Volume 2, Issue 6

December 2014

New Business Services Website Launching December 8

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State is excited to announce that next Monday, December 8, we will launch a newly designed Business Services website (http://mblsportal.sos.state.mn.us/) that will incorporate a fresh look, improved functionality and updated features. The site will facilitate your business filings and order placement, and include an online filing and order application for both UCC and CNS.

New website features will include:
• Ability to file annual reinstatements online.
• User-friendly homepage design to better guide visitors.
• Search feature for prior business names.
• Easy access to open and view “Advanced Options.”

User registration will be required for online filings and orders; current direct access and client account user IDs and passwords will no longer be valid. Upon signing in, delivery information will auto-fill and a transaction history will display previous online filings and orders. For security reasons, payment must be made by credit card. Client accounts and Automatic Clearing House (ACH) will no longer be available as payment options.

In addition to the updated website, the Office is implementing the following changes:

Copy Fee Structure 
• The fee for copy orders will be a flat $3 per filing.

Changes to Filings Made In Person or by Mail
• Copies of completed business filings will be provided at the Business Services public counter; originals will no longer be returned or mailed back.
• Copies of completed business filing will be returned by mail; originals will no longer be returned.

We believe these changes and updates will make for a better online experience for the businesses we serve. We look forward to your feedback.

Public Benefit Corporation News Conference on January 2, 2015

All companies which intend to file as a public benefit corporation (PBC) are invited to join Secretary Ritchie for a news conference at 10 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2015, at our Business Services Division, 60 Empire Dr., St. Paul. At the event, companies will have the opportunity to be the “first to file” as a PBC.

Please contact Nathan Bowie at Nathan.bowie@state.mn.us if you plan to attend and for more details.

In 2013, the division recorded more than 58,000 new business filings. For the 2014–2015 biennium, the division projects collecting $30 million in business filings and other fees which are deposited into the state’s general fund.