PROVIDENCE – Under state law, Rhode Island businesses have until Monday, March 31, to file their 2008 annual reports or risk losing their corporate status, the R.I. Secretary of State’s Office said in a reminder today.

Rhode Island law requires for-profit corporation to report certain data every year, including the names and contact information of their officers and board of directors. As of March 17, about 8,000 corporations had not yet filed, the office said.

In 2006, more than 2,600 companies lost their Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Authority as a result of failing to file. The certifications provide companies with the legal basis for conducting a variety of business-related activities, such as direct sales.

“Annual reports are a way to promote your company,” said Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis. “Filing demonstrates your business is committed to openness and showcases your officers and directors. And that can provide peace of mind to people considering doing business with you.”

This year, for the first time, business owners have the option of filing their annual reports online, at www.sec.state.ri.us, in addition to the traditional options of filing by mail or in person at the Secretary of State’s Office, 148 West River St., Providence.

“Business no longer operates in a 9-to-5 world,” Mollis said. “When I campaigned for office, I vowed to use technology to make it easier to do business in Rhode Island. Now, companies can do business with us seven days a week, 24 hours a day, from anywhere in the world.”

For more information about the programs and services offered by the R.I. Office of the Secretary of State, visit www.sec.state.ri.us.