PROVIDENCE, R.I. (June 27, 2008) – Thousands of non-profit corporations doing business in Rhode Island have just a few more days to file annual reports with Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis or face fines and the loss of their corporate status.
State law requires non-profits to report the names and contact information of their officers and board of directors among other information by June 30. More than 6,700 non-profit corporations are subject to the requirement. About 3,000 still had not filed as of June 25.
“These documents are vehicles for promoting your organization. Filing shows you are committed to fiscal responsibility and openness. And that can mean peace of mind for the people considering supporting you,” said Mollis.
A change in state law last week came just in time for non-profits that have not yet filed. On June 20, Governor Carcieri signed legislation sponsored by state Sen. Maryellen Goodwin (D-Providence) and state Rep. Arthur Corvese (D-North Providence) that permits non-profits to file annual reports via the Secretary of State's web site for the first time.
“The days when we operated in a 9-to-5 world are over. I am committed to using technology to make it easier to do business. Filing on-line holds down costs and makes it possible to work at anytime from anywhere,” said Mollis.
In addition to the new option of filing their annual report on-line, non-profits can also download the filing form from the web site at www.sec.state.ri. Once the form is completed, it can be filed by mail or in person at the Secretary of State’s 148 West River St., Providence, office. The cost to file is $20.
Failure to file an annual report can result in the revocation of a non-profit’s Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Authority. In addition, state law assesses a $25 penalty for late filing.
“My office is the department of state that is responsible for corporate record-keeping. We are dedicated to providing Rhode Islanders access to up-to-date and accurate information. I want to thank the non-profit sector for partnering with me toward that goal,” said Mollis.
The Secretary of State’s office works with every company registered to do business in Rhode Island. The office oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to start-up businesses.