LLC Annual Report and Compliance Calendar: What to File and When
Forming your LLC is a one-time task. Keeping it in good standing is an ongoing responsibility. Most small business owners learn about compliance requirements the hard way — when their LLC is flagged as 'not in good standing' and they lose the ability to sign contracts or open accounts. Here is what to track and when.
READY TO TAKE ACTION?
Use the free LaunchAdvisor checklist to track every step in this guide.
The Quick Answer
Every LLC must file an annual report (also called an annual statement or biennial report depending on your state) and pay a filing fee to maintain good standing. Deadlines, fees, and requirements vary significantly by state — from $0 (New Mexico) to $800+ (California). Set calendar reminders for every filing deadline and keep your registered agent current. A missed annual report can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.
What Filing Obligations Look Like by State Type
Annual report states: Most states require a yearly report. Some charge a flat fee ($25-$150). Others charge based on authorized shares or income. Biennial report states: Some states only require a report every two years. California: No annual report, but requires a Statement of Information within 90 days of formation and every two years after. Also requires an $800 minimum franchise tax every year regardless of income. Texas: No annual report for LLCs, but requires a franchise tax report annually if revenue exceeds $2.47M. New Mexico: No annual report. One of the lowest-maintenance LLC states.
Your Annual LLC Compliance Checklist
January: Review whether your state annual report is due (many states have April 15 or anniversary-date deadlines). Confirm registered agent service is renewed and current address is correct. Confirm business licenses are renewed for the year. Q1: File state and federal tax returns (or extensions). Pay any state franchise or minimum taxes due. April: Most states have annual report deadlines around this time. Check your state's specific deadline. Ongoing: Keep your operating agreement updated to reflect any ownership or governance changes. Maintain a separate business bank account and avoid commingling funds. Store all formation documents, annual reports, and tax filings in one place.
Consequences of Missing Compliance Filings
Administrative dissolution: Your state can dissolve your LLC for failing to file annual reports or pay fees. During dissolution, you lose liability protection. Penalty fees: Most states charge late fees in addition to the regular filing fee. Loss of good standing: Banks, landlords, and counterparties may check your LLC's good standing before doing business with you. Reinstatement: Getting your LLC reinstated after dissolution requires back fees, penalties, and sometimes a new formation — at significantly higher cost than staying current.
How Formation Services Help
ZenBusiness and Bizee include compliance alerts and annual report reminders in their plans. Northwest Registered Agent proactively notifies you of upcoming deadlines. If you used a formation service, check whether compliance alerts are included in your plan — this is one of the most valuable ongoing features. Harbor Compliance handles all ongoing compliance filings for you for a monthly fee.
The Verdict
Set three calendar reminders when you form your LLC: one for your state's annual report deadline, one for your registered agent renewal, and one for your business license renewal. Use your formation service's compliance alerts if available. The cost of staying compliant is $50-$200 per year. The cost of fixing a dissolved LLC is 10-50x more.
How to Get Started
Look up your state's annual report deadline and fee at your Secretary of State website right now. Add it to your calendar with a 30-day advance reminder. Confirm your registered agent is active and has your current contact information. If you want hands-off compliance management, ZenBusiness's worry-free guarantee handles annual report filing for you.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
ZenBusiness
Annual report filing and compliance alerts included in plans
Northwest Registered Agent
Proactive compliance notifications with registered agent service
Harbor Compliance
Full-service compliance management — never miss a deadline
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens if my LLC is administratively dissolved?
An administratively dissolved LLC still exists but loses its good standing. You cannot legally operate, sign contracts, or protect personal assets through the entity. Reinstatement requires paying all back fees and penalties — often $200-$500 or more.
Do I need to file an annual report even if my LLC made no money?
Yes, in most states. The annual report filing requirement is not tied to revenue — it is a maintenance requirement to keep the LLC registered in good standing.
Who files the annual report — me or my registered agent?
You are responsible for filing the annual report. Your registered agent reminds you of the deadline and may offer to file on your behalf (as a paid service), but the obligation is yours.
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