HELENA, Mont. — Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen is alerting Montana businesses of a deceptive email that targets annual report business filings.

Montana’s business community notified the Secretary of State’s Office of an email from the “Registrar Agency of Corporations” which is not affiliated with the Montana Secretary of State’s Office. The email requests the recipients “renew your business status” and confirm a “repeat billing option” through a third-party website.

The link in the deceptive email reportedly charges businesses $100 for annual report filings. An example of the email may be viewed here and in the image below.

Montana businesses required to file an annual report can do so for $20 through the Secretary of State Office’s business online filing portal at biz.sosmt.gov. Businesses may use the Secretary of State’s online portal to register a business, access business records, and file documents, including an annual report.

Official communication from the Montana Secretary of State’s Office will only direct businesses to the online business filing portal at biz.sosmt.gov. Montana annual reports must be filed by Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Secretary Jacobsen has previously alerted Montana businesses of similar misleading mailings. If you have questions or concerns regarding a solicitation related to your business, please email sosbusiness@mt.gov.