Why the "File Statement of Information" button is missing
Since August 1, 2026, California only shows it to bizfile users who have User Access to that entity. If nobody at your company has access, bizfile mails a PIN to the business's mailing address on file, which can take a week or more.
- Law: Corp. Code § 1502 / § 17702.09
- State fee: $25 corp / $20 LLC
- Late penalty: $250
Last reviewed: October 30, 2026
Why this changed
The User Access rule is an anti-fraud control. Strangers used to be able to file an SOI on any entity and swap its officers or addresses. Now the entity decides who can file.
Good for security, but it catches many owners off guard because the letter goes to the mailing address on record, and that address is often an old office, a former accountant, or a closed PO box.
Whoever submits an entity's initial filing online automatically gets Full Access, and Full Access holders can grant access to others, such as a filing service.
Which situation are you in?
| What you see | What it means | Fastest fix |
|---|---|---|
| You formed the company online yourself in bizfile | You should already have Full Access | Log in with the same email you used to form it |
| "Request Access" pop-up says an authorized user must approve | Someone else (your former formation service, partner or CPA) holds Full Access | Ask them to grant you access in Manage Access |
| Pop-up offers "Request PIN" | Nobody has Full Access | Request the PIN, watch the mailing address on file |
| Mailing address on file is outdated | The PIN will go to the old address | Talk to us before requesting the PIN; an authorized filer may need to update the address first |
| SOI is due in days | 7+ business days of mail time may be too slow | Hire a filer who already has, or can be granted, access |
Step-by-step checklist
- Search your entity in bizfile and open the right-side profile panel; confirm the mailing address on file.
- Log in (or create a bizfile account).
- Select Request Access. If an authorized user exists, the request goes to them. If not, choose Request PIN.
- Do not click Request PIN again the same week; duplicates are blocked and only one letter is mailed. You can re-request after 10 days.
- When the letter arrives: Manage Access → Input PIN Now → Get Access.
- The Statement of Information option now appears. File and pay the $20/$25 fee.
- Grant access to your accountant or filing service now so next year is painless.
Common trap: The PIN never goes to your registered agent. Owners who rely on their agent's address for mail never see the letter. Check the mailing address field on the record first.
Common trap: Missing the due date while waiting for the PIN does not pause the $250 penalty that SOS can refer to the FTB.
The Secretary of State says to allow up to 7 business days for the PIN letter. If access already belongs to someone else, request it from them, and contact the Secretary of State (bizfile@sos.ca.gov, (916) 653-6814) if there is no response in about two weeks.
FAQ
Official sources
- California Secretary of State: Statements of Information filing tips
- California Secretary of State: News & Notices (August 1, 2026 User Access)
- California Secretary of State: bizfile Online Help Guide
- Franchise Tax Board: Common penalties and fees
Last reviewed: October 30, 2026
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Private information and filing service; not a government agency.