By Jake Lawson, LLC Formation Strategist
Filing your South Dakota LLC annual report by mail? I get it—not everyone wants to deal with online systems, and sometimes the old-school approach just feels more reliable.
After helping 200+ South Dakota LLCs stay compliant over the years, I can tell you that mail filing works perfectly fine. It’s just a bit more expensive and takes longer than online filing. But if you prefer paper forms and certified mail receipts, this guide will walk you through the entire process.
Upfront reality check: South Dakota’s online system is actually pretty user-friendly and costs $15 less than mailing. But if you’re committed to the mail route, I’ll make sure you do it right the first time.
Why South Dakota Annual Reports Matter (More Than You Think)
Let me start with some tough love: failure to file your annual report is the #1 reason South Dakota shuts down LLCs.
I’ve seen perfectly profitable businesses get administratively dissolved because the owner forgot about this simple requirement. Don’t let that be you.
What happens if you don’t file:
- Your LLC gets marked “delinquent”
- $55 penalty per late report
- Potential administrative dissolution
- Expensive reinstatement process
- Possible loss of liability protection
The good news: South Dakota’s annual report is straightforward. It’s basically updating your LLC’s contact information and confirming who’s running the show.
South Dakota Annual Report Fast Facts
Current filing fees (as of 2025):
- Online: $55 (immediate processing)
- Mail: $70 (3-5 business day processing)
Due date: Last day of your LLC’s anniversary month
Example: LLC formed July 15, 2024 → First annual report due July 31, 2025
How early you can file: 1 month before the due date
Late penalty: $55 per delinquent report
Step-by-Step: Filing Your South Dakota Annual Report by Mail
Step 1: Download the Correct Form
For LLCs formed in South Dakota (most people): Download the Domestic LLC Annual Report
For Foreign LLCs only: If your LLC was formed in another state but registered to do business in South Dakota, use the Foreign LLC Annual Report
Jake’s tip: 99% of you want the Domestic form. Don’t overthink this.
Step 2: Gather Your LLC Information
Before you start filling out the form, collect these details:
- Your LLC’s Business ID number
- Current business address
- Registered agent information
- Manager/member details (if applicable)
Find your Business ID: Search for your LLC at South Dakota Business Information Search
Step 3: Complete the Annual Report Form
Now let’s walk through each section of the form:
Filing Year
Enter the current year (the year you’re filing for). If you’re filing on time, this is simply the current calendar year.
Section 1: Business ID and Name
- Business ID: Enter the exact number from your search results
- LLC Name: Use your complete legal name (exactly as registered)
Common mistake: Abbreviating your LLC name or forgetting punctuation. Use the exact name from your formation documents.
Section 2: Jurisdiction
For South Dakota LLCs, this defaults to “South Dakota.” Don’t change anything.
Section 3: Principal Executive Office (Business Address)
This is where you actually conduct business. It can be:
- Your home address
- An office address
- Any location in any state
Actual Street Address: No P.O. boxes allowed
Mailing Address: Only fill this if different from street address
Email Address: Optional, but recommended for state notifications
Jake’s insight: “Principal executive office” sounds fancy, but it’s just asking where you run your business. Your kitchen table counts if that’s your actual workspace.
Section 4: Registered Agent Information
If your registered agent is a person:
- Fill out section (a) with their name and South Dakota street address
- Leave section (b) blank
- Mailing address is optional
- Email is optional
If you use a commercial registered agent service:
- Leave section (a) blank
- Fill out section (b) with company name and CRA number
- Example: Northwest Registered Agent’s CRA# is 000018
Can’t remember your registered agent? Check your original Articles of Organization or search your LLC on the state website.
Section 5: Manager Information (If Applicable)
Member-managed LLCs: You can leave this blank or list member information
Manager-managed LLCs: You must list all managers’ names and addresses
Not sure which you chose? Check your Articles of Organization. Most single-member LLCs are member-managed.
Section 6: Beneficial Interest (Optional)
This section asks for LLC member (owner) information. It’s completely optional.
My recommendation: Leave it blank to maintain privacy. There’s no advantage to making your ownership public.
Signature Section
- Enter today’s date
- Sign your name
- Print your name clearly
- Email is optional
Who can sign: Any member, manager, or authorized representative of the LLC.
Step 4: Prepare Your Payment
Make a check or money order payable to “Secretary of State“ for $70.
Jake’s money-saving tip: This is $15 more than online filing. Consider the online option unless you specifically prefer mail filing.
Step 5: Mail Your Documents
Send your completed form and payment to:
Secretary of State
500 East Capitol Avenue
Pierre, SD 57501-5070
My mailing recommendations:
- Use certified mail with return receipt
- Keep copies of everything
- Send well before the deadline
- Don’t wait until the last minute
Step 6: Verify Processing
Processing time: 3-5 business days after the state receives your documents
No confirmation letter: Unlike some states, South Dakota doesn’t mail you a confirmation. You need to check online.
How to verify approval:
- Go to South Dakota Business Information Search
- Search for your LLC
- Click your Business ID
- Scroll to “History” section
- Look for your recent “Annual Report” entry
- Download a copy for your records
Common Annual Report Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Form
Problem: Downloading the foreign LLC form when you need the domestic form
Solution: If your LLC was formed in South Dakota, use the domestic form
Mistake #2: Incorrect Business ID
Problem: Guessing your Business ID or using an old number
Solution: Always verify your current Business ID on the state website
Mistake #3: Outdated Information
Problem: Using old addresses or registered agent information
Solution: Update your records first, then file the annual report
Mistake #4: Missing Signature
Problem: Forgetting to sign the form or dating it incorrectly
Solution: Double-check the signature section before mailing
Mistake #5: Wrong Payment Amount
Problem: Using the old filing fee or incorrect amount
Solution: Current mail filing fee is $70 (as of 2025)
Jake’s South Dakota Annual Report Strategy
After helping hundreds of LLCs with compliance, here’s my proven approach:
Set Up Automatic Reminders
Phone reminder: Set a recurring annual reminder for 2 months before your due date
Calendar: Add the due date to your business calendar
Email: Set up multiple email reminders
Create a Compliance File
Keep these documents together:
- Copy of your Articles of Organization
- Previous annual reports
- Current registered agent information
- Business address documentation
Track Important Dates
- Formation date: ___________
- Anniversary month: ___________
- Annual report due date: ___________
Plan Ahead for Changes
If you’re planning to change your registered agent or business address, do it before filing your annual report to avoid confusion.
When to File Online Instead
Consider online filing if:
- You want to save $15
- You need immediate processing
- You’re comfortable with online forms
- You want instant confirmation
Stick with mail filing if:
- You prefer paper documentation
- You want certified mail receipts
- You’re not comfortable with online systems
- You need the extra processing time for planning
What Happens After You File
Immediate effects:
- Your LLC remains in good standing
- You’re compliant for another year
- No penalties or late fees
Next steps:
- Download and save your filed annual report
- Update your business records
- Set reminders for next year’s filing
State notifications: South Dakota will send email reminders to the address you provided, but don’t rely on these. The responsibility is ultimately yours.
Special Situations and Pro Tips
If You Miss the Deadline
Don’t panic. File as soon as possible and pay the $55 late penalty. South Dakota doesn’t dissolve LLCs immediately for late filings.
If Your LLC is Dissolved
You can usually reinstate by filing all delinquent reports and paying penalties. The process is more complex, so get professional help.
If You’re Selling Your LLC
Make sure annual reports are current before closing. Buyers want clean compliance records.
Multiple LLCs
Keep separate files for each LLC. Due dates might be different based on formation dates.
Cost Comparison: Mail vs. Online
Mail filing total costs:
- State fee: $70
- Certified mail: ~$7
- Copies/printing: ~$3
- Total: ~$80
Online filing total costs:
- State fee: $55
- Total: $55
Time investment:
- Mail: 30 minutes prep + mailing time + 3-5 days processing
- Online: 15 minutes + immediate processing
Troubleshooting Common Problems
“I Can’t Find My Business ID”
Solution: Search variations of your LLC name on the state website. Try with and without “LLC” at the end.
“My Registered Agent Changed”
Solution: File a registered agent change first, then complete your annual report with the new information.
“I’m Not Sure About Manager vs. Member-Managed”
Solution: Check your Articles of Organization. When in doubt, consult the documents you filed when forming your LLC.
“The State Says They Haven’t Received My Filing”
Solution: If it’s been more than 2 weeks, call the Secretary of State at 605-773-4845.
Why I Still Recommend Online Filing
Full transparency: While this mail guide is comprehensive, I still recommend online filing for most people. Here’s why:
- Cheaper: $15 savings per year adds up
- Faster: Immediate processing vs. waiting days
- Confirmation: Instant receipt and verification
- Convenience: No trips to post office or certified mail fees
When mail makes sense:
- You need paper records for specific business reasons
- Your registered agent or accountant prefers mail filing
- You’re filing multiple documents simultaneously
The Bottom Line on South Dakota Annual Reports
Here’s what 15+ years of helping LLCs with compliance has taught me: The annual report requirement is non-negotiable, but the filing method is your choice.
South Dakota makes both options work well. Mail filing costs more and takes longer, but it’s perfectly legitimate and many business owners prefer the paper trail.
Most important advice:
- Don’t procrastinate—set reminders now
- Keep copies of everything you file
- Verify processing after filing
- Plan ahead for any business changes
The annual report itself is simple. It’s remembering to file it that trips people up. Build good compliance habits now, and you’ll never have to worry about your LLC getting dissolved.
Need help with your South Dakota LLC beyond annual reports? I’ve tested every major service. For ongoing compliance and registered agent services, I recommend Northwest Registered Agent—they handle annual report reminders and can even file for you.
Questions about South Dakota LLCs? The Secretary of State‘s office at 605-773-4845 is actually quite helpful. Don’t hesitate to call if you need clarification on your specific situation.
Jake Lawson is an LLC formation strategist who has guided over 1,200 entrepreneurs through U.S. business formation and compliance. He provides unbiased advice and tested recommendations at llciyo.com.