Client Alert: An Early Holiday Gift? The State Corporation Commission’s New Online Filing System
On December 9, 2019, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (“SCC”) launched a new online filing system. The new, modernized computer information system (“CIS”) will manage the Commission’s business entity and Uniform Commercial Code records and is intended to “unify previously disparate user experience, allowing businesses to complete the majority of required business filings and submission online.” The new CIS replaces “current methods of filing online with the SCC with a more robust, secure platform.” To make the system more accessible to the average user and to increase filing accuracy, it will include “built-in user guides to prevent common filing errors and rejection of documents.”
The new CIS increases “self-service options and improve[s] search capabilities” to “aid users who regularly conduct business with the SCC.” Now, when a user submits a document online, “they will have real-time approval of documents” and will have the ability to instantly “view any filings or correspondence associated with their account.” Required documents can still be filed in paper form, but the SCC hopes that this new and improved CIS will encourage users to submit all documents online.
All those wishing to search and access SCC documents and data will need to create a new user account; previous eFile accounts were not transferred to the new CIS. Records can only be filed and changed online by authorized users – business entities and registered agents – to whom the SCC has issued PIN numbers. Registered agents have been issued PINs beginning with the letters “RA” and business entities have been issued corresponding PINs beginning with “BE.” Registering a new account requires users to select a username and password, enter a mailing and home address, and undergo identity verification through Experian, a third-party identity management database.
Additional information from the SCC concerning this new system is available at the following links below:
https://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/online-services.aspx
https://www.scc.virginia.gov/clk/pinfaqs.aspx
Should you need assistance in forming a business entity or should you or your business entity have any questions or concerns about these changes, please contact Peter Mellette, Harrison Gibbs, Elizabeth Dahl Coleman, or Scott Daisley at Mellette PC.
This client advisory is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice specific to any situation you may have. Individuals desiring legal advice should consult legal counsel for up-to-date and fact-specific advice.
