Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

When is my annual report due?

Accepted Answer

States have different filing windows and deadlines, and submissions outside of those windows may result in late fees and penalties. For example, the California Secretary of State has a six-month filing window before and including the month of your business formation. Check your state’s filing window to make sure your order and paperwork can be processed on time. You can also get email and text reminders for annual reports and business income tax filings through our services.

Question 2

What are filing fees?

Accepted Answer

Filing fees include the required state fees and state expedited service, name reservation, walk-in, and other fees. See filing fees by state and entity type.

Question 3

What information do I need to file my annual report?

Accepted Answer

Generally, limited liability companies will need the most current name and address of the company, its registered agent, and its managers. Corporations usually need to list officers and directors, and may also need stock information. 
LegalZoom can help you determine what's needed for your specific state and business type.

Question 4

How do I get a Beneficial Ownership Information Report?

Accepted Answer

With LegalZoom, you’ll be notified when it’s time to file your report based on your business and your formation date. We’ll create an accurate report that includes the identifying information about the individuals who own or control your business. Then, we’ll timely file your report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and confirm successful completion for easy compliance and peace of mind.

Question 5

What is the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule?

Accepted Answer

This rule, under the Corporate Transparency Act, mandates the identification of individuals who benefit from a legal entity. 
The goal of this legislation is to provide transparency around business ownership structures. It helps the federal government crack down on financial crimes and fraud, such as money laundering, corruption, human trafficking, drug trafficking, tax fraud, and fraud against employees, customers, and other businesses. 
The Corporate Transparency Act is legislation that changes the reporting requirements for beneficial ownership information of business owners operating in the United States. It requires businesses to identify and document any person who holds a 25% or greater ownership interest or exercises substantial control over the company. 
Under the new rule, most reporting companies must file information on each beneficial owner with the U.S. Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN has developed a database that holds information about each beneficial owner documented by a reporting company.

Question 6

How do I determine if I'm a beneficial owner?

Accepted Answer

A beneficial owner is an individual who directly or indirectly: (1) owns or controls at least 25% of your company’s ownership interests, or (2) exercises substantial control over your business. If you're not sure, you can always talk to an attorney from our legal network.

Question 7

Do I need licenses for my business?

Accepted Answer

You'll most likely need a general business license to legally operate your business and comply with some of your local, county, state, and federal requirements. However, obtaining a general business license is just the beginning. Depending on your industry, location, and specific business activities, you may need additional licenses and permits. On average, our business license customers require an average of five different licenses to operate legally.

Question 8

When do I need a business license?

Accepted Answer

You should secure all necessary licenses and permits before beginning operations to avoid penalties. LegalZoom helps you determine what licenses you need, so you can operate legally from day one. Plus, we’ll help you track renewal dates and updates to stay compliant year-round.

Question 9

Who issues business licenses?

Accepted Answer

Licenses are issued at multiple levels of government—city, county, state, and federal. Depending on your business, you may need to apply with several agencies. LegalZoom’s service simplifies this by identifying the licenses you need at every level and providing direct links to apply.

Question 10

Why are business licenses required?

Accepted Answer

Licenses protect public health and safety while holding businesses accountable. For example, zoning permits ensure proper use of property, while health permits regulate food safety. LegalZoom helps you identify and manage these requirements, so your business operates legally and confidently.

Question 11

Do all businesses need licenses?

Accepted Answer

Most businesses will require multiple licenses to operate legally. Determining what you need can be complex, as requirements vary by industry, location, and activities. LegalZoom takes the guesswork out by delivering a personalized report of licenses tailored to your business.

Question 12

What are some common licenses and permits?

Accepted Answer

Common examples include: 
Home occupation permit: For businesses run from a residence. 
Zoning permit: To ensure compliance with local zoning laws. 
Seller’s permit: Required to collect sales tax on taxable goods. 
Health permit: For food service businesses to ensure safety standards. 
Our service helps identify the specific permits your business needs.

Question 13

What business licenses do I need?

Accepted Answer

The licenses you need depend on your industry, business activities, and location. For example, construction companies may need building permits, while retailers require sales tax permits. LegalZoom provides a custom report outlining the specific licenses your business needs to comply with federal, state, and local regulations.

Question 14

What do I need to do to stay compliant with business licenses and permits on an ongoing basis?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing compliance involves tracking expiration dates, renewing licenses on time, and monitoring regulatory changes that affect your business. LegalZoom’s subscription provides renewal reminders, updates on regulatory changes, and a centralized platform to manage your licenses, so you can focus on running your business.

Question 15

What is LegalZoom's Compliance Filings package?

Accepted Answer

Compliance Filings helps your business stay in good standing by handling key state filing requirements. This includes guided setup and completion of annual reports, amendments, and Beneficial Ownership Information Reports (BOIR). You’ll also receive alerts for important deadlines and regulatory updates, reviewed by our attorneys, to help ensure compliance year-round.

Question 16

What is LegalZoom's Compliance Filings plus Licenses & Permits package?

Accepted Answer

This package includes everything in Compliance Filings, plus a customized report of required federal, state, and local licenses, permits, and registrations. You’ll get step-by-step guidance to apply for licenses, access to all required applications, and ongoing notifications for renewals and regulatory changes. Our compliance specialists provide personalized support to help manage licensing and filing requirements with confidence.

Complete compliance support for your business

Call an agent at (855) 692-3700