CHARLESTON — A bill that would change business filing requirements from annual to biennial for many companies doing business in West Virginia is moving through the Legislature, with Republican lawmakers saying the change could reduce regulatory burdens.
House Bill 4546, sponsored by Del. Vernon Criss (R-Wood, 12), and three other Republican delegates, was introduced Jan. 19 and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it awaits further consideration. The legislation would amend state law to require biennial reports and fee payments to the Secretary of State for corporations, limited partnerships and limited liability companies instead of current annual filings.
Under the proposal, the first biennial report would be due between January 1 and July 1 of the year after an entity is organized or authorized to do business in the state. Subsequent reports would be due between Jan. 1 and July 1 every other calendar year. The bill also specifies that the change to biennial reporting, if enacted this year, would take effect July 1, 2026, and would not forgive prior failures to file annual reports or pay fees previously due.
Criss, a House member and past chairman of the House Finance Committee, framed the measure as a way to ease paperwork and compliance challenges for businesses, particularly small and start-up companies that may struggle with the administrative cost and effort associated with annual filings.
Supporters argue the move aligns West Virginia with a growing number of states that require less frequent reporting, potentially helping retain and attract businesses to the state.
The bill’s progress comes amid broader discussions at the Capitol about reducing regulatory burdens and promoting economic growth in West Virginia, even as lawmakers grapple with complex budget and tax issues this session.
If approved by the full House, House Bill 4546 would advance to the Senate for consideration.
