Pennsylvania business compliance: the yearly checklist

Last verified September 15, 2026 · official Pennsylvania sources

Short answer

For most Pennsylvania businesses the main recurring Department of State filing is the Annual Report (June 30, September 30 or December 31 depending on type). LLPs, LLLPs and restricted professional companies also file a Certificate of Annual Registration by April 15. Keep your registered office current so State notices reach you.

Department of State — recurring

FilingWhoWhen
Annual Report (DSCB:15-146)Corporations, LLCs, LPs, LLPs, business trusts, professional associations — domestic and foreignJune 30 / September 30 / December 31
Certificate of Annual RegistrationLLPs, LLLPs, restricted professional companies (PLLCs)April 15

Department of State — when something changes

  • Registered office or principal office — can be updated on the Annual Report, or anytime with a change filing.
  • Business name — requires an amendment; the Annual Report cannot change the name.
  • Corrections to a filed Annual Report — free Annual Report Update until the end of that year (requires PIN access).
  • Closing the business — file articles of dissolution or a certificate of termination; inactive associations do not file Annual Reports.

Other agencies (not covered by this service)

Tax registrations and returns are handled by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the IRS; professional licenses by the licensing boards; local registrations by your municipality. The Department of Revenue and Department of State records are not linked — for example, an out-of-existence affidavit with Revenue does not make an entity inactive with the Department of State.

Stay on top of it

Check your business and set free reminders for your Annual Report deadline.

Official sources

Last verified against these sources on September 15, 2026.

Independent service. File PA Annual Report is an independent filing-assistance service and is not affiliated with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the Pennsylvania Department of State. You may file directly with Pennsylvania for the applicable state fee without using our service. This page is general information, not legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Annual Report replace the Certificate of Annual Registration?

No. LLPs, LLLPs and restricted professional companies must still file it by April 15.

If I closed my business with the Department of Revenue, do I still file?

Possibly. The agencies’ records aren’t linked; if the Department of State still shows the association as active, an Annual Report is required.