TheCorporateCounsel.net

Yesterday, the SEC announced that it will soon have a new website for making test filings of Forms 3, 4 and 5 (the test site likely will be up and operational on Monday or Tuesday next week). The new filing system will allow filers to create and file a report directly on the SEC’s website – or to make filings through the new website using third-party software that has been adapted to conform to the new reduced content format.

We expect the test period to last for approximately one month, during which time the existing EDGARlink system will exist side-by-side with the new system. After the test period expires, the SEC will convert to the new system as the exclusive means for filing Forms 3, 4 and 5.

Electronic filing will remain voluntary for a period of time thereafter, but it is likely that by June (well ahead of the July 30 deadline imposed by Section 403 of the Sarbanes-Oxley) the SEC will make electronic filing mandatory for all Section 16 filers. The SEC’s announcement is at http://www.sec.gov/info/edgar/ednews/ownerfilesite.htm.

For Section16.net subscribers, there is a webcast program on “Comparing the Section 16 Filers” on April 8th. Learn how to best use the SEC’s test site from key SEC staffers and hear the pros and cons of nine different third party web filers. More information is at http://www.section16.net/webcast0403/.Those who are not yet Section16.net subscribers can access the webcast (or the transcript) by taking advantage of the no-risk trial at www.section16.net.