Edgarize

The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that all publicly held companies file specific financial forms to its EDGAR database. According to the SEC, its "primary purpose is to increase the efficiency and fairness of the securities market for the benefit of investors, corporations, and the economy by accelerating the receipt, acceptance, dissemination, and analysis of time-sensitive corporate information filed with the agency."

Many companies turn to EDGAR agents in order to ensure that the correct forms are filed in a timely way. These services "edgarize" company documents so they conform to SEC regulations. How does this process work? What do you need to do? Below are some tips for successful edgarization.

First, a filer needs to register with the SEC. These forms need to be in electronic form, so companies can go to the SEC's EDGAR site to apply. Upon acceptance, the filer receives a CIK code through email. Using this code and the given password, the filer then creates EDGAR access codes. When these codes are obtained, then a filer can begin the process of filing the appropriate forms.

Some forms have associated fees. In order to ensure your forms are accepted, your company should make sure there are sufficient funds in their SEC bank accounts. You can fedwire the money to your account two days or so before you file the documents. The Edgar agent can confirm the amount of the fees so you can wire the appropriate amount.

Next, you need to prepare your documents for the agent. This requires that you follow formatting guidelines set forth by the agent. This makes converting the files easier. Check with your service to see if they have specific formatting guidelines. Once this is done, email the documents to the agent. Call to confirm that they have received your documents.

Make sure you deliver the pertinent documents to the filing firm in time for proper handling. It takes time to convert, review, and submit the forms. If you have a large filing, make sure that you provide sufficient time. Some firms can convert about 15 pages of documents in two to three hours. If you give the firm a thousand pages for filing, you should plan ahead and give it to them well before it is due. As how long it will take to prepare your documents.

The filing firm or agent will prepare a proof for your review. Look at this carefully for errors. The firm will conduct an evaluation as well, but your company should take the time to proof it before the firm submits it.

Having a professional filing agent or firm edgarize your documents will benefit you in saved time, hassle, and expense. Some firms offer printing services and mail distribution services as well, so you can find one that will meet all your needs. The SEC requires that your company files certain paperwork; an edgarization agent can help you comply.