Key Takeaways

  • Iowa requires all LLCs and corporations to file a biennial report every two years to maintain good standing.
  • Reports are due between January 1 and April 1 of odd-numbered years, with the first report due the year after formation.
  • Filing online costs $45 and is processed immediately, while mailing costs $60 and takes 7–14 business days.
  • Failure to file can result in delinquent status and eventual administrative dissolution.
  • The Secretary of State provides postcard and email reminders, but businesses remain responsible for filing.
  • Filing requires accurate business information, Registered Agent details, and the correct fees.
  • Iowa biennial report instructions vary depending on whether you file online or by mail.

An Iowa biennial report is required of all limited liability companies that conduct business in this state. This report must be filed every two years.

Intro to Iowa Biennial Report

Filing a biennial report is one of the most important requirements for LLCs in Iowa. By filing this report, you will be maintaining your company's good standing and complying with state regulations. You have the option of filing your biennial report online or via mail.

Who Must File in Iowa?

All active business entities registered with the Iowa Secretary of State—including LLCs, corporations (both for-profit and nonprofit), and professional entities—are required to file a biennial report. Foreign entities authorized to do business in Iowa must also comply. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships are generally exempt since they are not registered at the state level. This requirement ensures the state has up-to-date information about each business’s status, ownership, and Registered Agent.

Biennial Report Processing and Fees

The filing method you choose will determine both your filing fee and the amount of time it takes the state to process your report. When you file your Iowa biennial report by mail, you will need to pay a $60 filing fee. Once you have filed your report, you can expect processing to take between 7 and 14 business days.

Filing online only costs $45, and your report gets processed immediately. As it is quicker and more cost-effective, filing a biennial report online is the best choice for almost every LLC in this state.

Information Required on the Report

When completing the biennial report, you’ll need to provide:

  • Your official business name as registered with the Secretary of State.
  • The principal office address of the company.
  • The name and physical street address of your Iowa Registered Agent.
  • Names and addresses of officers, directors, or LLC members/managers.
  • A valid email address for future filing reminders.

Accurate information is essential; errors or omissions can delay processing or result in compliance issues.

Biennial Report Due Date

Your LLC must file its initial biennial report in the first odd-numbered year after the year in which you establish your company. During this odd-numbered year, you will need to file your report sometime between January 1 and April 1. After this first report, you will file subsequent biennial reports on all odd-numbered years.

For example, if you formed your LLC in 2018, then you would need to file your initial report in 2019, and then every two years after this point. On the other hand, if you established your LLC in 2019, an odd-numbered year, you wouldn't file your first report until 2021, which is the next odd-numbered year.

Tips for Meeting the Deadline

To avoid last-minute problems, businesses should:

  • Mark biennial report deadlines on their compliance calendar.
  • File online early in the January–April window for faster confirmation.
  • Confirm their Registered Agent’s mailing and email address are correct to ensure reminders are received.
  • Keep a digital or physical record of each submission for future reference.

Filing on time not only keeps your business in good standing but also avoids late fees, reinstatement costs, or administrative dissolution.

Consequences for Not Filing a Report

LLCs that fail to file their report by the April 1 deadline will receive a status of ‘delinquent.' If you do not submit the report by August of the same year, the state will dissolve your LLC. Make sure to file your biennial report on time so that your company will remain in good standing and can continue operations.

Reinstating a Dissolved Business

If your LLC or corporation is administratively dissolved for failing to file, you may apply for reinstatement with the Iowa Secretary of State. This requires:

  • Filing all past-due biennial reports.
  • Paying delinquent filing fees plus a reinstatement fee.
  • Correcting any missing or inaccurate information on file.

While reinstatement restores your business, the lapse can impact contracts, financing, and legal protections. Proactive filing is always preferable to reinstatement.

State Filing Reminder

Iowa wants to make sure that all LLCs file their biennial report on time, which is why the state mails reminder cards on odd-numbered years. The green reminder post card gets mailed to your Registered Agent in January of the year your report is due. On the postcard, you will notice two numbers: A corporation number and a temporary passcode. You will use your temporary passcode to file your report, whether you choose to do so online or by mail.

You can contact the Secretary of State if you have not received your passcode. If your Registered Agent has an email address, they will also receive an electronic reminder. Your Registered Agent will also receive reminders about future due dates. Even if you have not received these reminders, you are still required to file your biennial report. Not filing your report can result in your company being shut down, and not receiving your reminders will not prevent dissolution.

Steps to Filing Your Report By Mail

You can follow this simple step-by-step guide if you wish to file your Iowa biennial report by mail:

  1. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State Website.
  2. Use your corporation report and temporary code to access your report. Then, select the ‘file by paper' option. You can find your corporation number on the SoS website, and you can call the SoS office if you haven't received your temporary code.
  3. Submit the email address of your Registered Agent. If there is an address listed, confirm that it is correct. Future reminders will be sent to this address.
  4. Read the instructions and then click the button labeled ‘click for your paper report.'
  5. Your biennial report will load after clicking the button. Print the report so that you can fill it out.
  6. Fill out your biennial report with all the required information. There are some questions that you will need to answer. After you're finished filling out your report, sign and date the document. Mail your report to the Secretary of State and make sure to include the $60 filing fee.
  7. Once you have submitted your report, you will need to wait for it to be processed. Typically, processing takes one to two weeks. You will not receive a receipt after mailing your report. You can check online to see if your report has been processed.

How to File Online

Filing online through Iowa’s Fast Track Filing system is the quickest and least expensive method. Here’s how to file:

  1. Go to the Fast Track Filing portal.
  2. Log in using your corporation number and temporary code provided on the biennial report postcard.
  3. Select your business from the dashboard.
  4. Enter or update your Registered Agent details, principal office address, and member/manager or officer information.
  5. Review your entries carefully to ensure accuracy.
  6. Submit payment of $45 via credit card or electronic check.
  7. Download or print your filing confirmation for your records.

Online reports are processed immediately, which is especially valuable if you’re filing close to the April 1 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do all Iowa businesses need to file a biennial report?
    Yes, all LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and foreign entities registered with the Iowa Secretary of State must file every two years.
  2. Can I file my Iowa biennial report late?
    Yes, but your business will be marked delinquent. If not filed by August, the state may administratively dissolve your company.
  3. Is filing online better than by mail?
    Yes. Online filing is cheaper ($45 vs. $60) and processed immediately, while mailed reports take 7–14 business days.
  4. What if I don’t get the reminder postcard?
    You are still responsible for filing. Contact the Secretary of State for your corporation number and code if needed.
  5. Can a dissolved business be reinstated?
    Yes, but you must file all overdue reports, pay outstanding fees, and submit a reinstatement application.

If you need help with your Iowa biennial report, you can post your legal needs on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.