The Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division has recently received calls about a mysterious notice to file annual minutes for shareholders, directors, and officers.  In fact, Washington state law doesn’t require corporations to file their minutes from their annual meeting.  These notices are reported to look like an official state request and contain language that a filing is needed or required.

Corporations and Charities Division Director Pam Floyd has turned over the information the division has received to the consumer protection arm of the state Attorney General’s Office, which will look into it.  At this point, it may not be illegal, but would certainly scam people into spending $120 that they are not required to spend.

State law does require a corporation or LLC to file an annual report of officers and other basic information.   Forms are mailed each year to businesses registered with the Secretary of State from Business Licensing Service and may be completed on paper or online at www.bls.wa.gov .

Depending on your business structure, you may have different filing requirements with the state.  Please be aware of and maintain your corporate records, consulting with your legal or financial advisor. There are services that can help manage your records requirements, but do your homework and beware of potential scams and business identity thieves.