achieved is a testament to the passion and commitment that fuels Kill Me Now Publishing. Without the tireless effort of our incredible team, none of this would be possible. Together, we will continue to redefine storytelling, uplift voices, and shape the future of literature. Here’s to another year of inspiration and achievement!

Sincerely,

Phil


As you can see, Annual Reports are rather easy to produce. The greatest risk is missing the deadline and incurring costs, or plain missing it altogether and having your company disbanded by the state. Again, the calendar reminder is a your friend.


Randall Wood
About the Author

Hello, I'm Randall Wood. When I'm not pounding the keyboard or entertaining my giant dog I like to build tools for my fellow indie authors. In these articles, you'll find lessons learned over sixteen years spent in the indie author world. I share it all here to help you get one step closer to where you want to be. For More Details: https://randallwoodauthor.com/

For More Details: https://randallwoodauthor.com/

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