Carnahan’s
“Red Tape Reduction Act”  Takes Effect on January 1

The New Year brings new, convenient
options for Missouri businesses

Jefferson
City, Missouri – Secretary of State
Robin Carnahan today announced that the “Red Tape Reduction Act” goes into
effect on January 1st. Beginning next week, businesses will have the option of
filing corporate registration reports with the Secretary of State’s Office every
two years rather than annually. In addition, the “Red Tape Reduction Act” will
allow businesses to change the date of their filing to match tax and other
paperwork deadlines.

“I’m proud to have
championed this law to make it easier for Missouri’s more than 400,000
businesses,” Carnahan said. “My office has saved businesses over $10 million in
reduced fees since 2005, and I will continue to work to help small businesses
grow and succeed in our state.” 

Dan Mehan, President
and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the changes will
make a difference for business owners. “In the current economy, anything that
makes it easier for businesses to succeed in Missouri is an advantage for our
state as we look to grow jobs and recover,” Mehan said. “While allowing
businesses to file every other year may seem like a small change, what it really
does is allow companies to spend less time filling out paperwork and sending in
forms so they can focus on what’s important – running their businesses and
conducting commerce.”

Carnahan made this
bill one of her major legislative priorities last session, and it was signed
into law July 10, 2009, by Governor Jay Nixon as part of HB 481. Other
provisions of the Act, which reduce fees by more than 50 percent for limited
liability companies that file online, went into effect Aug.
28.

The “Red Tape
Reduction Act” furthers Carnahan’s commitment to increasing efficiency and
streamlining the way businesses interact with government. In 2007, Carnahan launched the Missouri Business Portal (www.business.mo.gov), a joint venture with
the governor’s office, as a “one stop shop” for businesses to file reports or
acquire licenses.

For more information
on the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, visit www.sos.mo.gov.