Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky’s Secretary of State and Chief Business Officer, is warning Kentucky businesses about a confusing, official-looking “2013 Annual Minutes Form” they may receive from an entity called Corporate Records Service. The form instructs recipients to provide information regarding all shareholders, corporate directors and officers and pay a $125.00 fee.
Corporate Records Service is not registered, affiliated or associated with the Secretary of State, and Kentucky law does not require businesses to file the form requested by Corporate Records Service. Reports of similar mailings have surfaced in other states including Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, New York, Tennessee, Texas and Washington.
“Many businesses have contacted my office to inquire about the form; the form was not sent from this office, and all information available to us indicates the request is a scam,” said Grimes. “Businesses should exercise caution before providing information or payment to Corporate Records Service, or any other entity that makes misleading requests.”
Kentucky businesses are required to file with the Secretary of State’s Office an annual report by June 30 each year, and registered entities recently received or will receive shortly a reminder to complete that filing. The fee for filing an annual report in Kentucky is $15. Businesses can file online, or the form can be returned by mail or in person. For more information about the annual report or other business filing requirements under Kentucky law, visitwww.sos.ky.gov or call 502-564-3490.