You might not always be in need of a certificate of good standing, but having this document can be crucial in proving your business’s legitimacy and its legal authorization to operate.
A certificate of good standing confirms that a company is correctly registered with the state, has settled all state registration fees, and complied with necessary document submissions, thereby legally allowing it to carry out business within the state. This document may go by different names like a certificate of status or certificate of existence in various states.
Typically, a certificate of good standing comes with an expiration date, aligned with the company’s registration renewal or the due dates for periodic filings or fees. This expiry could align with the year-end or another specific period as mandated by state law for renewals or periodic submissions.
Both entities originally established within the state and those formed outside but registered within the state as foreign entities are eligible to receive a certificate of good standing.
However, it’s important to note that a certificate of good standing differs from a business or occupational license, which is essential for legal business operations. A business can still legally operate in its registered state without having to secure a certificate of good standing.
Eligibility for a Certificate of Good Standing
Not every business entity is obligated to register with the state, hence not all can acquire a certificate of good standing.
Operating as a sole proprietorship exempts you from state registration requirements, making the certificate of good standing irrelevant. Conversely, corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs) must register in all states.
The requirement to register other business forms, like partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and limited liability limited partnerships (LLLPs), varies by state. Whether you need to register depends on your business structure and state law.
Procuring a Certificate of Good Standing
The state agency where your business is registered is responsible for issuing a certificate of good standing. Typically, this is the secretary of state or a similar entity, although the specific agency varies by state, such as:
- Alaska: Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
- Arizona: Arizona Corporation Commission
- Delaware: Division of Corporations
- Hawaii: Business Registration Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- Maryland: Department of Assessments and Taxation
- And others, including unique names in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
Details on obtaining a certificate of good standing and the associated fee can be found on the respective agency’s website.
Requirements for Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing
Generally, a business needs a certificate of good standing only upon request. Situations likely requiring this certificate include when establishing business banking relationships, setting up payment processing systems, or applying for business credit. Additionally, registering your business as a foreign entity in another state often necessitates a certificate of good standing from your home state.
If your business isn’t mandated to register with the state, obtaining a certificate of good standing isn’t an option, nor is it necessary. When needed, this certificate is obtainable from the state agency where your business is registered or the agency in the state where you’re operating as a foreign entity.
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