Year-End Business Checklist: What Every LLC and Corporation Must File Before December 31
Halloween’s ghosts have vanished, and Christmas elves have already invaded every aisle — the holidays are here! But before you swap your desk for eggnog and holiday cheer, make sure your business isn’t playing hide-and-seek with its paperwork. Check your LLC or S-Corp boxes like a pro: licenses, taxes, filings — no spooky surprises allowed this season. Because nothing says “holiday spirit” like a business that’s as ready as Santa’s sleigh!
From annual reports to tax filings, there are several critical deadlines that can impact your LLC or corporation’s good standing with the state. Missing even one could mean late fees, penalties, or even business suspension.
Here’s your simple, step-by-step checklist to finish the year strong — and head into 2026 compliant, confident, and ready to grow.
1. File Your Annual or Biennial Report (Statement of Information)
Most states — including California — require every LLC and corporation to file a Statement of Information (SOI) either annually or every two years.
This filing updates your company’s key details:
Business address
Officers or members
Registered agent information
If your filing is overdue or due before year-end, file it now. Failing to file can lead to state penalties or even suspension.
💡 Pro Tip: With SimpleShield™ Compliance Protection, we monitor and file your SOI automatically, so you never miss a deadline again.
2. Confirm Your Registered Agent Information
Your registered agent is your official point of contact for state and legal correspondence. If you moved, changed your business address, or switched mail services this year, double-check that your registered agent information is current.
Having an outdated or missing agent can cause missed notices — and that can snowball into compliance issues.
👉 SimpleCorp Solution: Our SimpleShield™ Registered Agent Service ensures all your legal and state documents are received, tracked, and uploaded securely to your account.
3. Check Your Business License and Local Filings
Beyond state filings, local cities and counties often require annual business license renewals — especially for home-based businesses.
Make sure to:
Review your renewal date
Confirm your local business tax registration
Update your address if you relocated
If you’ve expanded into new cities or states this year, verify that you’re properly registered in each location.
💡 Pro Tip: SimpleCorp can help you check license requirements by city and handle renewals for you as part of your compliance plan.
4. Review Your Tax Status and Payroll Filings
Before year-end, review your entity’s tax classification and confirm that your federal and state filings are aligned.
LLCs may choose to be taxed as S-Corps — which could save you money in 2026.
Double-check payroll tax filings (especially if you hired employees this year).
Reconcile accounts, and review your deductible business expenses.
If you’re unsure which tax setup is best for next year, talk to your accountant before December 31 to lock in any needed elections.
💡 Need help staying ahead of your year-end tax tasks and deadlines? SimpleCorp partners with experienced accounting professionals to simplify and streamline your entire compliance process, from managing payroll to filing your taxes accurately and on time. Reach out to us and we’ll pair you up with the perfect tax partner!
5. Renew Your Registered Agent and Annual Compliance Plan
As you head into a new year, this is the perfect time to renew your Registered Agent Service and SimpleShield™ Annual Compliance Plan.
Keeping these services active ensures:
✅ Ongoing state monitoring
✅ Automated annual reports
✅ Same-day filing updates
✅ No lapses in good standing
Think of it as setting your business on autopilot for compliance — so you can focus on growing your business, not paperwork.
6. Prepare for Your 2026 Filing Schedule
Finally, use this time to get organized for next year. Add your key filing dates, renewals, and tax deadlines to your calendar (or better yet, let SimpleShield™ do it for you).
Doing this now means fewer surprises — and more time for strategy and growth in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Before you shut down your laptop for the holidays, take a moment to give your business the valuable gift of compliance. By completing these simple but important steps, you’ll protect your business status, avoid costly penalties, and ensure you’re set up for a smooth, clean start when the new year arrives.
✅ File your Statement of Information
✅ Confirm your registered agent
✅ Renew your licenses
✅ Check your tax status
✅ Enroll in SimpleShield™
TAKE ACTION:
🎯 Keep your business in good standing and ready for 2026. Bundle your compliance tasks with SimpleShield™ today at MySimpleCorp.com/SimpleShield.