Corporate Annual Report

 

ALL CONGREGATIONS MUST
COMPLETE A CORPROATE ANNUAL REPORT
BY JUNE 30, 2025


This is something new, please make sure this gets into the hands of your congregation's pastor, council president, council secretary, or administrative assistant. Any leader from your congregation can file the report, and it is important that somebody does.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has changed the process of corporate filings. Previously, your congregation would have filled out a decennial report in years ending in “1.” Now the Commonwealth requires that each corporation—including not for profit corporations—file an annual report online.


What happens if we fail to file our report by June 30?

Failure to file in a timely manner may result in the loss of a congregation’s corporate status including the right to use its name.
 

How do we file our corporate annual report?

It is an easy process and only takes a few minutes.

  1. Create a login for the Keystone Business Services Portal.
    - It is recommended that you use an email address related to the congregation as this will be an annual procedure.
    - You will be asked to verify the email address, so use an account you have immediate access to. 
    - Save the login/password with your church office.
     

  2. From the portal dashboard, select "Complete Annual Report." On the next screen, click "Continue to BFS" (Business Filing Services.)
     

  3. In "Business Search," type in your congregation's name and click the search icon. Select your congregation from the list that appears.
     

  4. Click "File Annual Report."
     

  5. Confirm your contact information is correct or submit a change.
     

  6. Type in the name of at least one "governor." Governors are defined as a director or manager with significant responsibility. This would be your pastor(s) and/or council president.
     

  7. Type in the names of your "principal officers." This would be your congregation council officers.
     

  8. Review the processing fee information. This will be $0 for non-profits.
     

  9. Review the completed information, enter the name of the person filing, and submit your report. 


What if our congregation does not have a computer?

This can be completed from any computer; you may delegate this task to a leader in the congregation with computer access. If that is not possible, reach out to the synod office and we can arrange a time for you to use one of our computers to file your report.


Are there visual instructions we can follow along with?

Yes, see thesestep-by-step instructionsfrom the commonwealth.
 

I don't think this applies to me. Someone else is probably handling it.

In the past, we have found that important information has been received by congregations yet failed to reach the responsible parties. For example, several treasurers did not receive the updated Mission Support and remittance form instructions despite its delivery to every congregation. Congregation leaders can support each other by ensuring this does not slip through the cracks. 

 
SWPA Synod ELCA