Secretary of State Office Cuts Filing Fees For Alabama Businesses

MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill announced Monday that business owners will file formation, amendment, and dissolution documents directly with his beginning Jan. 1, 2021, and will bypass the fees associated with each process.

Businesses will soon be able to visit the Secretary of State’s website where they will be able to file these documents, as opposed to filing with the county probate office and then with the Secretary of State.

Previously, business owners would have to pay county and state fees anytime a filing was processed. County fees ranged from $25-$83, based on the document and county.

"Our office is proud to provide this one-stop shop for business owners. As we navigate these difficult times, government should be working to assist the American people – not hinder them further," Merrill said. "As we approach the 2021 Legislative Session, I look forward to advancing more legislation that will further support Alabama’s business community."

In addition to cutting filing fees, Merrill said he has prioritized expediting the filing process for businesses.

"I am proud of our continued efforts to remove the red tape that has long encumbered Alabama businesses," Merrill said. "With the help of the Alabama Legislature, and specifically State Representative Bill Poole (R-Tuscaloosa), we are working every day to provide a more efficient, streamlined process."