Form 20-F is an SEC filing submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission used by certain foreign private issuers to provide information.^[1] The form is used by companies where 50% or less of the total amount of voting shares are held by American Citizens, but its shares can be traded on an American Exchange.^[2] The purpose of the form is to standardize the reports of foreign businesses for the American Markets.^[3]

20-F, 20-F/A Annual and transition report of foreign private issuers pursuant to sections 13 or 15(d)

20FR12B, 20FR12B/A Form for initial registration of a class of securities of foreign private issuers pursuant to section 12(b)

20FR12G, 20FR12G/A Form for initial registration of a class of securities of foreign private issuers pursuant to section 12(g)

The postfix /A stands for 'Amendment' The report must be filed within four months after the end of the fiscal year.

A 40-F is used for Canadian filers.

It is similar to the Form 10-K used by domestic companies.