This article applies to:

E-file diagnostic: Secretary of State File Number (SOS)

Secretary of State File Number (SOS): The SOS number must be 12 digits and begin with 19 or 20.

This happens when you haven’t entered a valid Social Security file number (SOS).

Go to Organizer
, States
, Common State
, then the General Information
folder.

Select State/City ID Numbers
, then go to the State/City ID Numbers
section.

In Line State/City ID Numbers
, enter the valid SOS
number. It needs to be 12 digits.

Go to Organizer
, States
, California
, then the Disregarded Entity
folder.

Select General Information
, then go to the General Information
section.

In Line Secretary of State file number
, enter the valid SOS
number.

note

This is different from the California Corporate number, which is 7 digits.

The state of CA requires a SOS number to be on file. The SOS number needs to be 12 digits and begin with 19 or 20.

If you don’t have the valid SOS number, then contact the state to obtain a number. California E-Help Desk: (916) 845-0353.