PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is reminding nonprofit corporations that state law requires them to file annual reports with his office in the month of June.
More than 7,900 nonprofits ranging from condo associations to youth sports leagues are subject to the requirement in Rhode Island. Nonprofits that fail to file face fines and the revocation of their Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Authority.
Mollis urges nonprofits to file their reports on-line. Every organization has its own unique Customer Identification Number and Personal Identification Number in order to ensure security.
"We added the functionality to make it easier for them to do business with us. Our virtual office is open 24/7, so nonprofits can file whenever it is convenient," said Mollis. "The online option also lowers our costs and gives the public access to the reports faster."
Nonprofits can also file by mail or in person at the Secretary of State's Division of Business Services, 148 West River St., Providence, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The public can review the reports on-line. The on-line database can be searched by a variety of terms including the name of the nonprofit, the organization's general purpose and the names of individual officers and board members.
"These organizations should view compliance as a way to promote their commitment to openness. That can reassure groups and individuals that are considering supporting 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 several e-commerce tools to his website. In addition to annual reports, everything from Uniform Commercial Liens to Articles of Incorporation can now be filed and retrieved on-line.
"Corporate record-keeping is one our duties under state law. Our goal is to ensure Rhode Islanders have access to up-to-date and accurate information. The nonprofit sector deserves thanks for helping us get there," said Mollis.
The Secretary of State's office works with every corporate entity registered to do business in Rhode Island. 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, making it easier to do business in Rhode Island and making government more open and accessible. For more information about the programs and services the Secretary of State offers Rhode Islanders, visit sos.ri.gov.
MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Barnett at 222-4293
#####