JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Secretary of State Robin Carnahan Thursday reminded Missouri non-profit organizations and businesses that their registration reports must be filed in her office by August 31, 2011.

“My office has worked hard to cut red tape and make these filings more convenient for Missouri businesses,” Carnahan said. “I encourage organizations and businesses to file their reports as soon as possible, and to save time and money by filing online.” 

New to many non-profits this year is the option to file a registration report every two years. Any corporation incorporated in an odd-numbered year may select this option for their 2011 report. Corporations incorporated in an even-numbered year may select this option in 2012. This change is part of the Red Tape Reduction Act, which was championed by Carnahan and passed into law in 2009.

State law requires that if a registration report is not received by the Secretary of State's office by August 31, a $5 late fee is assessed. In addition, failure to file the registration report by November 30, 2011, will result in the business being administratively dissolved under Missouri law.

Non-profit businesses and associations can save money by filing their registration reports online at http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/generalinfo.asp#annualReports. The fee for an online annual report filing is $10; a biennial registration report filed online is $20.

Alternatively, business owners can access and print a registration report form on the Secretary of State's web site at http://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/generalinfo.asp#annualReports. Registration reports not filed online should be mailed to the Corporations Division, P.O. Box 1366, Jefferson City, MO 65102. The fee for an annual paper filing is $15; a biennial paper filing is $30.

Non-profit corporations that have filed articles of incorporation in 2011 are not required to file an annual report until August 31, 2012.

Organizations and businesses without access to a computer or the Internet can call the Corporations Division toll-free at (866) 223-6535 to request a paper copy of the form. Questions related to registration report filings should be directed to the Corporations Division of the Secretary of State's office.