Secretary Detzner Reminds Florida Business Owners to File their 2012 Annual ReportBefore May 1 to Avoid $400 Late Fee

Filing is quick, easy and secure, but late fees can’t be waived

Tallahassee, Florida –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner is reminding all active business owners in Florida to file their 2012 annual report before the May 1, 2012 deadline. The late fee for businesses that fail to file their annual report on time is $400, and late fees can’t be waived.

“Businesses have the first four months of the year to file their annual reports, but some businesses still fail to meet the deadline and ultimately have to pay the late fee,” said Secretary Detzner. “Filing is quick, easy and secure. In an economic climate where every dollar matters, I hope business owners will be careful not to miss the annual report deadline.”

Annual reports must be filed each year for all of Florida’s 1.5 million profit corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships to maintain their active status. The annual report is necessary to update and confirm the Department of State’s Division of Corporations’ records. Information in an annual report includes names and addresses of officers, directors, managers and partners; registered agent information and a federal employer identification number. The annual report is not a financial statement of a business entity’s activities.

Annual reports are due every year between January 1 and May 1. If a business fails to file their annual report by the 4th Friday in September, a business entity will be administratively dissolved or have its authority revoked. For a business to return to active status, an entity must reinstate and pay back fees.

To file an annual report, go to the Division of Corporations’ website at www.sunbiz.org and choose to file the report online. Payment can be made online with a credit card or a check can be mailed to the division with a voucher that is printed from the website.