Guides
Guides on state filings, deadlines, and good standing
Every guide is written from the state’s own source and dated, the same standard we hold our state pages to. No advice, no scare tactics. Just what a deadline is, what it costs, and what happens if you miss it.
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Comparisons
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See comparisonsDeadlines & Penalties
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See deadlines & penaltiesDissolution & Reinstatement
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See dissolution & reinstatementFederal Compliance
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See federal complianceForeign Qualification
1 guide
See foreign qualificationGood Standing Certificates
1 guide
See good standing certificatesRegistered Agent
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See registered agentState Annual Reports
5 guides
See state annual reportsLatest guides
Administrative Dissolution and How to Reinstate Your Company
Administrative dissolution is the state dissolving your company for missed filings or fees. Here is what it means for your liability and name, and how reinstatement works.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent? The Honest Trade-offs
In most states you may name yourself as registered agent. Whether you should comes down to a public address, fixed business hours, and what happens the day you are not there.
Delaware LLC Annual Franchise Tax: Deadline, Fee, and How to Pay
A Delaware LLC pays a flat annual franchise tax rather than filing an annual report. Here is the amount, the June 1 deadline, the late penalty, and how to pay the state directly.
How to Get an EIN Free from the IRS
An EIN is your business's federal tax ID. The IRS issues it for free, and you can apply directly. Here is what it is, who needs one, and exactly how to get it.
How to Properly Dissolve an LLC
Closing an LLC properly protects you from lingering fees and liability. Here are the steps: internal vote, winding up, filing dissolution, final taxes, and closing accounts.
LLC vs. Corporation: How the Choice Affects Your Filings
Choosing between an LLC and a corporation changes your ongoing filing and compliance burden, not only your taxes. Here is a practical, filings-focused comparison.
Maryland Annual Report (Form 1): April 15 Deadline and Fee
Maryland LLCs and corporations file the Annual Report (Form 1) with SDAT by April 15, sometimes with a Personal Property Return. Here is the fee, deadline, and how to file.
Massachusetts LLC Annual Report: Deadline, Fee, and How to File
A Massachusetts LLC files its annual report by the anniversary of formation. Here is the fee, the deadline, what it includes, and how to file directly with the state.
Pennsylvania's New Annual Report Requirement: What LLCs Must Do
Pennsylvania switched from a once-a-decade report to an annual report starting in 2025. Here is the LLC deadline, the fee, and why the 2027 enforcement date matters.
The BOI Report Explained (Beneficial Ownership Information)
The BOI report is a federal beneficial-ownership filing under the Corporate Transparency Act. What it is is stable; who has to file it has changed repeatedly, so always confirm current rules at FinCEN.
What Happens If You Miss Your Annual Report
Missing an annual report deadline sets off a predictable escalation: late fees, loss of good standing, then administrative dissolution. Here is what happens and how to recover.
What Is Foreign Qualification? Registering to Do Business in Another State
Foreign qualification registers your existing company to do business in a state other than the one where it was formed. Here is when it is required and how it works.
What Is a Certificate of Good Standing, and When Do You Need One?
A certificate of good standing is the state's proof that your business is registered and up to date on its filings. Here is when you will be asked for one and how to get it.
What Is a Registered Agent? A Plain-English Guide
A registered agent receives legal and state mail on behalf of your business. Every state requires one. Here is what the role actually involves and how to choose.
What Is an Annual Report? Deadlines, Fees, and Why It Matters
An annual report is a periodic filing that keeps your business record current with the state. Deadlines, fees, and names differ by state. Here is how it works.
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