Check an annual-report filing service offer
Before you reply to a mailed offer to file your annual report, check your state filing office for whether a report is due, when and for what fee. A private service can sell filing help, but its letter does not set your deadline. Compare the two side by side.
Line up the state's process and the offer
- Copy the sender's name, the filing named, the fee quoted and any deadline from the mailer.
- Type the address of your state's business filing office yourself and find its page on annual or periodic reports for your type of entity.
- Note the state's due date, its fee and how to file directly.
- Compare the two. Check whether the dates and fees match, and whether the letter says it is a private service or reads as though it comes from the state.
- Check your own records for whether the business has already filed this period.
Paying for convenience is optional
A service may charge more than the state's fee to file for you, and some owners will choose that. The problem arises if a mailer leads you to think you must use it or that it is the state. Do not guess who sent it, or how it got your address, from its appearance. The FTC lists fake invoices and government impersonation among business scams, so treat a bill-like layout as a reason to check your records before paying.
Private filing comparison worksheet
Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.
Put the state's date on your calendar
Add the state's actual due date and direct filing route to your calendar, whatever you decide about the service. If you do not want more offers, ask the named sender to stop mailing the business.
Official source
Keep personal records with the organization that handles them
Junk Mail Magic is for ordinary unwanted advertising. Use the official contact route in this guide for records, account changes or someone else’s correspondence.
Compare removal routes