Kentucky Secretary of State Warns Businesses of Annual Report Filing Scam

Scammers are targeting businesses with letters offering to file reports for inflated fees

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a stack of official government documents, a pen, and a calculator arranged on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the importance of corporate compliance and avoiding predatory scams.A stark visual reminder for business owners to be vigilant when it comes to official government filings and to always go directly through the proper channels.Frankfort Today

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams is warning business owners across the state to watch out for predatory solicitation letters as the deadline for annual reports approaches. Scammers are sending letters offering to file these reports for fees upwards of $160, when the actual state filing fee is only $15.

Why it matters

This scam targets small businesses that may not be familiar with the annual report filing process, potentially costing them hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees. It's important for business owners to be aware of this scheme and file their reports directly through the official Secretary of State website to avoid getting hustled.

The details

The scammers are sending letters to businesses offering to file their annual reports for a total of $175, which mirrors the $175 limited liability entity tax (LLET) that most businesses pay to the Department of Revenue. However, the actual annual report filing fee is only $15 through the Secretary of State's office. These third-party 'services' are charging an additional $160 on top of the state fee, often tricking owners into paying for a service they can easily do themselves online.

  • The annual report filing deadline is between January 1 and June 30 each year.

The players

Michael Adams

The Secretary of State of Kentucky, who issued the warning about the annual report filing scam.

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What they’re saying

“Don't get hustled. File your annual business report directly with the Secretary of State, and pay only $15.”

— Michael Adams, Secretary of State

What’s next

Business owners can check the Secretary of State's website to confirm if their 2026 annual report has been officially recorded. If they have already paid a third party for services that were never rendered, officials recommend filing a dispute with their bank and reporting the incident to local law enforcement.

The takeaway

This scam highlights the importance for small businesses to be vigilant when it comes to official government filings and to always go directly through the proper channels to avoid falling victim to predatory practices.