State Filings
Easily stay compliant with annual reports and other state filing requirements
State compliance requirements such as annual reports and registered agents are the last thing business owners want to spend time on. They’re a gray area of responsibility and fall through the cracks if not proactively managed. Filing on time protects your business’s legal status, maintains limited liability protections, and avoids costly penalties and administrative dissolution. Non-compliance could jeopardize your ability to secure loans, investors, customer or vendor contracts, or legal protections for business owners. SmartBooks offers a platform to efficiently manage all this in one place, saving you time, money, and frustration.
Annual Reports
Easily file on time and protect your business from risks and late fees
SmartBooks prepares annual reports for each state in which you file. We can advise in which states you have operational “nexus” and thus an obligation to register and file. We prepare reports using information from the prior year’s report and updated information you provide. You receive a notification when the report is ready for review. You then review the report, make any final updates, and pay the filing fee. The annual report is then filed. Simple, efficient, and multiple state filings are all managed in one portal.
Registered Agent Service
Manage Registered Agent service efficiently alongside other compliance filings
Every state requires that business entities organized or operating in the state maintain a valid Registered Agent to receive official mail (legal documents, state compliance notices, etc) with a mailing address within the state. If you operate outside your home state, you’ll need a Registered Agent in those states even if you as the owner serves as the Registered Agent in your home state. If you operate from a home address, using a registered agent service shields your home address from public business records. Our Registered Agent service receives mail on your behalf and forwards it to you, usually in electronic form with original paper forwarding options in some cases.
Certificates of Good Standing
Efficiently obtain certificates when needed for vendors, customers, lenders, and other parties
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by a state’s Secretary of State that confirms your business entity is:
- Legally registered and active
- Current on all state fees, taxes, and required filings (e.g., annual reports or franchise taxes)
- In compliance with state laws
- Authorized to transact business in that state
It is often needed to open financial accounts, apply for loans, register in other states, conduct business with certain vendors or customers, maintaining business licenses, and other situations.
Articles of Organization
Efficiently file articles of organization for new business entities
Your Articles of Organization is the official document you file with a state to legally create a business entity. For corporations, it is called the Articles of Incorporation. You provide the state with basic information about the business. Once approved by the state, this document officially brings your business entity into existence.
It’s best to consult with a tax CPA prior to forming an entity to review entity type options for tax optimization and to determine related tax filing elections that might be needed. SmartBooks can advise on the most tax-efficient entity type based on your specific situation.
IRS Employer Identification Numbers (Business Tax ID Numbers)
Efficiently obtain an EIN for your new business to be able to open financial and tax accounts
Employer Identification Numbers are business Tax ID numbers issued by the IRS. They are needed for many things such as:
- Opening bank accounts
- Hiring employees
- Filing tax returns
- Receiving payments from e-commerce platforms
- Conducting business with customers who require a Form W-9 prior to paying you
- Conducting business with certain vendors who require a Form W-9
It’s best to consult with a tax CPA prior to applying for an EIN to review entity structure and related tax filing elections that might be needed.
Why Companies Choose Filing Services from SmartBooks
Save time
Managing filing deadlines and managing various login credentials is better invested in growing your business
Save money
Our fees are less expensive than paying your attorney
Avoid frustration
Doing it yourself is a pain for most business owners to endure
Ensure timely filings
Our automated system sends reminders as deadlines approach
Easily coordinate with your tax CPA
The SmartBooks tax team can access the portal and coordinate state nexus eligibility
One stop solution
One dashboard to manage multiple filings and services
The Finance Stack
Trying to scale and grow your business? It’s time to peel back the layers of your finance stack and start making improvements.
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