How to File a Decennial Report in Pennsylvania

If you have a limited liability company (LLC) In Pennsylvania, you must file a decennial report to keep your business in good standing. But don’t worry – it’s a relatively painless process.

Read on to learn how to file your LLC’s decennial report in Pennsylvania. 

What Is a Decennial Report?

A decennial report, an annual report in most states, simply verifies your business information and tells Pennsylvania your LLC is still operating. 

Keeping up with decennial reports is a legal requirement that enables you to obtain a Subsistence Certificate, which a bank or creditor might request to confirm your compliance. 

In Pennsylvania, the following information is required for the decennial report: 

• Business name
• Primary business address

How to File a Decennial Report in Pennsylvania

To file your decennial report in Pennsylvania, visit the Department of State’s website to download the form. Unfortunately, you cannot file online, only by mail.

Your LLC needs to file a decennial report if your business has had no new or amended filings processed with Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations in the last ten years. Review your LLC’s filings within that period to determine whether your business needs to file. 

Every business in the state follows the same ten-year filing schedule. The filing years end with the number one, and decennial reports can be filed at any time during the year. 

If You Do Business in Other States

If you do business in other states, be sure to register in those states as a foreign LLC. For example, if your LLC is registered in Pennsylvania and you start doing business in Florida, you’ll need to register in Florida as a foreign LLC.

You’re generally required to register as a foreign LLC if:

• You have a physical presence of any kind in that state 
• You have employees in that state
• You regularly meet with clients, managers, or investors in that state
• You are licensed to do business in that state

Once you’ve registered as a foreign LLC, your business will need to follow the annual reporting requirements of that state and pay taxes in that state. 

In Closing

Filing a decennial report in Pennsylvania is relatively easy and crucial to smooth business operations.

Be sure to review all your business information and file your report on time to ensure your LLC remains in good standing.