how to file biennial report

Is Your Iowa Business at Risk? How to File Your Biennial Report Before It’s Too Late

Filing your Iowa biennial report is crucial to keeping your business legally compliant. You can do it using our step-by-step video guide. Watch it here:

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For a business to be compliant, it has to pay taxes, follow industry regulations and meet state filing requirements. If you own an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in Iowa, you must file this report on time, or missing the deadline could result in your legal protections being removed. This blog explains why it matters, how to file, and what happens if you don’t file your biennial report.

What Is a Biennial Report and Why Does It Matter?

A biennial report is a simple filing that keeps your business active and compliant with the Iowa Secretary of State. It updates basic details like your registered agent, office address, and company status. The report confirms that your business us still active.

Who Needs to File?

✔ LLCs – File every odd-numbered year (2025, 2027, etc.).
✔ Corporations & Other Entities – File every even-numbered year (2024, 2026, etc.).

Since 2025 is an odd-numbered year, it’s time for LLCs to file.

What Happens When You Don’t File?

If you miss the deadline, the state will mark your business as inactive. Here’s what that means:

  • No legal protection – Without your LLC or corporate status, your personal assets could be at risk if your business gets sued. 
  • Can’t Do Business – An inactive status means your business can’t receive payments, enter into contracts, or operate legally. 
  • Costs More to Fix Status – Reinstating an inactive business takes more money and time, way simpler than filing on time. 

How to File Your Iowa Biennial Report

Filing your biennial report is easy, and you can do it online by following these steps:

  1. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State’s Website – Go to sos.iowa.gov. This is the official website where you’ll file your report.
  2. Log in ot Create an Account
  • If you’ve filed before, log in with your credentials.
  • If you’re new, you’ll need to create an account – you’ll receive an email verification to complete the process of registration.
  1. Find Your Business
  • Click “Online Filing” and select “FastTrack Filing.”
  • Use your business name or entity ID to find your company.
  1. Update Your Business Information
  • Review your principal office address and registered agent details.
  • If your information has changed, update it now.
  • LLC owners must now provide a principal office address, even if they didn’t before!
  1. Pay the Filing Fee
  • LLCs, LLPs, and Nonprofit Corporations filing fee: $30 for online filing and $45 for paper filing
  • For-profit corporation filing fee: $60
  • Pay online via credit card or electronic check.
  1. Submit and Keep Your Confirmation. Review all your information before submitting. Your report is now officially filed after receiving the confirmation receipt.

Filing your biennial report is an essential step to keep your business status active. Missing the deadline could lead to serious legal and financial consequences, so take action today. If you need a visual guide on how to file, watch the step-by-step breakdown from our YouTube channel or contact us for assistance.