Pennsylvania has joined nearly all other states in requiring businesses to renew their entities annually or biannually. Pennsylvania’s Department of State is requiring business owners operating in the state to file a new, annal report in effect as of January 6, 2025, which requires a yearly fee. The annual report will ensure that business registration information in Pennsylvania remains up to date, according to Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt.
Why an Annual Report?
The introduction of the annual report requirement in Pennsylvania is a significant change for business owners. By keeping registration information up to date, the state aims to create a more transparent and efficient business environment. Business owners should mark their calendars and ensure they meet the filing deadlines to avoid any penalties.
What businesses need to file?
Domestic and foreign businesses, including:
- Business corporations
- Nonprofit corporations
- Limited liability companies
- Limited partnerships
- Limited liability general partnerships
- Professional associations
- Business trusts
What information is required for the report?
- Business name
- Jurisdiction
- Registered office address
- Principal office address
- Name of at least one governor
- Officer names (if any)
- Department of State filing number
Note: The information submitted in the annual report will be available to the public, displayed on the Department’s website. |
What filing dates should business owners keep in mind?
Different entities will be required to file on a rolling basis as follows:
| Corporations: January 1 – June 30 |
Limited Liability Companies: January 1 – September 3 |
All others: January 1 – December 31 |
Is there a cost associated with the report required by the Secretary of State (SOS)?
Yes, there is a $7 annual fee, which is waived for nonprofits.
Note: It’s important to file this annual report not only to comply with the Secretary of State (SOS) but also to ensure the entity remains in good standing, as lenders, CPAs, and prospective customers often research this information. |
How will I know if my business needs to file?
The Department of State will contact businesses via email and postcard notifications to contact information on file.
Note: Owners can forward correspondence on to their CPA to assist with compliance. |
What’s the grace period?
Starting in 2027, failure to file an annual report will result in the administrative dissolution, termination, or cancellation of the business registration.
Where can I file?
Businesses can file online here. It is strongly recommended that businesses file online as it helps prevent costly mistakes and delays. The online form will populate with the company details currently on file, ensuring accuracy. Online submissions are processed instantly, and the approved report can be accessed within minutes, according to the SOS.
There are also step-by-step filing instructions available on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s website.
Bonus: Annual Report Background
The annual report requirement stems from Act 122 of 2022, signed into law by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. The legislation went into effect in the 2025 calendar year, imposing annual reporting requirement for most domestic and foreign filing associations. Since this legislation is a change for PA businesses, the Department of State is allowing a transition period. Beginning with Annual Reports due in 2027, associations that fail to file annual reports will be subject to administrative dissolution/termination/cancellation six months after the due date of the Annual Report.
Additional FAQs regarding the Annual Report can be found here.
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