Filing Your LLC Biennial Report in Iowa

As part of the process of starting an LLC in Iowa and operating it, you must submit documents to the Secretary of State to keep your business in good standing. Typically, LLCs must file an annual report, complete with information about the company, such as its address and the contact information for its registered agent. 

In Iowa, however, LLCs file a biennial report, meaning this document is only required every other year. If you’re coming up on your first deadline, here’s everything you need to know about filing an LLC biennial report in Iowa. 

What to know about the biennial report in Iowa

The purpose of a biennial report is to ensure that your business information is current and accurate. For example, the state needs to know where to send official correspondence regarding your company, such as tax documents, notices, and other pertinent information. The details in your report are also made public so that creditors, customers, and other interested parties know how to contact your business. 

The details of an Iowa biennial report include: 

• Business Name
• Registered Agent Name and Address (must be an Iowa address)
• Principal Business Address
• Signature and Title of the Person Filing the Report

If you are an LLC based in another state, you’ll also need to include the state in which your business was formed. 

Thankfully, Iowa has an online filing system, called Fast Track Filing (FTF). You can create an FTF account with the Secretary of State and submit this report along with other official documents. The cost for submitting online is $30. However, if you choose to mail a hard copy to the SOS office, the cost is $45. 

In Iowa, LLCs must submit their biennial reports on odd-numbered years, regardless of when the company was formed. For example, if you created an LLC in 2024, you must file the report in 2025 and again in 2027. The deadline for submitting the report is between January 1st and April 1st. 

How to file a biennial report in Iowa

Although filling out and submitting your biennial report is a pretty straightforward process, it’s important to know every detail beforehand. This way, there won’t be any surprises as you go through each step. 

Fill in the form with the required information

All LLCs must include the following information on the biennial report: 

• Business Name – If you’re operating under a fictitious name (aka a DBA), you do not put this on the form. Only put the official business name registered with the state. 
• Registered Agent Name and Address – Iowa requires all registered agents to have a valid address within the state, not a P.O. box. If you are acting as your own registered agent (e.g., with a single-member LLC), this address can match the company address. 
• Principal Business Address – If you have multiple addresses for your business (e.g., remote offices or work sites), only put the main address for your company on this report. 
• Signature and Title of the Person Filing – Iowa does not require original signatures, so feel free to use e-signature software if needed. The person filing the report should be a founding member of the LLC, a manager of the LLC, or the company’s registered agent.  

Choose one of the filing options

For most LLCs, the easiest and most cost-effective filing option is to submit the report via the Fast Track Filing system. If you have not created an account yet, make sure to do that well before the deadline, just in case. Filing online is quick and easy, and you can get approved immediately. 

That said, if you prefer to submit a paper form to the Secretary of State, you can send it to: 

321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319

If you mail a hard copy, make sure to send it at least two weeks before the deadline to ensure the SOS office receives it on time. 

Alternatively, you can use a compliance service to handle this process. In many cases, working with a compliance service makes the most sense because it ensures your LLC is always compliant and up-to-date with any rule changes. Although filing a biennial report is pretty simple, these service providers can help with all documents and correspondence with the Secretary of State’s office, including acting as your LLC’s registered agent. 

Pay the filing Fees

The Iowa LLC filing fee for submitting your biennial report online is $30. If you file a hard copy via mail, the fee is $45. When filing online, you must use a credit card to pay the fee. If mailing your report, you must include a check or money order with the form. 

Make sure you file on time

Iowa biennial reports are due between January 1st and April 1st in all odd-numbered years, regardless of when you formed your LLC. Even if you’re filing online, it’s best to submit the report at least two weeks before the deadline if possible to ensure compliance. 

What happens if I fail to file on time?

Unlike other states, Iowa does not charge penalties or fees if an LLC doesn’t file a biennial report on time (or at all). Instead, the Secretary of State will dissolve domestic LLCs or revoke foreign entities. If the SOS dissolves your business, you must re-file your articles of organization to get back in good standing. 

If you miss the deadline, you will have until August 1st to submit your report to avoid dissolution or revocation. 

The bottom line

Overall, filing a biennial report in Iowa doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. Using a compliance service can give you the peace of mind of knowing that your LLC is always in good standing, and you don’t have to remember deadlines or online account details. Maintaining your LLC involves a lot more than submitting this report, so it’s always good to trust the professionals. 

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