Key Takeaways

  • A PA docketing statement is a required form filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State when forming a new business entity.
  • The statement helps synchronize entity information with the Department of Revenue.
  • It includes essential details like entity name, formation date, tax contact info, and business activity description.
  • Filing the form is free but must accompany the certificate of organization or foreign registration.
  • Compliance with PA Code § 3706 and Department of State policies ensures valid submission.
  • The form helps agencies coordinate for tax and legal purposes.
  • Additional considerations include the impact on court appeals, timing, and common mistakes.
  • Templates and support are available for accurate filing, and legal help can be found via UpCounsel.

A docketing statement PA is a supplemental form that is used to create a new business entity in the state of Pennsylvania. The docketing statement will be included with the submission for your new business and certificate of organization when you file it with the Pennsylvania Department of State. The statement does not require any fee and will be required to include some basic information on your company such as:

  • The business name
  • Type of organization
  • Description of business activities

2016 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes: Docketing Statement

There are some general regulations concerning the 2016 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes requirements for docking statements. Requirements include:

  • They must be published in the Pennsylvania Code
  • They will not be integrated into a document that covers the requirements for filing
  • They may be required with a filing only if the notice of requirement appears on an official format for filing
  • They will not be required to be on department-furnished forms
  • They shall not be a filed document by the department for the purposes of any other provision of law

When being transmitted to the Department of Revenue, the docketing statement will need the fact and the date of the filing to which the docketing statement relates. If it is not required for a specific filing, the Department of State can transmit a copy of the filing to the Department of Revenue at no cost. The Department of State can also transmit a copy of the docketing statement to other agencies.

Relevant Legal Authority for PA Docketing Statements

The requirements for a PA docketing statement are outlined in 210 Pa. Code § 3706. This regulation authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of State to require a docketing statement for business filings and allows the Department to transmit these filings to the Department of Revenue.

Key points of the regulation include:

  • The docketing statement is not a filed document in the legal sense but facilitates communication between departments.
  • It must accompany filings where indicated by the Department of State.
  • The Department can forward the form to the Department of Revenue or other relevant agencies without additional cost.
  • The statement should not be confused with registration forms; rather, it supplements them for administrative processing.

Purpose of the Docketing Statement

The purpose of a docketing statement can be appealed in Superior Court. A form will need to be completed by the Superior Court and returned after 10 days of the appeal being filed. When deciding on whether or not a docketing statement was proper, the court may ask the following questions.

  • Was it filed in the proper jurisdiction?
  • Was the transcript paid for?
  • Are there other relevant cases?
  • What issues does the appeal note?
  • Were the parties of record and case caption entered properly?

While the docketing statement may seem like it is redundant paperwork, it can serve a valuable purpose for the Superior Court in the event they need to handle an appeal.

How the PA Docketing Statement Affects State Agencies and Appeals

Beyond facilitating initial business formation, the PA docketing statement plays a crucial role in agency coordination and appeals. The Department of Revenue uses it to establish a business entity’s tax obligations. In judicial settings, particularly appeals to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, the docketing statement helps the court confirm jurisdiction, ensure timely payment for transcripts, and identify related cases.

Failure to submit an accurate docketing statement may delay or complicate both administrative and legal proceedings.

Steps for Filing a New Entity PA Docketing Statement

There are a few simple steps to follow to complete your PA docketing statement.

  1. Check the appropriate box - You will need to check a box indicating whether you will be applying as a Pennsylvania business or a foreign business entity. If your business will be considered a foreign entity, you will need to include the state and country in which it was formed and the formation date.
  2. Choose an entity name - You will need to include the full legal name of your business including all necessary punctuation.
  3. Provide the names and mailing addresses of the individuals who will be responsible for the initial tax reports- You will need to indicate who will be receiving the initial tax reports from the PA Department of Revenue. You can also have these documents sent directly to your accountant.
  4. Describe the activity your business will engage in - Since your certificate of organization will already obtain a statement of purpose, you can simply copy this portion onto your docketing statement.
  5. Specify your date - You should list the future effective date of the start of your business.
  6. Add in your EIN - While many businesses obtain an Employer Identification number to perform business activities, some businesses are not required to have them. You should put off obtaining your EIN until your business has been approved and your documents finalized to ensure your name was accepted. If you do not provide your EIN on your docketing statement, but your business requires one, you will be responsible for providing it to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue once it is received.
  7. List your fiscal year end - Many companies will choose December 31 to conclude their fiscal year. This allows it to coincide with your personal taxes. If you decide that you want to use an alternative date, you will need to indicate it on your docketing statement.
  8. List of fictitious names - If you are operating as a DBA, you will need to file under your legal name and include your various fictitious names.

Downloadable Forms and Where to Access Them

You can find the latest PA docketing statement form (Form DSCB:15-134A) on the Pennsylvania Department of State's official forms page​. Ensure you're using the most current version to avoid processing delays.

The form is typically a one-page document and available in PDF format. Instructions are often included as a second page or separate resource to assist with completion.

Tips for Accurate Completion and Common Errors

To avoid delays or rejections, pay attention to these common filing tips:

  • Ensure consistency: The entity name and formation date must exactly match what appears on the formation documents.
  • Don’t file prematurely: Wait until your business name has been approved to avoid needing to resubmit with a revised name.
  • EIN timing: If you haven’t received your EIN yet, leave it blank—but remember to submit it later to the Department of Revenue if your business type requires it.
  • Use the correct address: The tax mailing address should be complete and current; incorrect addresses can lead to missed correspondence from state agencies.
  • Avoid incomplete forms: All applicable fields must be filled out, including the entity type, fiscal year end, and business purpose.

When and Where to File the PA Docketing Statement

The docketing statement should be submitted at the same time as:

  • Domestic entity filings such as the Certificate of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations).
  • Foreign registrations for out-of-state entities intending to do business in Pennsylvania.

You must file these documents with the Corporation Bureau of the Pennsylvania Department of State. Though no fee is required for the docketing statement itself, it will not be accepted as a standalone filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a PA docketing statement used for?
    It is used to provide business information to the Department of Revenue when a new business entity is formed or registered in Pennsylvania.
  2. Is there a fee to file the docketing statement?
    No, there is no fee to file the docketing statement itself, but it must accompany a paid formation or registration filing.
  3. What happens if I don’t submit the docketing statement?
    Your filing may be delayed or rejected. Additionally, it may hinder the Department of Revenue’s ability to process your business taxes.
  4. Can I update my docketing statement after submitting it?
    Yes, but updates must be sent directly to the Department of Revenue if your original filing has already been accepted.
  5. Where can I get help completing the form?
    You can consult the form’s instructions or work with a business attorney. You can find qualified legal assistance through UpCounsel’s attorney network.

If you need help with a docketing statement PA, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.