New Annual Reporting Requirements for PA Businesses in Effect
By Benjamin R. Bostic, CPA
As of this year, all businesses and nonprofits registered in Pennsylvania must submit an annual report to the Department of State. This obligatory annual filing replaces the previously required decennial filing. These changes were instituted following the signing into law of Act 122 of 2022 by Governor Tom Wolf, which aims to improve transparency and accountability among businesses operating within the state.
The filing deadlines are as follows:
- Domestic and foreign corporations: January 1 - June 30
- Domestic and foreign LLCs: January 1 - September 30
A $7 fee applies to all filings, except for nonprofits.
It is also important to note that other domestic filing entities and foreign filing associations have until December 31 to submit their reports. However, most businesses will fall under the earlier deadlines.
NOTE: This state requirement is separate from the federal Beneficial Ownership Information reporting, paused by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Read more about this topic.
Entities Required to File:
The following entities must file an annual report:
- Domestic business corporations
- Domestic nonprofit corporations
- Domestic limited liability (general) partnerships
- Domestic electing partnerships that are not limited partnerships
- Domestic limited partnerships (including limited liability limited partnerships)
- Domestic limited liability companies
- Domestic professional associations
- Domestic business trusts
- All registered foreign associations
Filing Process and Required Information:
Submit the annual report form (DSCB:15-146) online at file.dos.pa.gov. You will need:
- Organization name and jurisdiction of formation
- Registered office address
- At least one board member's name
- Principal officers' names and titles
- Principal office address
- Pennsylvania Department of State Entity number
To file, you need to have an account in the Department of State’s Business Filing Services (PA Business One-Stop Hub). Log in to your account or create one if you don't have it already.
Once logged in, search for your business name and click on the icon for Annual Report. Confirm or update your information, then pay the $7 fee (nonprofits don’t have to pay a fee).
You will be able to download the filed report within minutes, as it is processed instantly by the Department of State.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Failing to file within six months of June 30 risks administrative dissolution. The Department of State will notify businesses, and an additional 60 days will be provided to comply. Dissolutions could start as early as March 2028 for those missing the July 1, 2027 deadline, given a three-year adjustment period. Establish filing routines now to avoid penalties.
The PA Department of State will send reminder postcards, but it is ultimately the business’s responsibility to file on time.
Next Steps:
With a three-year phase-in, it's important to quickly adapt to these new requirements. We recommend that businesses implement internal reminders and processes for timely compliance.
A related article for nonprofit organizations: https://www.cpabr.com/article-Important-Annual-Reporting-Obligations-for-Pennsylvania-Nonprofits.
The Boyer & Ritter team is available for any questions you may have.
Benjamin R. Bostic, CPA, is a principal of Boyer & Ritter with experience providing tax and accounting services for closely-held businesses and nonprofit organizations. Reach Ben at 717-264-7456 or bbostic@cpabr.com.