In the Philippine corporate landscape, transparency is not merely a best practice—it is a statutory mandate. One of the most critical compliance documents for any corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the General Information Sheet (GIS).

The GIS serves as the official annual snapshot of a corporation’s "health," detailing its ownership structure, board of directors, executive officers, and capital stock. Failure to file this document can lead to a corporation being placed under "delinquent" status or, worse, the revocation of its certificate of incorporation.

Where to Get the GIS Form

The SEC has transitioned almost entirely to digital formats to streamline the filing process. You can obtain the official, most up-to-date GIS form through the following channels:

Official SEC Website: The primary source for the GIS form is the SEC's official website. Under the "Forms" or "Downloads" section, you can find the specific templates for:
Stock Corporations
Non-Stock Corporations
Foreign Corporations (Branch or Representative Offices)
One Person Corporations (OPC)
Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST): While you can download a blank form, the SEC now requires users to use the eFAST platform (formerly the OST) to ensure they are using the correct, machine-readable format.

Note: Always ensure you are using the latest version of the form (often labeled with a "Revision" date at the bottom), as the SEC frequently updates fields to include new data requirements, such as Beneficial Ownership information.

Filing Deadlines: When to Submit

The timing of your filing depends on the nature of the corporation and the occurrence of its annual meeting:

Stock and Non-Stock Corporations: Within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the actual annual stockholders' or members' meeting.
Foreign Corporations: Within thirty (30) calendar days from the anniversary date of the issuance of the SEC license.
One Person Corporations (OPC): No annual meeting is required, but a GIS must still be submitted annually.

What if no meeting is held? If the corporation fails to hold its annual meeting on the date fixed in the Bylaws, the GIS must still be filed within thirty (30) days from the scheduled date. The corporation should indicate in the form that "no meeting was held."

How to File: The Digital Workflow

As of 2021, the SEC has mandated the use of the Electronic Filing and Submission Tool (eFAST). Physical, over-the-counter submissions are generally no longer accepted unless under specific circularized exceptions.

Step 1: Preparation

Fill out the GIS template accurately. Key sections include:

Corporate Name and SEC Registration Number.
Capital Structure: Authorized, subscribed, and paid-up capital.
Director/Officer Information: Names, nationalities, and Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).
Beneficial Ownership: Identification of the natural persons who ultimately own or control the corporation.

Step 2: Notarization

The GIS must be verified and signed under oath by the Corporate Secretary. Once signed, it must be notarized by a Commissioned Notary Public.

Step 3: Registration on eFAST

If the corporation does not have an account, the authorized filer must register at the eFAST portal. This requires a Company Registration and Compliance Monitoring (CRCM) code or a valid email address linked to the corporation.

Step 4: Uploading the Document

The GIS must be uploaded in two formats:

PDF Version: A scanned copy of the signed and notarized GIS.
Excel/Editable Version: An electronic copy of the same form (to allow the SEC to parse data automatically).

Step 5: Payment of Fees

While there is no "filing fee" for the GIS itself if filed on time, any penalties for late filing must be paid via the SEC Payment Portal (using LandBank Link.BizPortal or over-the-counter at selected payment centers).

Important Considerations

The "Beneficial Ownership" Requirement

To combat money laundering, the SEC requires corporations to disclose the Beneficial Owners (the natural persons who own at least 25% of the voting rights or exercise ultimate control). This information is kept in a non-public portion of the GIS.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The SEC takes the GIS seriously. Consequences for late filing or non-filing include:

Monetary Fines: Scaled based on the corporation's retained earnings or assets.
Delinquent Status: After failing to file for three consecutive years.
Revocation: After a period of delinquency without rectification.

The GIS is more than just a piece of paper; it is the public record of a corporation's legitimacy. Regular and accurate filing ensures that your entity remains in "Good Standing," allowing you to secure business permits, enter into contracts, and maintain the trust of stakeholders.

Would you like me to draft a checklist of the specific documents and details you need to gather before filling out the GIS form?