LLC Annual Reports: What They Are, When They're Due, and What They Cost
An annual report is not a tax return — but ignoring it can cost you your LLC's good standing. Here's what annual reports are, when they're due in 2026, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
What Is an LLC Annual Report?
An LLC annual report (called a "Statement of Information" in California, "Periodic Report" in some states, or "Biennial Statement" in New York) is a mandatory state government filing that keeps your LLC's public record up to date.
Typically, an annual report includes:
- Your LLC's legal name and state of formation
- Your registered agent's name and address
- Your LLC's principal office address
- Names and addresses of members or managers (in some states)
It does not include financial information, profit/loss data, or tax information. It is purely a compliance filing to confirm your LLC is still active and that your contact information is current.
Annual Report vs Franchise Tax: What's the Difference?
These are often confused because they can be filed together or have overlapping deadlines. Here's the key distinction:
- Annual Report: A state compliance filing confirming your LLC's information. Filing fee typically ranges from $0 to $500+ depending on state.
- Franchise Tax / Annual LLC Tax: A state tax that some states charge simply for the privilege of operating an LLC in their state. This is an actual tax payment, not just a filing fee.
- Both at once: In states like Texas, the franchise tax report and any "annual report" are effectively the same filing. In Delaware, the LLC pays a flat $300 annual LLC tax (not technically a franchise tax, but functionally similar).
States With the Highest Annual LLC Fees (2026)
| State | Filing Type | Fee | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | Annual List + Business License | $350+ | End of anniversary month |
| California | $800 Minimum Franchise Tax + Statement of Info | $800 + $20 | April 15 (tax); varies (SOI) |
| Massachusetts | Annual Report | $500 | Anniversary date |
| Wyoming | Annual Report | $62 (min) based on assets | 1st day of anniversary month |
| Delaware | Annual LLC Tax | $300 | June 1 |
| Florida | Annual Report | $138.75 | May 1 (late: $538.75) |
States That Don't Require an Annual Report
A few states have no annual report requirement for LLCs:
- New Mexico: No annual report required. This is one of the reasons New Mexico is popular for low-maintenance LLCs. New Mexico LLC — No Annual Report →
- Ohio: No annual report required for LLCs.
- Alabama: No annual report, though an annual Business Privilege Tax return is required.
Even in states without annual reports, your LLC still has federal tax filing obligations, and you may still owe state income tax. "No annual report" only means you don't submit that particular state form — not that your LLC has zero ongoing obligations.
How to File an LLC Annual Report
- Find your state's deadline: Check your state's Secretary of State website. Many states send reminder emails, but don't rely on that.
- File online: Most states have an online portal for annual report filing. Search "[your state] Secretary of State annual report."
- Pay the filing fee: Have a credit card ready. Fees are typically paid at the time of filing.
- Confirm your registered agent: If your registered agent has changed, update it at this time.
- Save confirmation: Keep a record of your filing confirmation number and receipt.