Iowa LLC Biennial Report

Once you have formed your Iowa LLC, you must stay on top of your state’s filing deadlines (biennial report) in order to stay in good standing and avoid unnecessary fines or penalties.

This article answers the following questions for an Iowa LLC:

1. What is a biennial report?
2. How do I file a biennial report?
3. Should I use a registered agent service?

What Is a Biennial Report?

In Iowa, a biennial report is a regular filing that your LLC must complete every two years to update your business information, including:

• Principal business address
• Nature of business activity

The purpose of this report is to keep your business records up to date with the State of Iowa. This allows creditors and other interested parties to look up your business address in case they need to contact you. The government uses this information to track the payment of your LLC state taxes.

Ready to form an Iowa LLC? Read our best llc services review to find the right formation service for you.

How Do I File a Biennial Report?

You can file your Iowa LLC biennial report through the Secretary of State website. You can choose to file a biennial report without signing in to Fast Track Filing by searching for your business name or business account number.

File Your Iowa Biennial Report

File Online or by Mail With Iowa Fast Track Filing

Fee: $30 online, $45 by mail

Mailing Address:
Secretary of State
First Floor, Lucas Building
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319

Due Date: Iowa LLC biennial reports are due between January 1 and April 1 every second year.

Late Filings: Filings received after April 1 will place your LLC in “Delinquent” status with the state. Further failure to file a biennial report could result in the dissolution of your Iowa LLC.

Should I Use a Registered Agent Service?

A registered agent is a person or business nominated by your company to officially receive and send papers on your behalf. By using a registered agent service, you can ensure that your LLC's reports are always filed on time to the appropriate government agency. Here are the three main advantages to using a registered agent service for your LLC:

1. Avoid late filing penalties: The Secretary of State can dissolve an Iowa LLC if it does not file a biennial report. A registered agent service will notify you when reports are due, and they can also submit the filing for you for an additional fee.
2. Gain flexibility: A registered agent service can receive and send documents for your LLC during regular business hours so that you don’t have to be on the job from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every week. You can also use a registered agent service to form an LLC in other states where you don't already have an established business presence.
3. Maintain privacy: Using a registered agent service allows you to keep your personal address off of public records, ensuring your privacy. Additionally, if someone sues your LLC, the lawsuit will be served to the registered agent’s address rather than your place of business.

Learn more about getting an Iowa registered agent by reading our guide.

Recommended: Northwest provides free registered agent service for the first year as part of their LLC packages.