As of August 1, 2026, the California Secretary of State requires businesses to establish User Access before submitting Statements of Information (SOIs) online through bizfile Online. Because SOIs are now expected to be filed online, establishing access is an important step in ensuring future filings can be completed without delay.
If access has not been established, the online SOI filing option will not be available within the system. According to the California Secretary of State, the change is intended to help prevent unauthorized filings and give businesses greater control over who can access and manage their entity records.
For businesses with upcoming California Statement of Information deadlines, understanding these requirements can help avoid filing delays and last-minute compliance challenges.
What Changed?
Effective August 1, 2026, businesses must establish User Access for their entity before a Statement of Information can be filed online. It is important to note that the California Secretary of State now expects SOIs to be filed this way. Once access is granted, authorized users can manage filing permissions and submit eligible filings online.
How Does the Process Work?
The process includes:
Creating or logging into a bizfile Online account.
Locating the entity within the portal.
Requesting access to the entity record.
Receiving a PIN by mail at the entity's mailing address on file.
Using the PIN to complete the authorization process.
If no one currently has “Full Access” to the entity's online record, obtaining a mailed PIN may be necessary before access can be established.
Why Does This Matter?
For businesses with upcoming Statement of Information deadlines, timing matters.
If User Access has not been established, the PIN needed to complete the process is mailed to the entity's address of record. Delivery and processing can take time, making it important to address access requirements before an SOI becomes due.
Organizations responsible for multiple California entities may face additional administrative challenges, as access must be established for each entity record.
You're Not Alone if the New Process Feels Frustrating
Since the new User Access requirements took effect, we've heard from clients with questions about requesting access, obtaining a PIN, understanding who should manage account permissions, and determining how upcoming Statement of Information deadlines may be affected. The change introduces additional steps to a filing process that many businesses have completed routinely for years.
For some businesses, the process is straightforward. For others, challenges can arise when the designated contact is no longer with the company, multiple people need filing access, or the mailing address on record is outdated. In these situations, establishing User Access may take more time than expected.
We understand the frustration that can come with any new administrative process. Our goal is to help clients understand the requirements, evaluate available filing options, and navigate the transition as smoothly as possible.
Don't Forget to Verify Your Mailing Address
Before requesting User Access, take a moment to confirm that your entity's mailing address on record with the California Secretary of State is accurate. The PIN used to establish access is mailed to that address.
If the mailing address on record is outdated, the PIN may be delivered to the wrong location, delaying the access process. In some cases, a paper Statement of Information may need to be filed first to update the mailing address before access can be established.
Taking a few minutes to verify your entity information now can help prevent unexpected delays later.
Need to File an SOI but Still Waiting on a PIN?
California's preferred method for filing Statements of Information is now through bizfile Online. However, if you're still waiting on a PIN, need to update your mailing address, or encounter another issue that prevents you from completing the online access process, paper filing options may still be available in certain circumstances.
If you have an upcoming deadline and have not yet received a PIN or completed the User Access process, it's important to explore your options before the filing becomes urgent.
If you're unsure which filing method is appropriate for your situation, contact Parasec. Our team can help you understand available options and determine the best path forward.
How Parasec Can Help
Questions about User Access, PINs, mailing address updates, or upcoming Statement of Information deadlines? Our team is here to help. We can explain the new requirements, discuss available filing options, and help you navigate the process.
Once your business has established User Access and authorized Parasec, we can continue assisting with eligible California Statement of Information filings. Reach out to us and we can help.
Learn More
The California Secretary of State offers additional information and resources regarding Statements of Information and User Access through bizfile Online. Find those resources here.