PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is reminding thousands of nonprofit corporations that they can beat the state’s July 30 deadline for submitting annual reports by filing online at sos.ri.gov.
More than 7,900 nonprofits ranging from hospitals and affordable housing developers to community groups and condo associations are subject to the requirement. Under state law, nonprofits that fail to file face fines and the revocation of their Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Authority.
"We have made complying with the law as easy as possible and are doing all that we can to make them aware of the deadline," said Mollis, who hopes the reminder will help nonprofits avoid incurring unnecessary expenses in these difficult economic times.
Mollis added the online filing option for non-profits in 2009. Every organization has its own unique Customer Identification Number and Personal Identification Number in order to ensure security.
“Enhancing our technology makes it easier to do business with us. Our virtual office is open 24/7, so nonprofits can file when it is convenient for them,” said Mollis. "The online option also lowers our costs and gives the public access to the reports faster."
Nonprofits can file online by going to sos.ri.gov and selecting the "File Annual Reports" option. They can also file by mail or in person at the Secretary of State's Division of Business Services, 148 West River St., Providence.
Annual reports include contact information for every organization as well as the names of key officials like senior executives and the members of the board of directors.
“Nonprofits can use their annual report as an opportunity to promote their fiscal responsibility and openness. That can mean peace of mind for the people and organizations considering doing business with them,” said Mollis.
At other times of the year, for-profit corporations and limited liability companies are also required to file annual reports with the Secretary of State.
Since taking office in 2007, Mollis has added e-commerce tools to his website. In addition to being able to file annual reports electronically, businesses can submit everything from Uniform Commercial Liens to Articles of Incorporation.
The Secretary of State’s office works with almost every company registered to do business in Rhode Island -- 60,000 in all. The office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to start-up businesses.
Secretary of State Mollis is committed to making it easier for Rhode Islanders to vote, helping businesses grow and making government more open and accessible. For more information about filing an annual report, call 222-3040 or visit sos.ri.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Barnett at 222-4293 or cbarnett@sos.ri.gov