Businesses organized as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) in Connecticut are receiving an official looking form entitled “2021- Annual Report Instruction Form” requiring payment of a “$120 annual report fee” from companies such as “C.F.S.” and “Workplace Compliance Services.” The form is being received via the U.S. postal service. The forms C.F.S. and Workplace Compliance Services sent to LLCs look like a real state tax form, so it is easy to understand how people could think it is official.
Scammers target small businesses and, unfortunately, this scam resurfaces every few years in an attempt to cheat hardworking business owners. If you receive a mailing of this kind from Workplace Compliance Services or C.F.S. it is a scam and no payments should be made. If your Annual Report needs to be filed with the State, please visit the Secretary of the State website. You can file annual reports through their online e-filing service.
The Department of Revenue Services, the Secretary of the State and the Attorney General are aware of this matter. If your business has received the bogus “Annual Report Instruction Form,” please make a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at attorney.general@ct.gov and include a copy of the mailing. The Connecticut Attorney General is the state official responsible for legal action in all civil matters, which includes investigating consumer fraud or suspected consumer fraud occurring in Connecticut.
With the end of the year approaching and the upcoming tax season just around the corner, it is imperative to be on the lookout for potential scams. If you receive the above described notice in the mail, or any other notice, email, or phone call that you suspect may be fraudulent, do not respond until the information has been verified.
Contact your CironeFriedberg professional if you need assistance. You can reach us by phone at (203) 798-2721 (Bethel), (203) 366-5876 (Shelton), or (203) 359-1100 (Stamford), or email us at info@cironefriedberg.com.
Leave a Reply