As a business owner, staying compliant with state regulations is crucial. Unfortunately, some companies exploit this necessity by sending deceptive mailings that can cause confusion and unnecessary expenses. One such entity, Corporate Compliance Center, has been circulating fraudulent “Annual Minutes Compliance Notices,” designed to appear as official government correspondence, creating a false sense of urgency for recipients.
What is the Corporate Compliance Center?
The Corporate Compliance Center is not affiliated with any government agency, yet they send out mailings like the one posted here that mimic official notices. These letters often include phrases like “Annual Minutes Compliance Notice” and request immediate action, implying that businesses must respond and pay fees to remain compliant with state requirements. It’s essential to recognize these mailings for what they are—scams intended to exploit businesses.
Understanding Your True Obligations:
The Annual Statement of Information
In California, businesses are required to file an Annual Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. This filing ensures that your business’s information is up-to-date and available to the public. If you are on our corporate maintenance program we handle this for you. If you aren't enrolled in that program or are just curious about your obligations, here’s what you need to know:
Frequency and Deadlines:
Corporations: Every corporation must file a Statement of Information annually, within 90 days of the original registration date, and then every year during the applicable filing period.
Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): LLCs are required to file every two years, within the month of the original registration date or within the five preceding months.
Filing Methods:
The Statement of Information can be filed online through the California Secretary of State’s website.
You can also file by mail using forms provided on the Secretary of State’s website.
Required Information:
The filing requires basic information such as the business’s address, principal officers, and a brief description of the business activity.
Fees:
There is a nominal fee for filing the Statement of Information, which varies depending on the type of business entity.
How the California Secretary of State Will Contact You
The California Secretary of State’s office sends official notices regarding the Annual Statement of Information. Here’s how you can identify legitimate communication from the Secretary of State:
Official Correspondence:
The Secretary of State’s notices will come on official letterhead and will clearly state that they are from the California Secretary of State’s office.
Direct Mail or Email:
Legitimate notices may be sent directly to your business address or to the email address on file.
Specific Instructions:
Official notices will provide specific instructions on how to file your Statement of Information, including the necessary forms and where to find them on the Secretary of State’s website.
No Demands for Immediate Payment:
While fees are required, official notices will not use urgent language demanding immediate payment or threaten penalties without proper explanation.
Protecting Your Business
To protect your business from fraudulent mailings like those from Corporate Compliance Center:
Verify Authenticity:
Always verify the source of any correspondence that requests payment or action regarding compliance.
Contact the California Secretary of State directly if you have any doubts.
Educate Your Team:
Inform your team about these scams so they are prepared to recognize and avoid them.
Report Fraud:
Report any suspicious mailings to the California Attorney General’s office or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense against scams like the one perpetrated by Corporate Compliance Center. Always ensure you are following legitimate procedures for your Annual Statement of Information to maintain your business’s compliance and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes. Navigating compliance requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Let us take the burden off your shoulders. Enroll in our Corporate Maintenance Package today and ensure your business stays compliant without the stress and risk of falling prey to fraudulent schemes. Our comprehensive service handles all your compliance needs, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business. Contact us now to learn more or click here to enroll and protect your business's future.