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 vanish, as the state dissolves entities about 60 days after the deadline.
Your filing year depends on your business type:
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 service like Discern. 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.
Corporations (both domestic and foreign) file in even-numbered years, like 2024 and 2026. On the other hand, LLCs and Professional LLCs file in odd-numbered years, such as 2025, 2027, and so on. Nonprofit corporations, limited partnerships, and professional corporations that didn't elect corporate taxation also follow the odd-year schedule.
Iowa keeps biennial report fees straightforward, though they vary by business type and filing method:
Nonprofit corporations, cooperatives, and religious organizations pay nothing. The Secretary of State waives all fees for these entities, so you maintain good standing at zero cost.
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.
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. This leads 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 update almost instantly, with a downloadable time-stamped receipt for your records. Paper filings typically show up in the state system within 7–10 business days after arrival.
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.
The system files directly through Fast Track Filing, so confirmation arrives within minutes. Best of all, it 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.
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