File a Certificate of Good Standing
Also known as a Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Authorization, or a Certificate of Status, the Good Standing Certificate is a one-page document provided by the secretary of state and provides conclusive evidence of the status of your business entity.
Filing Your Certificate of Good Standing
Order NowWhat is a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by your state’s secretary of state office to verify that your business is compliant within the state of incorporation and therefore is in “good standing.” Just like having a driver’s license or other forms of personal ID, a Certificate of Good Standing proves that your LLC or corporation is officially registered and authorized to operate in your home state.
Also known as a Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Authorization, or a Certificate of Status, the Good Standing Certificate is a one-page document provided by the secretary of state and provides conclusive evidence of the status of your business entity. In many cases it can be valid up to three months.
When do you need a Certificate of Good Standing?
In certain situations, you may be required to prove that your business exists and is in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. A Certificate of Good Standing from your state serves as this proof. A Certificate of Good Standing is often required in order to obtain a loan, renew a business license or to file your business taxes.
There are a few key reasons why your company might need a Certificate of Good Standing. Sometimes this document is requested by:
- Other state governments as part of the process of applying for Foreign Qualification for your business to register to do business in states other than your home state
- Lenders or banks that want to get proof of your business’s existence and business history as part of evaluating your creditworthiness for a loan or when carrying out certain types of transactions
- Investors or business partners who want to make sure your business is legitimate and in compliance with laws and regulations
- Licensing agencies and regulators — in order to renew or obtain certain permits and licenses
- Business brokers or buyers — if you are seeking to sell your business and need to show proof of its existence, history and compliance
Simply put, the Certificate of Good Standing helps you prove that your business exists, and that you are a law-abiding business owner who complies with the rules. It helps enhance your trustworthiness and credibility with potential partners, investors and lenders. Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is a simple but sometimes necessary step in maintaining your business’s good reputation and branching out your business operations into new areas.
How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing?
After you form your LLC or corporation, it’s important to stay up-to-date on filing your annual report, biennial report, or other required forms and compliance paperwork. To stay in good standing, your business needs to meet a few key requirements, depending on your company’s home state. These typically include:
- Being up-to-date on annual or biennial fees to the secretary of state to register or renew your business
- Filing annual or biennial reports
- Paying any other necessary business fees or franchise taxes to state regulators
To get a Certificate of Good Standing, you’ll need to file the appropriate form with your state, or you can have Incfile file for you.
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Incfile will handle the paperwork for your Certificate of Good Standing
To obtain a Good Standing Certificate, the business entity must be registered as a legal entity with the secretary of state, and cannot be in default of corporate regulations, suspended or revoked by the state.
Filing Your Certificate of Good Standing
Common questions about filing a Certificate of Good Standing
Why do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?
What will happen if my entity is not in good standing?
How long is a Certificate of Good Standing valid?
How long does it take to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing?
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file annual report
The majority of states require that companies file periodic reports that affirm the current information of the companies members, directors, and business address.
Change Registered Agent
Use to update the registered agent on file with the state of formation.
Foreign Qualification
Filed when you need to expand your entity to new states.
Amendment
Filed if a company requires changes to membership, addresses or company name.
Dissolution
Used to formally terminate the existence of a entity.
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