Introduction
If you’re running a business in California, you’ll need to file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. This document is an update on your business’s current information, including its address, the names and addresses of its officers and directors, and the type of business you’re engaged in. Filing a Statement of Information is mandatory and needs to be done every year for all California-based corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships.
Filing the document is reasonably straightforward, and it’s essential to stay updated with the latest information to maintain your good standing and comply with the state laws. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through, step-by-step, on how to file a Statement of Information in California, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all business owners.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to File a Statement of Information in California
Step 1: Visit the California Secretary of State Business Search page
The first step in filing your Statement of Information is to locate and visit the Business Search page on the California Secretary of State’s website. On this page, you’ll find a link to file your Statement of Information online.
Step 2: Enter Business Name or Business Entity Number
On the Business Search page, you’ll need to search for either your business name or your business entity number. Once you’ve entered your business entity number, you’ll be directed to the business information page, where you’ll find a link to file your Statement of Information.
Step 3: Sign in or Create an Account
To file your Statement of Information online, you’ll need to sign in or create an account with the California Secretary of State’s website. Be sure to fill in all the required fields to register with the site and log in to your account.
Step 4: Select ‘Statement of Information’ from the List of Options
After you log in to your account, you’ll be directed to the ‘Business Dashboard,’ where you’ll see a list of filing options. Click on ‘Statement of Information’ from the list of available options to start the filing process.
Step 5: Complete the Form
Next, it’s time to enter the required information on the Statement of Information form. The form will ask you for your business’s name, type, address, and other details, including the names and addresses of your Officers and Directors.
Step 6: Pay the Filing Fee
Once you’ve completed your Statement of Information form, you’ll be directed to the payment page. You’ll need to enter your payment details to pay the filing fee. The current filing fee for a Statement of Information is $25.00 for LLCs and Corporations and $20.00 for Limited Partnerships.
Step 7: Submit Your Form
After you’ve completed the payment process, you’ll be directed to a confirmation page, indicating that your Statement of Information has been filed successfully. Be sure to keep a copy of your filing receipt for your records.
Conclusion
Filing a Statement of Information may seem complicated, but it’s a mandatory process that needs to be done annually for all California-based businesses. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily file your Statement of Information online and stay up-to-date with the state laws. Keep in mind that failing to file your Statement of Information could result in high fines or even the suspension of your business until it’s filed. Make sure you’re aware of your filing deadlines and follow the steps to complete your Statement of Information filing correctly.