Iowa does not require most business entities to file an annual report. Instead, the state requires a biennial report—a filing made every two years—with the Secretary of State. This applies to most corporations, LLCs, nonprofits, and limited partnerships registered in the state. The filing window opens on January 1, so you can knock this out months in advance.
Iowa wants your biennial report once every two years. It's your way of staying in good standing with the Secretary of State. Miss it, and your business could face administrative dissolution or revocation if not filed by August of your filing year.
Almost every formal business entity in Iowa needs to file, including domestic and foreign corporations (both for-profit and nonprofit), LLCs, professional LLCs, PLLCs, limited partnerships, professional corporations, and certain cooperatives.
Religious organizations generally get a pass unless they're incorporated as a filing-required entity. Some businesses don't need to worry: limited liability partnerships (LLPs), sole proprietorships, and general partnerships without LP or LLP status.
As an owner, officer, director, member, or manager, you can file directly. Or hand it off to your registered agent, attorney, accountant, or a compliance service. Whoever handles it just needs your accurate business details and permission to sign.
Iowa gives you two options for your biennial report: online or paper. To file online:
Paper filing costs more and takes longer, but it's still an option. Download the right paper form, complete it, and mail it with your check to the Business Services Division in Des Moines. Include your contact info to speed up any questions.
Iowa's biennial reports come due every other year. The filing window opens January 1 of your required year, giving you a full quarter before the hard deadline of April 1.
Your first biennial report is due April 1 of the first odd- or even-numbered year after you form your business. For example, if you formed an LLC in 2024, your first biennial report is due by April 1, 2025. If you formed a corporation in 2025, your first biennial report is due by April 1, 2026.
Iowa keeps biennial report fees straightforward, though they vary by business type and filing method:
Payment happens when you submit, either electronically through Fast Track or by check with your paper form.
Every business provides the same basic details. You'll need:
The rest depends on your business type. Corporations list names and addresses of officers and directors, plus a statement of authorized shares. LLCs include the names and addresses of members or managers, depending on your structure. Nonprofits typically require directors and officers to report, while limited partnerships generally don't need to list every partner.
If your LLC holds an interest in agricultural land in Iowa, you will need to complete additional questions about agricultural land ownership and family farm status.
The state doesn't charge late fees, but that just means they move straight to serious penalties. After April 1, your status changes from "Active" to "Delinquent," sending red flags to lenders, vendors, and government agencies. Further delay can lead to:
You can fix this mess by filing an Application for Reinstatement, submitting all overdue reports, and paying accumulated fees. If another business claimed your name while dissolved, you'll need a new one before the Secretary of State restores your standing.
Can I get a copy of my filed biennial report?
Absolutely. Download a free PDF from your entity record or request a certified copy for a small fee through the same online portal.
Does my nonprofit have to file?
Yes—nonprofits follow the same odd-year schedule as LLCs, but Iowa waives the filing fee, making compliance free for charitable organizations.
Can I file my report early?
Yes, and it's smart to do so. File as early as January 1 of your due year, giving yourself three full months before the April 1 deadline. Early filing secures your good standing and avoids last-minute problems.
What if my information changes after I file?
If your address, registered agent, or management team changes, simply log into the Secretary of State's Fast Track Filing portal and submit the appropriate amendment. Updates appear immediately online, so everyone sees your current information.
How long does it take to process my biennial report?
Online filings are faster, and you receive confirmation through Fast Track Filing. Paper filings take longer (typically 7-14 business days).
Discern tracks Iowa’s odd/even-year pattern automatically and alerts you 90, 60, and 30 days before deadlines. Our platform pulls your existing entity data to pre-fill reports, reducing manual entry errors.
Best of all, our system consolidates all 51 jurisdictions into a single dashboard, making multi-entity filings a matter of just a few clicks. Book a demo of Discern today to get started.
.png)
.png){kind=small}