“I need to file an SEC Form D for my LLC, and I believe I need ‘SEC access codes’ first. I have prepared, notarized and submitted the application to obtain these codes, but EDGAR is not accepting it and I seem to be at a dead end. Can you help me?”
We hear this a lot! If an entity hasn’t filed with the SEC before, it needs to first obtain EDGAR access before anything else can be filed. This involves:
- Designating one or two “Account Administrators“, each of which must obtain Login.gov credentials.
- Preparation of a “Form ID” application and an authentication document in the proper format
- Getting the authentication document notarized
- Submitting the application and authentication document to the SEC in the proper file formats
- Once the application is approved, Account Administrator(s) must formally accept administrator role.
- If needed, an Account Administrator may delegate an outside party (such as a filing agent) to submit filings on behalf of the filer.
Whereas applicants can do the above on their own, the process is prone to errors which cause rejection of the application, delays and missed deadlines. If you’re a first-time filer, it may be to your benefit to hire an SEC EDGAR Filing Agent (service provider) to take care of all this for you (click here or here for examples). An experienced filing agent will ensure that (1) the application is filled in correctly, (2) the authentication document is in the proper format, (3) you know how to get it properly notarized, and (4) everything is submitted and filed in the proper manner. This not only saves you time and frustration, it also ensures that your subsequent filing can be submitted in a timely manner.
The service provider should provide you with the cost up front. For example, edgar-services.com, an SEC EDGAR Filing Agent, covers all this and obtains SEC access codes for U.S. individuals for a flat $95 fee.
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