US Company Registration How Long Is the Maintenance Period? Learn Now!

After registering a company in the U.S., do you know how many years the maintenance period lasts? Check it out quickly!

In recent years, with the development of globalization and deepening economic cooperation between China and the United States, an increasing number of Chinese enterprises have chosen to set up branches or register companies in the U.S. to expand international markets, attract overseas investment, and enjoy commercial convenience in the U.S. However, after completing the company registration, many enterprises neglect an important issue the maintenance period and related requirements for U.S. companies. This not only may affect the normal operation of the enterprise but also lead to serious legal consequences.

The Maintenance Period for U.S. Companies After Registration

In the U.S., different states have different regulations regarding the maintenance period after company registration, but overall, they can be divided into the following aspects

1. Annual Report Annual Report

Most states require companies to submit an annual report each year. For example, popular registration locations such as Delaware, Nevada, and California all clearly stipulate the obligation of enterprises to submit the annual report within the specified time.

The main purpose of the annual report is to update basic company information such as shareholder structure, address changes, and director lists. If it is not submitted on time, there may be fines or even revocation of the business license.

2. Tax Filing Tax Filing

U.S. companies need to regularly file tax returns with the IRS Internal Revenue Service and the tax authorities of their respective states according to federal tax laws and state tax laws.

Especially in high-tax states like California, failure to complete tax filings in a timely manner may result in high late fees and even being blacklisted.

3. Registered Agent Service Registered Agent Service

To ensure that the company can receive documents or legal notices, U.S. companies must designate a registered agent. If the agent's information changes, it needs to be updated within the specified time.

For example, New York State requires companies to update their registered agent information annually and pay the corresponding fee.

Analysis of Recent News Cases

This year, at the beginning of the year, a new energy company headquartered in Shanghai registered a subsidiary in Delaware, but due to management negligence, it failed to submit the annual report on time, ultimately resulting in the company being forcibly dissolved. This incident attracted widespread attention and also reminded many business owners who were considering registering in the U.S. the importance of maintaining corporate compliance cannot be ignored.

Situations like this are not isolated cases. According to data released by a certain U.S. business consulting agency, in the first half of 2025 alone, more than 5,000 Chinese-backed companies in the U.S. faced penalties or risks of dissolution due to non-compliance with maintenance obligations. Most of these companies neglected subsequent management work because they lacked understanding of the U.S. legal system or believed that registration was enough to rest easy.

How to Effectively Manage the Maintenance Work of U.S. Companies?

In order to avoid the above problems, it is recommended that enterprises prepare the following when registering a U.S. company

1. Hire Professional Service Agencies

The process of maintaining a U.S. company is complex and involves multiple departments, so it is recommended to hire local accounting firms or law firms as consultants to assist with matters such as annual reports and tax filings.

These institutions usually provide one-stop services to help businesses save time and effort.

2. Develop Detailed Schedules

Deadlines in different states may vary, so it is advisable to plan ahead of time to avoid missing key deadlines.

For example, the deadline for submitting the annual report in Delaware is March 1st each year, while in California it is April 1st.

3. Pay Attention to Policy Changes

U.S. state laws and regulations are frequently updated, especially in terms of tax policies. Enterprises should remain sensitive and adjust their maintenance strategies accordingly.

4. Strengthen Internal Communication

If the company itself has a team responsible for U.S. operations, regular meetings should be held to discuss progress and challenges in maintenance work to ensure smooth information flow.

Conclusion

The U.S. is a highly legalized country where its commercial environment is open but comes with strict regulatory requirements. For enterprises aiming to develop long-term in the U.S., simply completing the registration is far from enough; more importantly, subsequent maintenance work is required. Only by adhering to local regulations can true sustainable development be achieved. It is hoped that this article will help more Chinese enterprises better understand and cope with this challenge!

If you are planning or have already registered a company in the U.S., please take the maintenance period seriously. After all, a small oversight could lead to significant losses.