Commentary - Beware of scams about business filings

Talk about it

By Minnesota Secretary of State

Mark Ritchie, St. Paul, MN

In tough economic times, Minnesota businesses are working harder than ever, and carefully watching their bottom line to stay in business.

When every dollar counts, it is important to beware of solicitations from organizations that may misrepresent themselves as the state of Minnesota or those that charge Minnesota businesses an unnecessary fee for annual renewal filing services.

To do business as a corporation or other entity in this state, companies must file certain documents with the Office of the Secretary of State. Minnesota law requires that businesses file a renewal with the office each year to update their officer information and retain their status as an active company. This renewal ensures that other organizations cannot duplicate a company’s name with this office. Annual renewal filing services are free to Minnesota corporations and limited liability companies that are up-to-date and complete their filings before the end of the calendar year.

Beware of solicitations containing an official looking seal of the state of Minnesota and an urgent call to your business to act without delay. The Office of the Secretary of State does not partner with anyone to solicit Minnesota businesses about filing annual renewals and does not receive any part of the fee charged for such a service.

Don’t be fooled. Filing your business annual renewal is easy and takes just minutes to complete online. Visit www.sos.state.mn.us to file online. If you prefer, visit the office’s public counter in person to complete your renewal. The office is located at:

Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State

Business Services Public Counter

Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building

60 Empire Dr., Suite 100

St. Paul, MN 55103

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and closed on state holidays.

Renewals are required only once per year and are due prior to the end of the calendar year, December 31.

If you question a solicitation your business received offering annual renewal services for payment or one claiming to be associated with the state of Minnesota, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office to report your concerns. The contact information for both agencies is:

U.S. Postal Inspection Service

1745 Stout St. Ste 900

Denver, CO 80299

And –

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office

445 Minnesota Street, Ste. 1400

St. Paul, MN 55101

651-296-3353

If you have further questions, you may contact the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Business Services division at the following:

Metro area: (651) 296-2803; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Greater Minnesota: 1-877-551-6767; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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