Do Family Offices Have to File Form 13F?
Yes — family offices must file Form 13F with the SEC if they meet certain asset thresholds, even if they’re not registered as investment advisers.
If your family office exercises investment discretion over $100 million or more in Section 13(f) securities — including U.S.-listed equities, certain options, and convertible securities—you’re likely required to file. There’s no broad exemption just because you’re a private, family-run entity.
For a deeper dive into the filing process, deadlines, and requirements, see our Form 13F FAQ.
Need help figuring out if your family office is required to file?
ACN Solutions can review your holdings, calculate reportable market value, and handle the filing for you — accurately and on time.
Who Must File Form 13F?
Under Rule 13f-1 of the Securities Exchange Act, any entity defined as an institutional investment manager must file Form 13F once it meets the re porting threshold. A family office fits this definition if it:
- Exercises investment discretion over accounts, and
- Manages $100 million or more in Section 13(f) securities
This requirement applies regardless of SEC registration status. Even unregistered, single-family offices must file if they meet the threshold.
Common Misunderstandings About 13F and Family Offices
It’s easy to assume your family office is exempt — but many are surprised to learn they aren’t. Let’s clear up a few myths:
- Not exempt just because you’re a family office
- Not exempt if you’re unregistered or privately managed
- Once you exceed $100 million in reportable securities, you must begin filing with the fourth quarter (Q4) of that calendar year — and continue filing for the next three quarters (Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the following year), even if you drop below the threshold.
- You may stop filing only if your holdings remain below $100 million for the entire calendar year that follows the initial trigger.
Examples: When Family Offices Must File
Multiple Account Aggregation
A family office manages several accounts across entities or branches, and the combined value of 13(f) securities exceeds $100 million.
Equity + Derivatives Exposure
A portfolio of public equities, stock options, and warrants collectively crosses the $100 million threshold.
Unregistered Family Fund
A family office manages a private pooled fund that isn't registered with the SEC but exercises investment discretion over more than $100 million in 13(f) securities.
Avoiding Problems with Form 13F Compliance
Missing a filing or submitting inaccurate data can trigger SEC notices or expose your firm to compliance scrutiny.
We can help your family office avoid missed deadlines, incorrect filings, and preventable risk.
We recommend:
- Quarterly monitoring of your holdings
- Comparing your portfolio to the SEC’s official list of 13(f) securities
- Seeking help early if you’re near the threshold
Form 13F filings are submitted through the SEC’s EDGAR system in XML format. If your family office is filing for the first time, you'll need to request EDGAR access credentials from the SEC by submitting Form ID.
Let Us Handle Your Family Office’s 13F Filing
At ACN Solutions, we’ve helped hundreds of institutional filers—including family offices—meet SEC Form 13F requirements with confidence.
- Trusted Expertise: Filing Form 13F reports since 1999
- Volume Leader: We file more 13Fs per quarter than anyone else
- Affordable Pricing: Proprietary technology keeps our costs low
Whether you’re close to the $100 million mark or already required to file, we’ll help you meet your obligations with clarity and confidence.
Quick FAQ: Family Office Form 13F Filing
Q: Do family offices have to file Form 13F?
A: Yes — if they exercise investment discretion over $100 million or more in 13(f) securities.
Q: What are 13(f) securities?
A: U.S.-listed stocks, equity options, warrants, and other reportable holdings defined by the SEC.
Q: When does filing start?
A: With the Q4 filing (due mid-February) of the year in which the $100 million threshold is crossed. You must continue through Q3 of the following year.
Q: When can filing stop?
A: If your holdings remain below $100 million for the full calendar year following the year you triggered the obligation, you can discontinue filing.
**Disclaimer:**
The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or financial advice. ACN Solutions LLC is not a law firm, compliance advisor, or affiliated with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While we strive to provide accurate and timely guidance based on publicly available SEC resources, we do not speak on behalf of the SEC and are not authorized to interpret its rules or policies. Readers should consult their legal counsel or compliance professionals for specific guidance related to their regulatory obligations.