Sort the advertising that follows a new business filing
Sort each piece into one of three groups: something an agency sent about your filing, something from a provider you actually hired, or a promotion from a company you have never dealt with. Advertising can turn up in the second and third groups, but the third is where most of the cleanup happens. Do not assume a notice is required because it looks official or names your new business.
Sort each piece before you act
- Read the sender's name and return address on every piece. Do not rely on a seal, a state-style header or the word "filing" in the headline.
- For anything that claims a filing, fee or deadline, find the agency's website yourself instead of using the mailer's link or phone number. Check there whether the obligation exists and what the agency itself charges.
- Compare the remaining pieces with what you ordered, such as a registered agent or formation service. Mail from a provider you hired goes in a separate group from mail sent by strangers.
- For senders you did not hire, write down the company name and the offer. These are your promotional candidates.
- Leave anything unresolved in the agency-check group so a real notice is not thrown out with the advertising.
Why the look of a mailer proves little
The FTC lists fake invoices, unordered goods, directory listings and government impersonation as risks for businesses and nonprofits. It also says to check purchases and invoices against approved records before paying. If a piece resembles a bill, check it before paying.
The envelope does not show where the sender got your details, and a company name alone does not prove any link to an agency. Leave that question open. Keep invoices and legal notices in your own files and handle them directly with the agency or provider.
Private worksheet
Example for your own use. Replace the bracketed details and review what you share.
Hand off the promotional group
Give the promotional candidates to one person authorized to speak for the business. That person can ask each named sender whether it offers a postal advertising opt-out and record the answer beside the company name. For a provider you hired, ask whether it offers a promotional mail choice separate from service correspondence.
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