Jake Lawson here. Now that you understand the Albany strategy for saving $1,000+ on New York’s publication requirement, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of actually placing these ads and completing the process. This is where most people get confused and make expensive mistakes.
You’ve got your LLC approved and you’re ready to publish. Here’s exactly how to work with the newspapers, what to say, and how to get through this bureaucratic maze as cheaply and efficiently as possible.
Albany County Newspapers: Your Cost-Saving Contacts
If you’re using the Albany strategy I outlined in Part 1, here are your two required newspaper contacts:
Times Union (Daily Newspaper)
Phone: 518-454-5000 (press 0, ask for Legal Department)
Email: tulegals@timesunion.com
Cost: Approximately $80-120 for 6 weeks (they’ve raised prices recently)
Important update: Times Union now uses a mandatory online form instead of accepting custom email submissions. They control the format, which means more words and higher costs. You can try calling to request a custom submission, but they may refuse.
Altamont Enterprise (Weekly Newspaper)
Phone: 518-861-4026 (press 101 for Legals)
Email: legals@altamontenterprise.com
Cost: Approximately $150-200 for 6 weeks
Important timing note: Altamont Enterprise only checks emails on Friday and Saturday. Plan accordingly to avoid delays.
The Exact Email Templates That Work
For Times Union Daily
Subject: New York LLC Publication – Section 206
Email Body:
Dear Legal Department,
I need to publish a New York LLC formation notice per Section 206. Here are the details:
LLC Name: [YOUR LLC NAME]
Filing Date: [DATE FROM YOUR FILING RECEIPT]
County: Albany County
Section of Law: 206 (Domestic LLC)
Ad Text:
[YOUR LLC NAME]. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on [FILING DATE]. Office: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, [NORTHWEST ALBANY ADDRESS]. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
My Contact Information:
Name: [YOUR FULL NAME]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Mailing Address: [YOUR ACTUAL MAILING ADDRESS – NOT REGISTERED AGENT]
Please provide a quote for 6 consecutive weeks of publication and let me know your payment process.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
For Altamont Enterprise
Subject: LLC Publication Request – Quote Needed
Email Body:
Hello,
I need to publish a New York LLC notice for 6 consecutive weeks. Please provide a quote for the following ad:
[YOUR LLC NAME]. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on [FILING DATE]. Office: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, [NORTHWEST ALBANY ADDRESS]. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
If the quote is acceptable, please consider this email as written approval to proceed.
My contact information:
Name: [YOUR FULL NAME]
Phone: [YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Mailing Address: [YOUR ACTUAL ADDRESS FOR AFFIDAVIT DELIVERY]
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
The Shorter Ad Format (Save Money)
Since newspapers charge per line or per word, here’s a legally compliant shorter version:
Standard Format (More Expensive):
[LLC NAME]. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on [DATE]. Office: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, [ADDRESS]. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.
Shortened Format (Cheaper):
[LLC NAME]. Filed with SSNY on [DATE]. Office: Albany County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: [ADDRESS]. Purpose: Any lawful.
Jake’s take: The shortened version saves 10-20% on publication costs and is perfectly legal. Every word counts when you’re paying per line.
Section Numbers for Different LLC Types
When contacting newspapers, you need to specify the correct section of New York law:
- Domestic LLC: Section 206 (most common)
- Foreign LLC: Section 802 (out-of-state LLC registering in NY)
- Domestic PLLC: Section 1203 (Professional LLC formed in NY)
- Foreign PLLC: Section 1306 (Professional LLC from another state)
Most readers need Section 206. If you’re unsure, check whether you filed “Articles of Organization” (domestic) or “Application for Authority” (foreign).
What Information to Include in Each Ad
Required Information (Cannot Be Omitted):
- LLC Name (exactly as filed)
- Filing date with Secretary of State
- County where LLC office is located
- Service of process designation (SSNY as agent)
- Mailing address for forwarding process
- Business purpose (can be generic “Any lawful purpose”)
Optional Information (Can Be Omitted to Save Money):
- Effective date (if different from filing date)
- Principal office address
- Registered agent name (unless specifically required by your filing)
- Detailed business description
Common Mistakes That Cost Money
Mistake #1: Using Your Registered Agent Address for Affidavit Delivery
Wrong: Telling newspapers to send affidavits to your registered agent
Right: Use your actual mailing address where you can receive mail directly
Why it matters: Registered agents often charge extra fees for forwarding affidavits, and it creates unnecessary delays.
Mistake #2: Including Unnecessary Information
Wrong: “XYZ LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of New York…”
Right: “XYZ LLC. Filed with SSNY on…”
Why it matters: Every extra word costs money. Stick to the legal minimums.
Mistake #3: Not Confirming the Filing Date
Wrong: Using the effective date instead of filing date
Right: Use the actual date your Articles of Organization were filed
Why it matters: Inconsistent dates can cause rejection of your Certificate of Publication.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Specify Weekly vs. Daily
Wrong: Assuming newspapers know which schedule you need
Right: Explicitly request “6 consecutive weeks” for both papers
Why it matters: Billing errors and scheduling confusion can delay your affidavits.
The Payment and Affidavit Process
Times Union Process:
- They’ll send you an invoice (usually via email)
- Pay online through their system
- Ads begin running the following publication cycle
- Affidavits mailed to your address after 6 weeks
Altamont Enterprise Process:
- They’ll quote you via email (usually within 2-3 days)
- Pay online when you approve the quote
- Ads run for 6 consecutive weeks
- Affidavits emailed and mailed to you
Jake’s tip: Keep copies of all email correspondence and payment confirmations. You’ll need this documentation if there are any issues with the Certificate of Publication filing.
Timeline: When Your Ads Will Actually Run
Typical Publication Schedule:
- Contact newspapers: Monday
- Receive quotes: Tuesday-Wednesday
- Approve and pay: Wednesday-Thursday
- Ads begin running: Following Monday (daily) and following publication date (weekly)
- 6-week period completes: 6-7 weeks from start date
- Affidavits received: 1-2 weeks after completion
- Certificate of Publication filed: As soon as you receive affidavits
Total timeline: 8-10 weeks from initial newspaper contact to Certificate of Publication filing.
What to Do While Waiting
You Can Operate Your Business
Important: You don’t need to wait for publication completion to start business operations. Your LLC is valid as soon as the Articles of Organization are approved.
Prepare for Next Steps
- Open your business bank account using your approved Articles and EIN
- Set up your business accounting system
- Apply for any required business licenses
- Get appropriate business insurance
Track Your Deadlines
- Mark your calendar for the 120-day publication deadline
- Set reminders to follow up with newspapers if affidavits are delayed
- Prepare your Certificate of Publication paperwork in advance
Dealing with Newspaper Problems
If Times Union Won’t Accept Custom Format:
- Use their online form system
- Request the shortest legally compliant version
- Consider switching to a different Albany daily paper
- Factor the higher cost into your budget
If Altamont Enterprise Doesn’t Respond:
- Remember they only check emails Friday/Saturday
- Follow up by phone if no response within one week
- Have backup weekly newspapers identified
- Consider other Albany County weekly papers
If Costs Are Higher Than Expected:
- Get quotes from multiple papers in the same county
- Verify you’re using the shortest legal format
- Confirm the publication schedule (some papers charge differently)
- Consider if switching to your local county is actually cheaper
Special Situations and Variations
If You Have a Registered Agent Listed in Articles:
Your ad should include: “[Registered Agent Name] is Registered Agent for the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Address: [Registered Agent Address].”
If You Used an Effective Date Different from Filing Date:
Include both: “Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on [FILING DATE]. Effective [EFFECTIVE DATE].”
If You’re a Professional LLC (PLLC):
Use “Professional Service Limited Liability Company” language and specify Section 1203.
If You’re Operating Under a DBA:
The ad uses your LLC name, not your DBA name. Handle DBA separately at the county level.
Getting Your Affidavits and Next Steps
What You’ll Receive:
- Affidavit of Publication from each newspaper
- Proof of publication (newspaper clippings)
- Notarized certification that ads ran for required period
Quality Control Checklist:
- Affidavits show correct LLC name
- Dates show 6 consecutive weeks
- Both daily and weekly newspapers represented
- Notarization is complete and legible
- Your LLC information matches your Articles exactly
Ready for Certificate of Publication:
Once you have both affidavits, you can file your Certificate of Publication with the New York Department of State to complete the requirement.
Cost Summary: What You’ll Actually Pay
Albany Strategy Total Costs:
- Northwest Registered Agent: $125/year
- Times Union (daily): $80-120
- Altamont Enterprise (weekly): $150-200
- Certificate of Publication filing: $50
- Total: $405-495
Compare to Direct Local Publication:
- Manhattan newspapers: $1,200-1,500
- Brooklyn newspapers: $800-1,200
- Queens newspapers: $600-900
- Your savings: $105-1,000+
The Bottom Line on Newspaper Execution
The actual newspaper publication process is straightforward once you know the right contacts and procedures. The key is being prepared, using the correct format, and not overthinking the requirements.
Most important: Stick to the legal minimums, use the shorter ad format, and don’t let newspapers upsell you on unnecessary services.
The publication requirement is annoying, but it’s a one-time hassle that, handled correctly, costs under $500 total instead of $1,000+.
Questions about the newspaper publication process or running into issues with specific newspapers? Contact me directly—I’ve helped hundreds of New York entrepreneurs navigate this process and can troubleshoot specific problems.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and doesn’t constitute legal advice. Newspaper requirements and processes can change over time. Always verify current procedures with newspapers and the New York Department of State before proceeding.