---
title: "SEC Reporting Attorney | 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K [2026]"
description: "SEC reporting support for public companies, working with independent securities counsel on 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and proxy statement preparation. Affordable rates for smaller reporting companies."
canonical: "https://acquisitionstars.com/services/sec-reporting"
firm: "Acquisition Stars"
practice: "M&A and securities law"
office: "Novi, Michigan (serves clients nationwide)"
contact: "consult@acquisitionstars.com | 248-266-2790"
---

# SEC Reporting Compliance Services

**Acquisition Stars** helps public companies coordinate SEC reporting compliance and works with independent securities counsel on the substance of the filings. From quarterly 10-Qs to annual 10-Ks, current reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statements, we help small and mid-cap public companies manage the process end to end.

**SEC reporting:** Mandatory periodic disclosure filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act of 1934. Requirements include Form 10-K (annual, due 60-90 days post-year-end with audited financials), Form 10-Q (quarterly, due 40-45 days post-quarter), Form 8-K (within 4 days of material events), and proxy statements for shareholder meetings. Smaller Reporting Companies (under $250M float) receive scaled disclosure relief.

[Request Engagement Assessment](https://acquisitionstars.com/consultation) [Call (248) 266-2790](tel:+12482662790)

## SEC Reporting: What You Need to Know

**Need SEC reporting compliance?** Acquisition Stars coordinates SEC reporting for public companies and works with independent securities counsel on all SEC reports, including 10-K annual reports, 10-Q quarterly reports, 8-K current reports, and proxy statements. We specialize in smaller reporting companies with scaled disclosure requirements.

60/75 days 10-K/10-Q Deadlines

4 days 8-K Filing Deadline

$250M SRC Threshold

**Acquisition Stars** serves companies nationwide with a specialized focus on smaller reporting company compliance and efficiency, working with independent securities counsel on the filings themselves.

## Working With Acquisition Stars on SEC Reports

**Acquisition Stars coordinates Form 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, and Exchange Act filing timelines for public companies nationwide, working with independent securities counsel on the filings themselves.**

We coordinate SEC reporting for smaller reporting companies and work with independent securities counsel on scaled disclosure requirements, helping minimize reporting burden and costs. We tell you who would handle your matter before any introduction, and you decide whether to proceed.

FORM 10-K

### Annual Report

Comprehensive annual disclosure with audited financial statements

Filing Deadline: 60 days (SRC) / 75 days

Frequency: Annual

Audited: Yes

FORM 10-Q

### Quarterly Report

Interim financial updates with MD&A and risk factor updates

Filing Deadline: 40 days (SRC) / 45 days

Frequency: 3x per year

Audited: No (reviewed)

FORM 8-K

### Current Report

Disclosure of material events and corporate changes

Filing Deadline: 4 days (varies)

Frequency: As needed

Triggers: Material events

PROXY STATEMENTS

### Schedule 14A

Annual meeting proxy materials and shareholder communications

Filing Deadline: Before mailing

Frequency: Annual + special

Content: Compensation, elections

$50K-$150K Annual Retainer Range Direct Partner on Every Matter SRC Focus Scaled Disclosure Expertise

## Why choose Acquisition Stars for SEC reporting?

**Acquisition Stars coordinates 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and Section 16 reporting, including smaller reporting company accommodations, and works with independent securities counsel who prepares and files the reports.**

We specialize in coordinating reporting for smaller reporting companies and work with independent securities counsel on scaled disclosure requirements, keeping the process efficient while reducing costs and maintaining full compliance.

### Smaller Reporting Company Coordination

We help you understand SRC scaled disclosure benefits and work with independent securities counsel on reduced compensation disclosure, simplified MD&A, and executive officer definition advantages that minimize reporting burden.

### Systematic Filing Process

Clear timelines and filing checklists we coordinate with independent securities counsel, built around the deadlines that attach to your filer status.

### Cost-Effective Retainers

Annual retainers provide predictable costs, allowing budget certainty and comprehensive reporting support within manageable expense parameters.

### Disclosure Controls Support

We help establish and maintain internal disclosure controls and procedures, and work with independent securities counsel on the Sarbanes-Oxley compliance requirements, ensuring material information flows to the reporting team and certifying officers.

## SEC Reporting FAQs

### What is SEC reporting and which companies must file?

SEC reporting refers to periodic disclosure obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Companies required to file include: (1) Companies with securities registered on national exchanges (NYSE, Nasdaq, etc.); (2) Companies with 2,000+ shareholders or 500+ non-accredited shareholders and $10M+ in assets; (3) Companies that completed registered public offerings. Required reports: Form 10-K annual reports, Form 10-Q quarterly reports (3x yearly), Form 8-K current reports for material events, proxy statements for shareholder meetings. SEC reporting creates continuous disclosure obligations enforced through SEC Division of Corporation Finance review. Non-reporting companies on OTC Markets can use Alternative Reporting Standard instead. Acquisition Stars advises on SEC reporting obligations from a business standpoint and works with independent securities counsel, who prepares the required Exchange Act filings for public companies nationwide.

### What is the difference between Form 10-K and Form 10-Q?

Key differences between annual 10-K and quarterly 10-Q reports: FINANCIALS-10-K requires full audited financial statements for fiscal year; 10-Q requires condensed unaudited financials with management review. DISCLOSURE SCOPE-10-K includes comprehensive business description, risk factors, MD&A, executive compensation, governance; 10-Q updates material changes only. FILING DEADLINE-10-K due 60 days after year-end for smaller reporting companies (75 days for large accelerated filers); 10-Q due 40 days after quarter-end (45 days for accelerated filers). FREQUENCY-One 10-K annually; three 10-Qs for first three quarters (no Q4 10-Q). CERTIFICATIONS-Both require CEO/CFO Sarbanes-Oxley certifications. EXHIBITS-10-K includes material contracts, bylaws, code of ethics; 10-Q includes limited exhibits. Acquisition Stars works with independent securities counsel, who prepares both 10-K and 10-Q filings, with emphasis on smaller reporting company scaled disclosure benefits.

### What is smaller reporting company status?

Smaller Reporting Company (SRC) status provides scaled disclosure accommodations for companies with: (1) Public float below $250M (measured as of last business day of Q2); OR (2) Annual revenue below $100M and either no public float or public float below $700M. SRC benefits include: (1) Two years of audited financials in 10-K instead of three; (2) Reduced executive compensation disclosure (3 NEOs vs 5, summary comp table covers 2 years vs 3); (3) Simplified MD&A requirements without tabular disclosures; (4) Exemption from Say-on-Pay votes; (5) Exemption from auditor attestation of internal controls over financial reporting; (6) Extended filing deadlines (60/40 days vs 75/45 days). Companies can also qualify as Emerging Growth Companies (EGCs) if revenue below $1.235B and meet other tests, providing additional accommodations. Acquisition Stars helps identify opportunities to maximize SRC scaled disclosure benefits and works with independent securities counsel to implement them while maintaining full compliance.

### What events require Form 8-K filings?

Form 8-K must be filed within 4 business days for specified material events under 15 items: ITEM 1-Changes in control, bankruptcy, mine safety disclosures. ITEM 2-Acquisitions/dispositions of significant assets, off-balance sheet arrangements, material impairments. ITEM 3-Securities delisting notices, trading suspension, alternative trading facility. ITEM 4-Changes in accountant, non-reliance on previous financials. ITEM 5-Executive officer or director changes (departures, appointments, elections), amendments to bylaws/articles, fiscal year changes, temporary suspension of trading under employee benefit plans, shareholder director nominations. ITEM 7-Regulation FD disclosures. ITEM 8-Other events company deems important. ITEM 9-Exhibits and financial statement requirements. Critical 8-Ks: reverse merger Super 8-K (within 4 days with audited shell and target financials), change in control, executive departures. Acquisition Stars advises on reporting triggers from a business standpoint, and independent securities counsel prepares the Form 8-K filings.

### What are the SEC filing deadlines for public companies?

Filing deadlines vary by filer status. LARGE ACCELERATED FILERS (public float ≥$700M): 10-K due 60 days after fiscal year-end, 10-Q due 40 days after quarter-end. ACCELERATED FILERS (public float $75M to $700M): 10-K due 75 days after year-end, 10-Q due 40 days after quarter-end. NON-ACCELERATED FILERS and SRCs (public float <$75M or revenue <$100M): 10-K due 90 days after year-end, 10-Q due 45 days after quarter-end. Note: many SRCs can file 10-K in 60 days and 10-Q in 40 days. Form 8-K due 4 business days after the triggering event (some items 1 business day). Proxy statements due before the shareholder meeting with advance notice requirements. Missing a deadline triggers delinquent filer status, an NT filing requirement, loss of Form S-3 eligibility, potential exchange delisting, and SEC enforcement risk. Acquisition Stars helps calendar these dates against your filer status, and independent securities counsel prepares the filings ahead of them.

### What is an NT filing and when is it required?

Form 12b-25 (Notification of Late Filing) must be filed when company cannot meet 10-K or 10-Q deadline. NT filings provide automatic 15-day extension for 10-Q, 5-day extension for 10-K. Requirements: (1) File before original deadline passes; (2) State reason for delay; (3) Indicate if inability to file timely is due to circumstances within control; (4) Provide good faith estimate when filing will occur. Consequences of NT filing: (1) Company becomes delinquent filer-loses ability to use Form S-3 for one year after becoming current; (2) Nasdaq/NYSE may issue compliance notice; (3) Negative market perception and trading impact; (4) Increased SEC scrutiny. Even with extension, if company doesn't file within extension period, delinquency continues. REPEAT NT FILINGS: Pattern of NT filings triggers SEC comment letters and potential enforcement. Acquisition Stars helps companies plan proactively to avoid NT filings. Independent securities counsel rarely uses extensions except for extraordinary circumstances like auditor changes or complex transactions requiring additional time.

### What is XBRL and is it required for SEC filings?

XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) is structured data tagging required for financial statements in SEC filings. Requirements: (1) All operating companies must file financial statements in inline XBRL format; (2) Tags must be applied to all numeric values and certain text blocks; (3) Company must use appropriate taxonomy (US GAAP for most companies); (4) Custom tags allowed for company-specific items not in standard taxonomy. XBRL submissions include: (1) Primary financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flows, equity changes); (2) Financial statement footnotes; (3) MD&A selected financial data; (4) Cover page information. Software required: XBRL creation tools or SEC EDGAR online form preparation. Validation: SEC EDGAR system performs automated validation; errors must be corrected before acceptance. Filing: XBRL is embedded in HTML filing (inline XBRL). Acquisition Stars coordinates with XBRL service providers to ensure compliant financial statement tagging and successful EDGAR validation for all SEC periodic reports.

### What are Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 and 906 certifications?

Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires CEO and CFO certifications in every 10-K and 10-Q: SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS-Filed as exhibits, each signing officer certifies: (1) Reviewed the report; (2) No material misstatements or omissions; (3) Financials fairly present in all material respects; (4) Responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures; (5) Evaluated effectiveness of controls within 90 days; (6) Disclosed all significant deficiencies to audit committee and auditors; (7) Disclosed any fraud involving management or employees with significant control roles; (8) Indicated whether there were significant changes in internal controls. SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS-Furnished (not filed), each officer certifies: (1) Report fully complies with Exchange Act requirements; (2) Information fairly presents financial condition and results. Criminal penalties attach to false Section 906 certifications: up to $5M fine and 20 years imprisonment for willful violations. Acquisition Stars coordinates control evaluations supporting CEO/CFO Section 302 certifications, and independent securities counsel prepares the certification language.

### What is included in proxy statements for annual meetings?

Definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A discloses: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION-(1) Compensation Discussion & Analysis (CD&A) explaining pay philosophy (SRCs exempt); (2) Summary Compensation Table for CEO, CFO, and 3 highest paid executives (SRCs disclose 3 NEOs instead of 5); (3) Outstanding equity awards; (4) Director compensation. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE-(1) Board composition and director independence; (2) Committee structure (audit, compensation, nominating); (3) Related party transactions; (4) Ownership by management and principal shareholders. PROPOSALS-(1) Director election candidates with biographies; (2) Ratification of auditors; (3) Say-on-Pay advisory votes (if required); (4) Shareholder proposals; (5) Other matters. VOTING MECHANICS-Record date, quorum requirements, vote standards, proxy voting instructions. Proxy must be filed preliminarily 10 days before mailing unless relying on exemptions. Acquisition Stars coordinates executive compensation disclosure, beneficial ownership calculations, and related party transaction reviews for annual and special shareholder meetings, and works with independent securities counsel, who prepares the proxy statements.

### How much does SEC reporting compliance cost annually?

Annual SEC reporting costs for smaller reporting companies typically range $75,000 to $200,000 including: LEGAL FEES-$30,000-$80,000 for securities counsel preparing 10-Ks, 10-Qs, 8-Ks, and proxies; retainers offer predictability. AUDIT FEES-$25,000-$80,000 for annual audited financial statements and quarterly reviews; costs vary by company size and complexity. XBRL TAGGING-$5,000-$15,000 annually for financial statement tagging services. EDGAR FILING AGENT-$3,000-$8,000 for conversion, HTML formatting, and filing transmission. TRANSFER AGENT-$3,000-$10,000 for shareholder record keeping and proxy distribution. PRINTING/MAILING-$2,000-$7,000 for proxy statement printing and distribution. D&O INSURANCE-$15,000-$50,000 for directors and officers liability coverage (increases post-public). Companies with revenues under $10M and simple operations can minimize costs through efficient processes; complex companies with subsidiaries, stock compensation, acquisitions face higher costs. Acquisition Stars offers retainer arrangements with managing partner involvement on every engagement, coordinating with independent securities counsel who handles the SEC filings.

### What happens if you file SEC reports late?

Late SEC filing consequences escalate with severity and duration: IMMEDIATE EFFECTS-(1) Company becomes delinquent filer losing Form S-3 eligibility for 12 months after becoming current; (2) Form S-8 registration statements may be suspended; (3) Rule 144 sales may be restricted if current information unavailable. EXCHANGE LISTING-(1) Nasdaq issues deficiency notice requiring plan to regain compliance; (2) Potential delisting if delinquency exceeds cure period; (3) NYSE MKT has similar requirements; (4) OTC Markets downgrades to Pink Limited or Expert Market. SEC ENFORCEMENT-(1) Delinquent filing history review by Corp Fin; (2) Potential Commission investigation; (3) Cease-and-desist proceedings for reporting violations; (4) Civil penalties; (5) Officer and director bars for egregious cases. MARKET IMPACT-(1) Trading suspension possible; (2) Shareholder litigation risk; (3) Loss of investor confidence. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS-Delinquent status keeps statute open for securities claims. Acquisition Stars helps delinquent companies plan a path back to current status, working with independent securities counsel on catch-up filings and recommencement of compliance.

### How do you prepare for ongoing SEC reporting compliance?

Successful SEC reporting requires systematic processes and controls: DISCLOSURE CONTROLS-(1) Implement procedures to identify material information; (2) Establish communication protocols from business units to disclosure committee; (3) Document control design and testing. REPORTING CALENDAR-(1) Create fiscal year calendar with all deadlines; (2) Establish internal draft deadlines 2-3 weeks before SEC deadline; (3) Coordinate audit committee meetings for 10-K/10-Q approval. TEAM COORDINATION-(1) Identify disclosure committee members (CFO, general counsel, controller, business unit heads); (2) Engage external securities counsel early in process; (3) Coordinate with auditors on financial statement preparation and review schedule. DOCUMENTATION-(1) Maintain support for all disclosure items; (2) Track changes quarter-over-quarter; (3) Preserve work papers and review notes. PRIOR FILINGS-Review prior reports and SEC comment letters for recurring issues. Acquisition Stars provides SEC reporting process training for first-time filers, helps implement disclosure controls templates, and coordinates reporting teams, working with independent securities counsel to ensure smooth quarterly and annual filing cycles.

## Ready to streamline your SEC reporting compliance?

Get SEC reporting coordination from **Acquisition Stars**, focused on smaller reporting companies. We work with independent securities counsel on timely, accurate, and cost-effective preparation of all SEC filings while maximizing scaled disclosure benefits. Contact us to discuss your reporting needs.

[Request Engagement Assessment](https://acquisitionstars.com/consultation) [Call (248) 266-2790](tel:+12482662790)

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Source: https://acquisitionstars.com/services/sec-reporting

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