In California, the terms “Statement of Information” and “Annual Report” essentially refer to the same document. The confusion often arises from the terminology used in different states, as what is known as a “Statement of Information” in California is referred to as an “Annual Report” in many other states.

• Terminology: The California Statement of Information serves the same purpose as what is commonly called an annual report in other states. This document is required to be filed by certain business entities with the California Secretary of State to provide updated information about the company’s structure, operations, and management.
• Purpose: The primary purpose of this filing is to keep the state informed about key aspects of a business, such as the names and addresses of the current officers, directors, and registered agents, as well as the principal business address. This helps maintain transparency and ensures that the public, including potential investors and partners, can access current information about the business.
• Filing Requirements: The filing frequency of the Statement of Information in California varies depending on the type of entity. Corporations are generally required to file annually, while LLCs and nonprofits may file biennially. The specific month when the filing is due is determined by the month in which the entity was originally registered or incorporated.
• Content: The Statement of Information typically includes basic but essential information about the business, such as business name and address, names and addresses of key personnel, and the registered agent for service of process. It may also include a brief description of the business activities.

Yes, a Statement of Information in California is a public record. When documents are submitted for filing with the California Secretary of State, they become public records and are available to the public for viewing and copying. This includes the Statement of Information, which lists officers or shareholders for corporations and members and managers for Limited Liability Companies (LLC). The public can access these records through various means, including online searches and in-person requests at the Secretary of State’s office.