Certificate of Good Standing

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

Certificate of Good Standing is a one page document that provides evidence that your business is in compliance with the state that issues it. Also known as "Certificate of Facts", "Certificate of Existence", or "Certificate of Status", it is evidence that your corporation or LLC s in existence, has met all legal obligations, and is currently authorized to transact business within the state at the time of filing.

Why do I need a Certificate of Good Standing?

There are quite a few circumstances where you may be required to present a Certificate of Good Standing to prove the legitimacy of your business and its operations, such as:

• To qualify/register as a foreign entity in a state other than your formation state
• To obtain financing
• To sell a business
• To renew a license or licenses
• To enter into many business transactions and contracts
• To ensure that the state has received all fees, taxes and any penalties owed
• To ensure that " Articles of Dissolution" have not been filed with the state.
• To open a bank account

What do I need to get a certificate of good standing?

In order to obtain a certificate of good standing, your business needs to be a legally registered entity within the state that issues it. That means Corporations, LLCs, PLLCs, and nonprofits are eligible. If you are operating your business as a sole proprietorship you will not be able to obtain a certificate of good standing.

You will also need to be up to date on all legal obligations your business has to the state. This includes filing your annual report on time, obtaining the necessary business licenses, and paying your state taxes, including franchise taxes where applicable.

How long is my Certificate of Good Standing valid?

Your Certificate of Good Standing is a snapshot of your business's status with the state at the time the document is requested. In most cases, it is at the discretion of whoever requested the certificate to determine how long this document will be accepted. Generally you can expect your certificate will be valid for 30 - 90 days.

What happens if my business is not in good standing?

Before we attempt to obtain your certificate, our team will conduct a review to confirm your business's status. If it is determined that your business is not in good standing, we will contact you to help you solve any underlying issues we discover that would otherwise prevent you from obtaining your certificate.