Free Georgia C 15 Template in PDF

1. What is the Georgia C-15 form?

   The Georgia C-15 form is a report mandated by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 10-14-12(g). It is used by funeral homes to provide an itemized list and report of all unserviced preneed funeral contracts as of December 31 of the reporting year. This form helps in ensuring that funeral homes comply with state laws regarding the handling and reporting of preneed contracts.

2. Who needs to file the Georgia C-15 form?

   The requirement to file the C-15 form applies to all funeral homes operating within the state of Georgia that have entered into preneed funeral contracts. These establishments must complete and submit the form annually to report on the status of these contracts and to confirm that all required deposits into preneed escrow accounts have been made in accordance with state regulations.

3. What information must be included in the form?

   The form requires detailed information, including:

   • The total number of unserviced contracts as of December 31 of the reporting year.
   • Details of each contract, including the contract holder name, depository date of contract, total amount of contract, amount paid to date, and total amount on deposit.
   • The name, address, and contact information of the registrant/funeral home.
   • Certification that the information provided is accurate under penalties of perjury and that all required deposits have been made to the preneed escrow account.

4. When is the C-15 form due?

   The form is due annually, although the specific deadline may vary. It is designed to report on the status of preneed funeral contracts as of December 31 of the preceding year, indicating that submissions are likely expected early in the following year. To ensure compliance, it's crucial for funeral homes to verify the exact deadline for submission each year.

5. What are the penalties for not filing the form or filing late?

   Failure to file the C-15 form, or late filings, can result in penalties. These may include fines, suspension, or revocation of the funeral home's license to operate. Exact penalties can vary based on the discretion of the Georgia Securities and Business Regulation Division and the severity of the infraction. Continual non-compliance or repeated late filings can escalate the severity of penalties.

6. How can the form be submitted?

   Funeral homes are required to submit the completed C-15 form to the Georgia Securities and Business Regulation Division, located at the specified address in Atlanta, Georgia. While the C-15 form instructions do not detail electronic submission options, funeral homes should contact the Division directly to inquire about the most current submission methods available, including any digital or online platforms.

7. Where can I find help completing the form?

   For assistance in completing the form, funeral homes can contact the Georgia Securities and Business Regulation Division directly through the phone number provided on the form. Additionally, legal counsel knowledgeable in Georgia state regulations surrounding preneed funeral contracts can provide valuable guidance to ensure accurate and compliant submissions.

Filling out the Georgia C-15 form, which is crucial for reporting unserviced preneed funeral contracts, often presents challenges. These challenges can result in errors that potentially complicate compliance and administrative processes. Recognizing and avoiding these common mistakes can streamline the process and ensure the report is accurately and completely submitted.

1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Contact Information: The form requires detailed contact information, including the registrant or funeral home's phone number and the name and phone number of the contact person regarding this report. Sometimes, this section is filled out hastily, leading to incomplete or inaccurate information, which can cause delays if clarification or further information is needed.

2. Errors in the Totals: The form demands careful arithmetic to report the total number of unserviced contracts accurately, along with the total amounts paid to date and remaining on deposit. Mathematical errors or oversight in accurately calculating these totals can result in reporting inaccuracies, potentially leading to regulatory issues or the need for resubmission.

3. Omitting Additional Pages for Excess Contracts: When the number of unserviced preneed funeral contracts exceeds the space provided, additional pages must be attached with consistent and complete information for every contract holder. Failing to attach additional pages or incomplete details on these pages are common mistakes that can significantly impact the report’s integrity.

4. Failure to Certify Correctness and Compliance: The certification section at the end of the form is vital. It confirms the accuracy of the information provided and compliance with deposit requirements into the preneed escrow account. Neglecting to sign this part, or errors in printing the name and title of the authorized individual, can invalidate the submission, requiring it to be corrected and resubmitted.

Avoiding these mistakes requires a meticulous approach to filling out the form, including double-checking all entered information, performing accurate calculations, ensuring all required attachments are included, and properly completing the certification. Such diligence ensures compliance with Georgia's regulations and helps maintain the trust and confidence of those who have entered into preneed funeral contracts.

When preparing or reviewing the Georgia C-15 form, titled "Report and Itemized List of all Unserviced Preneed Funeral Contracts", it's crucial to have a clear understanding of the associated forms and documents. These additional documents ensure compliance with Georgia's detailed regulatory framework for preneed funeral contracts. Each has a specific role in providing comprehensive information, ensuring transparency, and meeting legal requirements.

• Annual Registration Form: This document is necessary for the initial registration and the annual renewal. It verifies that the funeral home is authorized to sell preneed contracts in Georgia.
• Trust Fund Agreement Form: A critical document that outlines the funeral home's agreement with a financial institution to hold preneed funds in trust, as required by law.
• Escrow Account Statement: It provides a detailed account of the funds deposited, earned interest, and withdrawals. This document verifies that all received monies are appropriately handled and secured.
• Consumer Brochure: A state-mandated brochure that must be given to each consumer before the purchase of a preneed funeral contract. It explains the consumer's rights and the nature of the agreement.
• Itemized Statement of Goods and Services: This document accompanies every preneed contract, detailing the goods and services purchased and their prices. It ensures transparency and helps consumers understand what they are paying for.
• Cancellation Form: A form provided to consumers to allow for the cancellation of the preneed contract within a certain period, as per state regulations.
• Annual Report of Trust Funded Preneed Contracts: This annual report provides an overview of all preneed contracts funded through a trust, including the total number of contracts and the total amount paid into trust.
• Proof of Insurance for Funeral Services: Verifies that the funeral home has the necessary insurance to operate and offer preneed contracts, protecting consumers.
• Change of Ownership Form: Must be filled out and submitted if there's a change in the ownership of the funeral home, ensuring that the state has up-to-date information about who is responsible for the preneed contracts.

Understanding and properly managing these documents are vital for compliance and to protect the interests of both the consumer and the funeral service provider. By ensuring each is accurately completed and timely filed, funeral homes not only adhere to state laws but also build trust with their communities. This forms part of the broader responsibilities involved in offering preneed funeral contracts in Georgia.

• Form 5500 - Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan: Similar to the Georgia C 15 form, Form 5500 requires detailed reporting to a federal agency (the Department of Labor) about the status of certain employee benefit plans. Both forms are mandatory annual filings and include detailed financial information and certifications by the signatory that the information provided is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.

• HUD-1 Settlement Statement: Used in real estate transactions, the HUD-1 Settlement Statement provides an itemized list of incoming and outgoing funds for the buyer and seller. Like the Georgia C 15 form, it requires detailed financial information and must be accurate and complete, reflecting transactions up to a specific date.

• Form 1041 - U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts: This form, similar to Georgia C 15, involves reporting financial activity, specifically for estates and trusts. It requires a detailed accounting of income, deductions, and credits, akin to the itemized listing of preneed funeral contracts and their financial status on the C 15 form.

• UB-04 (CMS-1450) Hospital Billing Form: The UB-04 form, used by hospitals for billing medical services, shares similarities with the Georgia C 15 form in that both require systematic, detailed financial reporting. Each contains specifics about services rendered or contracts held, with the UB-04 focusing on medical services and the C 15 on preneed funeral contracts.

• FDIC Call Reports: Banks must file these reports quarterly with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, detailing their financial condition. Similar to the C 15 form, Call Reports require comprehensive financial data and adherence to regulatory mandates, ensuring oversight bodies have current data on the reporting entity’s health.

• FCC Form 477 - Local Telephone Competition and Broadband Reporting Form: This form, required by the Federal Communications Commission, involves the collection of data regarding broadband and telephony services. Like the C 15 form, it aims at collecting specific service-related data from registrants, ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring industry standards.

• SEC Form 10-K: An annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the 10-K offers a comprehensive summary of a company’s financial performance. Parallel to the Georgia C 15 form, the 10-K demands detailed financial information, compliance with regulatory requirements, and is fundamental for transparency and accountability to stakeholders.

• IRS Form 990 - Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax: Non-profit organizations must file this form annually to maintain their tax-exempt status. Both Form 990 and the C 15 form include detailed financial disclosures, operational information, and require a certification of accuracy by an authorized representative.

• NAIC Annual Statement for Insurers: Insurance companies must file this comprehensive report with state regulators, detailing their financial status and insurance business operations. Like Georgia’s C 15 form, the NAIC Annual Statement requires detailed financial reporting and ensures companies meet regulatory standards for continued operation.

• OSHA Form 300 - Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses: This form requires employers to record and report work-related injuries and illnesses annually, similar to how funeral homes report on unserviced preneed funeral contracts via the C 15 form. Both ensure compliance with regulatory standards and contribute to oversight and safety.

When filling out the Georgia C-15 form, which is a report on unserviced preneed funeral contracts, it’s crucial to ensure accuracy and completeness. To help, here's a list of dos and don'ts:

• Do:
1. Read the instructions accompanying the form carefully before beginning to fill it out. This can save time and prevent errors.
2. Verify the registration number and ensure it matches the records with the State of Georgia.
3. Provide a current phone number and the mailing address of the funeral home to facilitate straightforward communication.
4. Ensure that the total number of unserviced contracts is accurate as of December 31 of the reported year.
5. Include correct names and contact information for any contact persons regarding the report.
6. Itemize the unserviced preneed funeral contracts accurately, including contract holder names, depository information, and financial specifics.
7. Attach additional pages if necessary, making sure each contract holder’s information is as complete as on the main form.
8. Review the certification part thoroughly, understanding its legal implications before signing.
9. Sign and print the name clearly in the certification part to validate the form.
10. Verify that all required deposits have been made to the preneed escrow account, as this is crucial for compliance.
• Don't:
1. Leave any fields blank. If a section does not apply, it's usually better to mark it as "N/A" rather than leaving it empty.
2. Guess or estimate figures. Ensure that all financial information provided is exact and verifiable.
3. Use nicknames or initials for contract holder names. Instead, use full and legal names to avoid confusion.
4. Forget to double-check the date of the contract and the total amount paid to date for accuracy.
5. Overlook the necessity to update records if any changes occur after the initial submission of the form.
6. Ignore the instructions for attaching additional pages. Remember, consistency in the format is key for clarity.
7. Sign the form without having all the required authorization, as this could lead to legal issues.
8. Submit the form without first verifying all the information for correctness and completeness.
9. Rush through filling out the form, as this often leads to mistakes and omissions.
10. Disregard the deadline for submission, as this can result in penalties or legal consequences.

• A common misconception is that the Georgia C-15 form is only relevant for funeral homes with preneed funeral contracts that have been fully paid off. The reality is that the form requires reporting on all unserviced preneed funeral contracts, regardless of the amount paid to date.

• Another misunderstanding is that the form is a onetime requirement. Instead, the form is a part of an annual reporting process, mandated by O.C.G.A. 10-14-12(g), meant to ensure funeral homes regularly update the status of their preneed contracts.

• It's also mistakenly believed that the form applies only to contracts with an outstanding balance. However, the form requires information on all unserviced preneed contracts, including those fully paid but not yet serviced.

• Some people think that filling out the Georgia C-15 form is voluntary. In reality, compliance with this requirement is mandatory for all funeral homes in Georgia holding unserviced preneed funeral contracts, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• There's a misconception that the form requires detailed financial information about the funeral home itself. The focus of the form is specifically on the preneed contracts, including the total amount of the contract, amount paid to date, and the total amount on deposit.

• Many believe that the certification part of the form is a mere formality. Actually, this certification, done under penalties of perjury, is a serious affirmation that all the information provided is true and that all required funds have been deposited in the preneed escrow account.

• A common mistake is thinking that the form is only for the state's internal use and has no impact on consumers. Yet, this reporting mechanism indirectly protects consumers by ensuring funds for their preneed contracts are properly handled and accounted for.

• Lastly, there's a false impression that the form can be submitted at any time during the year. The form must be submitted following the end of the calendar year, specifically after December 31st, making it a crucial year-end task for funeral homes.

Understanding the intricacies of the Georgia C-15 form, alongside its purpose and requirements, is crucial for entities involved in managing preneed funeral arrangements. Here are ten key takeaways about filling out and using this form:

• Legal Requirement: The Georgia C-15 form is mandated by the Georgia Code O.C.G.A. 10-14-12(g) for all preneed funeral contracts that have not yet been fully executed or serviced.
• Purpose: Its primary purpose is to present an annual report and an itemized list of all unserviced preneed funeral contracts as of December 31 of the preceding year.
• Who Must File: Every funeral home or similar entity that offers preneed funeral contracts in Georgia must complete and submit this form.
• Information Required: The form requires detailed information, including the total number of unserviced contracts, contact details of the registrant/funeral home, and specifics about each contract.
• Contract Details: For every unserviced preneed funeral contract, the form asks for the contract holder's name, depository, date of contract, total amount of the contract, amount paid to date, and the total amount currently on deposit.
• Record Organisation: Entities are instructed to attach additional pages, as necessary, ensuring all required information for every contract holder is clearly and completely documented.
• Certification: The form includes a certification part where the signatory, under penalties of perjury, attests to the truthfulness and correctness of the information provided. This includes confirmation that all required deposits have been made to the preneed escrow account.
• Signature Authority: The individual authorized to sign the document must be one who can legally represent the corporate or individual owner of the funeral home or entity filing the report.
• Importance of Accuracy: Given the legal obligations and potential for penalties associated with this form, extreme care should be taken to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
• Annual Submission: Remember that submission of the C-15 form is an annual requirement. Ensuring timely and correct filings is essential for compliance with Georgia state law.

Properly completing and submitting the Georgia C-15 form constitutes not only adherence to legal standards but also reflects the responsible management of preneed funeral contracts. Entities are encouraged to maintain thorough and up-to-date records to streamline the process of filling out this required report.