Why Am I Receiving Official-Looking Letters After Starting My Business?

You finally registered your business.
Then the letters started arriving.
Or maybe your inbox filled with urgent emails warning that you're past due, out of compliance, or need to file something immediately.
If your first thought was, "Did I miss something?" you're not alone.
This is one of the most common questions we receive from new business owners.
The good news? Receiving these notices is completely normal.

​Why does this happen?

When you register a business with your state, much of the information you provide becomes part of the public record. Companies monitor these public filings and use that information to market their services to new business owners.

If you registered your business through a third-party filing service, it's also possible that your contact information was shared with marketing partners, depending on the company's privacy policy and terms of service.

As a result, you may begin receiving letters and emails offering services related to your business. Some of these companies provide legitimate services. Others are simply advertising. Either way, many of these notices are designed to create a sense of urgency so you'll act quickly.

Why do these notices seem so official?

Many companies use language designed to grab your attention. You might see phrases like:

• Compliance Alert
• Final Notice
• Past Due
• Immediate Action Required
• Annual Filing Reminder
• Avoid Penalties

Some notices even resemble government correspondence by using official-looking formatting, reference numbers, and legal terminology. For example, we've seen emails with subject lines stating a business is "Past Due" when, after reviewing the details, the notice wasn't applicable to that business's filing requirements at all. That doesn't necessarily mean the company is doing anything improper. It does mean you should pause before assuming you've missed an important filing.

Common notices new business owners receive

 After starting a business, it's common to receive offers or reminders for:

• Annual report filing services
• Registered agent services
• Labor law posters
• Corporate record books
• Business compliance services
• Quarterly tax filing assistance
• Business licenses and permits
• Business credit offers
• EIN-related services

Some of these services may be useful depending on your business. Others may duplicate services you're already receiving or aren't necessary at all. The important thing is understanding what your business is actually required to do, not simply responding to whichever letter arrives first.

What should you do?

1. Don't panic. Receiving one of these notices does not mean you've done something wrong.
2. Don't pay it immediately. Before spending money or signing up for a service, take a few minutes to determine exactly what the notice is offering and who sent it.
3. Send it to us. If you're a TSBAS client, email us a copy or upload it through your client portal.

We'll let you know:

• Whether it's an actual government notice.
• Whether your business is required to take any action.
• Whether the service being offered is something you actually need.

A quick review can often save you money and eliminate unnecessary stress.

Every business has different filing requirements

Not every business has the same obligations.

Depending on your business structure, state, and activities, you may have requirements for annual reports, payroll tax filings, sales tax returns, estimated tax payments, industry-specific registrations, and more. That's why generic notices can be misleading. They're written for a broad audience and don't take your specific situation into account.

When in doubt, ask.

One of the biggest benefits of working with a trusted accountant isn't just preparing your tax return. It's having someone you can turn to when something unexpected shows up in your mailbox or inbox. If you receive a notice that concerns you, don't spend the day worrying about it. 

Send it to us first.

We'll help you determine whether it's a legitimate government notice, a reminder about a filing requirement, or simply a company marketing its services. Owning a business comes with enough surprises. Your mail shouldn't have to be one of them.

All my best,
Nicole Odeh, EA

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