Running a company in West Virginia means staying compliant with the state's annual reporting requirements. Every year between January 1 and June 30, nearly all entities registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State must submit an annual report through the online portal.
The form updates your principal office address, current registered agent, and the people who manage or own your business. This filing isn't optional: whether your company generated significant revenue or didn't earn a penny last year, you still owe the report and the accompanying fee.
If you're registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State, you need to file an annual report. The state requires nearly every domestic or foreign entity to update its information each year, regardless of business activity.
Required entities include:
Exemptions are rare. Once an entity is administratively dissolved or formally withdrawn, no report is due for subsequent years unless it is reinstated. Anyone can file on your behalf: owners, officers, members, managers, your West Virginia registered agent, outside counsel, an accountant, or a third-party compliance service.
West Virginia gives you three filing options: online, by mail, or in person at the Secretary of State's office. Our recommendation? Skip the paperwork headaches and file through the online portal.
Follow these steps to complete your filing efficiently:
Your confirmation serves as official documentation of your filing and good standing status with the state.
On the other hand, paper filers can download the blank form from the same portal, complete it by hand, and mail it with a $25 check to the Secretary of State.
West Virginia keeps things refreshingly simple: nearly every business follows the same annual schedule. You can file your report anytime from January 1 through June 30, but it must be received by the Secretary of State no later than June 30 to remain in good standing.
The only exception is the foreign limited liability partnership, which files every two years on the exact anniversary of its registration in West Virginia.
West Virginia keeps its annual report pricing simple: most entities pay a flat $25 filing fee, with an additional $1 convenience charge when filing online. Limited liability partnerships are the expensive outlier: domestic LLPs owe a hefty $500 per annual report, while foreign LLPs pay $500 every two years for re-registration.
These annual report costs are distinct from any franchise tax obligations your entity might owe; West Virginia doesn't impose one, but many states do. It’s also worth noting that veteran-owned entities get their filing fee waived for the first four years after formation, though they still must submit the report on time.
Every entity must provide the same core information:
The form branches depending on your structure. Corporations add the names and street addresses of each officer and director, plus share information if you issue stock. LLCs report the names and addresses of each member or manager with signature authority. Nonprofits list their officers and directors with titles and addresses. Limited Partnerships provide the names and addresses of all general partners.
Failing to file your West Virginia annual report triggers immediate financial penalties. If the report is not submitted by June 30, most entities face a $50 late fee, while nonprofits incur a $25 penalty. Beyond monetary penalties, your business risks losing its good standing status with the Secretary of State.
The long-term consequences are even more severe. If an annual report remains unfiled, your business could:
Should you find your business in this precarious situation, reinstatement is possible but involves several steps. You must file all overdue annual reports, settle any back fees, and complete a reinstatement application that includes paying a reinstatement fee. Reinstatement takes time, during which your business continues to be vulnerable to legal and operational disruptions.
What if I notice an error after I submit the report?
Contact the Business Division of the West Virginia Secretary of State for instructions on filing an amended report.
How long does it take for my filing to be processed?
Online filings confirm immediately and appear in the state database within a few days, while paper reports take several business days to process.
Can I file my West Virginia annual report early?
Yes. The filing window opens January 1, so you can submit your report immediately instead of waiting until the June 30 deadline.
How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing?
Once your annual report is filed and the fees are current, you can order the certificate directly through the same online portal. Most businesses download it instantly after paying the certificate fee.
Can I pre-pay for several years at once?
No. West Virginia requires separate annual filings (foreign LLPs file every two years). There's no multi-year option.
Discern eliminates the guesswork with automated reminders well before June 30, pre-filled forms using your existing entity data, and real-time deadline tracking across all jurisdictions.
Ready to automate your West Virginia compliance? Book a Discern demo today.
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