The Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division recently received several calls about a notice to file annual minutes for shareholders, directors, and officers for the princely sum of $125.  In fact, Washington state law does NOT require corporations to file their minutes from their annual meeting.  But these notices 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, who will look into it.  At this point, she recommends that anyone receiving one of these notices, be aware that annual reports, while required annually, only cost $71 and are filed through the Business License Services or our office. If they have received something and are in doubt, they should call our office at 360.725.0377 or visit our web site at www.sos.wa.gov/corps.

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 adviser. There are services that can help manage your records requirements, but do your homework and beware of potential scams and business identity thieves.