NEW: Mollis Reminds RI Non-Profits To File Annual Report By June
Friday, May 31, 2013
Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis is reminding thousands of Rhode Island 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 charities to hospitals to housing developers are subject to the requirement. Organizations 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 through his office website at sos.ri.gov. Every organization has its own unique Customer Identification Number and Personal Identification Number in order to ensure security.
Online option for non-profits
“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.
Mollis posts every report on sos.ri.gov. The public can search the on-line database by a variety of terms including the name of the nonprofit, the organization's general purpose and the names of individual board members.
"These groups should view compliance as a way to promote their commitment to openness. That can reassure companies and individuals who are considering supporting them," said Mollis.
For-profit annual reports
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’s office.
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.
"Giving consumers access to corporate records 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 business entity registered in Rhode Island. The office also oversees recording commercial liens, protecting corporate trademarks and providing advice to start-up businesses.
