Colorado LLC Annual Report: Requirements and How to File

Colorado LLC annual report hands with calculator filling up a report

If you own an LLC in Colorado, one of your key annual compliance responsibilities is filing your business’s annual report with the Secretary of State’s office. This mandatory report keeps your LLC in good standing and ensures you avoid penalties from the state.

While it may feel like just another formality, it actually serves an important purpose. The annual report provides the state with up-to-date information about your business. This allows them to maintain accurate records on all LLCs registered and operating in Colorado.

Here’s everything you need to know about completing and submitting your Colorado annual report on time.

What is an Annual Report?

An annual report is a document that must be filed with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office by all LLCs in the state each year. Let’s look at what one includes:

  • Your LLC’s official business name and primary address
  • Names and personal addresses of your LLC’s members and managers
  • Current contact information for your registered agent
  • Your business’s purpose and industry
  • LLC’s EIN number (Employer Identification Number)
  • Your file or entity number assigned by the state upon formation

This may seem like mundane information, but it serves an important record-keeping function. Filing each year confirms your business details are still accurate and up-to-date in the state’s database.

It also shows your LLC remains compliant with state requirements and wishes to stay active. Failure to file could lead to your business being dissolved by the state.

Why is the annual report required?

So why does Colorado mandate this annual filing for LLCs? Several key reasons:

  • Maintains updated business records. Accounts for any changes to your LLC’s structure, leadership, registered agent, etc. over the past year.
  • Verifies your LLC is still active. Confirms you have not dissolved or abandoned your business. Prevents defunct LLCs from remaining registered.
  • Tracks compliance. Allows the state to monitor that LLCs are following reporting requirements. Non-compliance can result in penalties or dissolution.
  • Business data collection. Provides useful aggregate data about registered businesses operating in the state for analysis, planning, and policy making.

Overall, the annual report ensures the Colorado Secretary of State has current and accurate information on all LLCs registered in their state. This allows them to effectively monitor and communicate with businesses.

Annual report filing requirements in Colorado

Now that we’ve covered the purpose of the annual report, let’s look at some key requirements for completing it:

  • Due date: Annual reports must be filed by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month each year. This is the same month in which your original articles of organization were filed.
  • Filing fee: There is a $10 fee to submit the annual report, due upon filing each year.
  • Online filing: Reports can be filed online through the Secretary of State’s website. You will need to create an account to access the online filing system.
  • Paper filing: Alternatively, you can file the report by mail by downloading and printing the form to send in.
  • Required information: The report must include your official LLC name, primary address, names/addresses of members and managers, registered agent details, EIN, purpose, industry and state file number.
  • Late fees: A $20 late fee applies if the report is filed within 90 days of the due date. After 90 days, the fee jumps to $50.

As long as you file on time each year with the required information and fee, you will meet Colorado’s annual report requirements. Now let’s look at how to actually complete the filing.

How to file an LLC annual report in Colorado

When your LLC’s annual report deadline rolls around, you have a few options for completing the filing.

File the annual report online

For quick and easy filing, most LLC owners utilize the Secretary of State’s online filing system. To do so, simply:

  • Visit the Secretary of State’s website.
  • If you don’t already have one, create a user account to access the business section.
  • Log into your account, select your LLC, and click File Annual Report.
  • Fill in your business information – this will auto-populate from prior years to update.
  • Enter your credit card information to pay the $10 filing fee.
  • Submit the completed report – you will receive instant email confirmation of filing.

The convenience of filing online allows you to complete this compliance requirement from your home or office in just a few minutes.

File the report by mail

The other option is to file your annual report by mail:

  • Download and print the paper Annual Report form from the Secretary of State website.
  • Fill in all required LLC information. Double check accuracy!
  • Sign and date the completed report.
  • Write a $10 check or money order payable to the Colorado Secretary of State.
  • Mail the signed report and payment to:
    Colorado Secretary of State’s Office
    1700 Broadway, Suite 200
    Denver, CO 80290

Processing takes 7-10 business days. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail when processed.

While this paper filing method works, it takes more time and effort on your part. I recommend filing online for simplicity!

Hire a compliance service

Some owners utilize third-party services like us to handle their annual report filings for them. For a fee, a service will track due dates, prepare your report, file it on time, and provide reminders. This can be very convenient for busy entrepreneurs who want help remembering this annual requirement.

They take care of the paperwork so you can focus on actually running your Colorado LLC.

Consequences of failing to file the annual report

Now that we’ve covered how to file your annual report, let’s discuss what happens if you fail to file – which you want to avoid.

Late filing fees

If your LLC report is not submitted by the due date, late fees are incurred:

  • Up to 90 days late – $20 late filing fee
  • Over 90 days late – $50 late filing fee

You must also still pay the standard $10 on-time filing fee, even if filing late.

Administrative penalties

If your LLC misses 3 or more annual report deadlines in a row, the Secretary of State may:

  • Impose $50 – $500 in fines per late report
  • Refer your LLC to the Colorado Department of Revenue for further penalties

Multiple late reports indicate a pattern of negligence. Avoid these penalties by staying on top of filings.

Administrative dissolution

If you simply ignore the reporting requirement for too long, the Secretary of State can take action to administratively dissolve your LLC.

You would then have to go through the process of reinstating your LLC, which involves paying all back fees, as well as a $200 reinstatement fee.

Don’t let it get to the point of dissolution – stay compliant with your annual reports!

Don't delay - file your Colorado LLC annual report

Now you know everything you need to know about completing your mandatory annual report with the Colorado Secretary of State each year as an LLC owner. Don’t look at it as a burden; see it as a chance to confirm your business is active and compliant. Set reminders, make a filing routine, and consider automating the process through a service.

Your Colorado LLC depends on you submitting this crucial report on time every year. Need any help? Reach out – we’re always happy to assist. 

FAQs

You’ll need your official LLC name, registered agent details, EIN, business address, purpose, industry, names/addresses of members and managers, and state file number.

Yes, you can download the form from the Secretary of State website and mail it in. But online filing is faster and more convenient.

Your report is due by the end of your LLC’s anniversary month each year, based on your formation filing date. Set calendar reminders.

Consequences range from late fees, to administrative fines, to involuntary dissolution of your LLC if non-compliant for too long. Stay on top of this requirement!

The filing fee is $10, due annually upon filing your report. Late fees also apply if you miss the deadline.

No, this mandatory report is crucial for keeping your LLC in good standing. Failure to file could result in dissolution of your business.