Key Takeaways

  • A biennial report is a required state filing that keeps Iowa’s business records up to date with the Secretary of State.
  • All LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits operating in Iowa must submit this report every two years.
  • The report provides key company details such as the business address, Registered Agent, and management structure.
  • Iowa biennial reports are due between January 1 and April 1 of odd-numbered years.
  • Filing online through Fast Track Filing costs $45 and is processed immediately; filing by mail costs $60.
  • Failure to file results in delinquent status and possible administrative dissolution.
  • Even if reminders are not received, businesses remain responsible for timely filing.

An Iowa biennial report is required of all limited liability companies that conduct business in this state. This report must be filed every two years.

Intro to Iowa Biennial Report

Filing a biennial report is one of the most important requirements for LLCs in Iowa. By filing this report, you will be maintaining your company's good standing and complying with state regulations. You have the option of filing your biennial report online or via mail.

Understanding What a Biennial Report Is

A biennial report is a state-mandated filing that allows the Iowa Secretary of State to maintain accurate records about registered businesses. It confirms your company’s vital information—such as its principal address, Registered Agent, and management details—every two years. This ensures the state can contact your business, verify compliance, and keep public records current.

In essence, when people ask “what is a biennial report?”, it’s best understood as a business status update for the state’s official records. Filing it on time keeps your LLC or corporation in good standing and protects your right to operate legally in Iowa.

Who Must File in Iowa?

All active business entities registered with the Iowa Secretary of State—including LLCs, corporations (both for-profit and nonprofit), and professional entities—are required to file a biennial report. Foreign entities authorized to do business in Iowa must also comply. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are generally exempt since they are not registered at the state level. This requirement ensures the state has up-to-date information about each business’s status, ownership, and Registered Agent.

Exemptions and Special Filing Cases

Certain entities are exempt from filing biennial reports in Iowa. These typically include sole proprietorships, general partnerships, and some informal associations that are not required to register with the Secretary of State.

However, foreign LLCs and corporations authorized to conduct business in Iowa must still file their reports even if they primarily operate in another state.

Nonprofit organizations also have distinct reporting requirements—they must file biennially but may have reduced fees depending on their tax-exempt status. Businesses that have recently dissolved or merged must ensure that their final biennial report reflects accurate closure details to avoid future compliance issues.

Biennial Report Processing and Fees

The filing method you choose will determine both your filing fee and the amount of time it takes the state to process your report. When you file your Iowa biennial report by mail, you will need to pay a $60 filing fee. Once you have filed your report, you can expect processing to take between 7 and 14 business days.

Filing online only costs $45, and your report gets processed immediately. As it is quicker and more cost-effective, filing a biennial report online is the best choice for almost every LLC in this state.

Payment Methods and Confirmation

For online filings through the Fast Track Filing portal, payment can be made using a credit card, debit card, or eCheck. Upon submission, businesses receive an immediate confirmation email with a link to their filed report. This electronic receipt serves as official proof of filing and should be stored for business records.

If filing by mail, checks or money orders should be made payable to the Iowa Secretary of State. Since mailed filings take longer to process, it’s advisable to file at least two weeks before the April 1 deadline to avoid delays.

Information Required on the Report

When completing the biennial report, you’ll need to provide:

  • Your official business name as registered with the Secretary of State.
  • The principal office address of the company.
  • The name and physical street address of your Iowa Registered Agent.
  • Names and addresses of officers, directors, or LLC members/managers.
  • A valid email address for future filing reminders.

Accurate information is essential; errors or omissions can delay processing or result in compliance issues.

Biennial Report Due Date

Your LLC must file its initial biennial report in the first odd-numbered year after the year in which you establish your company. During this odd-numbered year, you will need to file your report sometime between January 1 and April 1. After this first report, you will file subsequent biennial reports on all odd-numbered years.

For example, if you formed your LLC in 2018, then you would need to file your initial report in 2019, and then every two years after this point. On the other hand, if you established your LLC in 2019, an odd-numbered year, you wouldn't file your first report until 2021, which is the next odd-numbered year.

How the Reporting Cycle Works

The biennial reporting cycle is based on odd-numbered years, but it also depends on your formation date. All entities, regardless of formation year, must submit their report during the January 1 to April 1 window of the relevant filing year.

The Iowa Secretary of State’s office uses these filings to verify that companies are still active. Missing or inaccurate submissions can cause discrepancies in public records, affecting your company’s ability to secure contracts or financing.

It’s important to note that filing early—especially online—helps ensure any corrections can be made before the statutory deadline.

Tips for Meeting the Deadline

To avoid last-minute problems, businesses should:

  • Mark biennial report deadlines on their compliance calendar.
  • File online early in the January–April window for faster confirmation.
  • Confirm their Registered Agent’s mailing and email address are correct to ensure reminders are received.
  • Keep a digital or physical record of each submission for future reference.

Filing on time not only keeps your business in good standing but also avoids late fees, reinstatement costs, or administrative dissolution.

Consequences for Not Filing a Report

LLCs that fail to file their report by the April 1 deadline will receive a status of ‘delinquent.' If you do not submit the report by August of the same year, the state will dissolve your LLC. Make sure to file your biennial report on time so that your company will remain in good standing and can continue operations.

How to Recover from Administrative Dissolution

If your business has been administratively dissolved for failing to file a biennial report, you can apply for reinstatement. To do this, you must:

  • File all overdue biennial reports
  • Pay any delinquent and reinstatement fees
  • Correct any outdated or inaccurate business details

Once approved, your company’s good standing is restored. However, failure to file for extended periods can cause the Secretary of State to revoke your business privileges permanently, requiring a new registration. Consistent compliance avoids these costly and time-consuming steps.

Reinstating a Dissolved Business

If your LLC or corporation is administratively dissolved for failing to file, you may apply for reinstatement with the Iowa Secretary of State. This requires:

  • Filing all past-due biennial reports.
  • Paying delinquent filing fees plus a reinstatement fee.
  • Correcting any missing or inaccurate information on file.

While reinstatement restores your business, the lapse can impact contracts, financing, and legal protections. Proactive filing is always preferable to reinstatement.

State Filing Reminder

Iowa wants to make sure that all LLCs file their biennial report on time, which is why the state mails reminder cards on odd-numbered years. The green reminder post card gets mailed to your Registered Agent in January of the year your report is due. On the postcard, you will notice two numbers: A corporation number and a temporary passcode. You will use your temporary passcode to file your report, whether you choose to do so online or by mail.

You can contact the Secretary of State if you have not received your passcode. If your Registered Agent has an email address, they will also receive an electronic reminder. Your Registered Agent will also receive reminders about future due dates. Even if you have not received these reminders, you are still required to file your biennial report. Not filing your report can result in your company being shut down, and not receiving your reminders will not prevent dissolution.

Steps to Filing Your Report By Mail

You can follow this simple step-by-step guide if you wish to file your Iowa biennial report by mail:

  1. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State Website.
  2. Use your corporation report and temporary code to access your report. Then, select the ‘file by paper' option. You can find your corporation number on the SoS website, and you can call the SoS office if you haven't received your temporary code.
  3. Submit the email address of your Registered Agent. If there is an address listed, confirm that it is correct. Future reminders will be sent to this address.
  4. Read the instructions and then click the button labeled ‘click for your paper report.'
  5. Your biennial report will load after clicking the button. Print the report so that you can fill it out.
  6. Fill out your biennial report with all the required information. There are some questions that you will need to answer. After you're finished filling out your report, sign and date the document. Mail your report to the Secretary of State and make sure to include the $60 filing fee.
  7. Once you have submitted your report, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Typically, processing takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a receipt after mailing your report. You can check online to see if your report has been processed.

How to File Online

Filing online through Iowa’s Fast Track Filing system is the quickest and least expensive method. Here’s how to file:

  1. Go to the Fast Track Filing portal.
  2. Log in using your corporation number and temporary code provided on the biennial report postcard.
  3. Select your business from the dashboard.
  4. Enter or update your Registered Agent details, principal office address, and member/manager or officer information.
  5. Review your entries carefully to ensure accuracy.
  6. Submit payment of $45 via credit card or electronic check.
  7. Download or print your filing confirmation for your records.

Online reports are processed immediately, which is especially valuable if you’re filing close to the April 1 deadline.

Tips for Using Iowa’s Fast Track Filing System

Iowa’s Fast Track Filing system simplifies the reporting process. Before starting, ensure your business email address and Registered Agent information are current. Here are key tips for success:

  1. Create an Account Early: New users should set up their login credentials before the filing window opens.
  2. Double-Check Information: Ensure your business name, Registered Agent, and management data match prior filings.
  3. Download Confirmation: Save a copy of your filed report immediately after submission.
  4. Use the Search Tool: The Fast Track Filing portal also lets you view previously filed reports, which can help confirm compliance.

If you experience technical difficulties, the Iowa Secretary of State’s Help Center provides a dedicated FAQ section and support email to assist filers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a biennial report and why is it required?
    A biennial report is a mandatory filing that updates the Iowa Secretary of State on your company’s key details. It helps maintain accurate state business records and ensures your company remains in good standing.
  2. How do I know if my business needs to file?
    If your business is registered as an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in Iowa—or if it’s a foreign entity authorized to operate here—you must file. Sole proprietors and general partnerships are exempt.
  3. What happens if I miss the April 1 deadline?
    Your company will be marked delinquent. If not corrected by August, it may be administratively dissolved, requiring reinstatement and payment of additional fees.
  4. Can I update business information when filing?
    Yes. You can update your Registered Agent, principal office address, and management details while submitting your biennial report.
  5. How can I confirm that my biennial report was received?
    Online filers receive instant confirmation via email, while mailed filings can be verified through the Iowa Secretary of State’s business entity search.

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