One requirement of maintaining an LLC or corporation in Iowa is filing a Biennial Report, commonly known as an Annual Report in many states. The Biennial Report confirms and updates the company’s information each year with the Iowa Secretary of State, such as the name and address of the owners, registered agent, and principal office address.
Who Needs to File a Biennial Report?
Domestic and foreign corporations and LLCs are required to file a biennial report every other year after the year the company was formed.
What is Needed to File an Iowa Biennial Report?
The Biennial Report can be filed online through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website using the Fast Track Filing System or filling in Form 48725.
The report asks for information such as:
- Business name
- Street address of the principal place of business
- Name and street address (P.O. Boxes are not allowed) of the Iowa Registered Agent
Filing is processed immediately when filing online or within 7-10 business days when filing by mail.
Iowa Biennial Report Cost
The Biennial Report filing fee for the Iowa corporation and LLC is $30.
Biennial Report Due Date
The Secretary of State’s office sends a reminder notice in early January. Even though a reminder is sent, it’s important to make an additional reminder for yourself should you not receive it.
The biennial filing is due every other year, depending on the entity type.
Corporation: File by April 1st every even year.
For example, your Iowa corporation was formed on January 1st, 2024. The Biennial Report deadline will be April 1st, 2026. You can file starting in early January.
LLC: File by April 1st of every odd-numbered year.
For example, if your Iowa LLC was formed on January 1st, 2025, the first report will be due on April 1st, 2027. Filing can begin in early January.
Iowa Biennial Report FAQs
My business made little or no money. Do I still have to file the Biennial Report?
Even if your Corporation or LLC has received no income or business activity, the Biennial Report still needs to be filed.
What happens if you don’t file the Biennial Report on time?
While there is no late fee for the Biennial Report, if it is not filed promptly, the Secretary of State will initially be put into a Delinquent status, which will cause the entity to lose its good standing with the state. Eventually, the entity will be administratively dissolved.
How do you change the Registered Agent?
While the Iowa Annual Report form asks for the registered agent’s name and address, the Registered Agent can’t be updated on this form. To update the Registered Agent’s information, fill out the Statement of Chance of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent. There is no fee to make the change.
Iowa Secretary of State Contact Information
The mailing address for the Iowa Biennial Report is:
Secretary of State
First Floor – Lucas Building
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
They can be contacted at (515)-281-5204 if you have questions.