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Kentucky Domestic Entity Certificate of Existence
In Kentucky, a Certificate of Good Standing for a domestic business entity (such as a domestic LLC or a domestic corporation) is also known as a Certificate of Existence. This document may include the following information:
- Entity name
- That the entity was formed or incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
- Formation or incorporation date
- Duration term (ex. perpetual)
- That the entity’s most recent annual report has been filed
- That all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to the Commonwealth have been paid
- That the entity has not filed Articles of Dissolution
Kentucky Foreign Entity Certificate of Authorization
A good standing certificate for a foreign entity doing business in Kentucky (such as a foreign corporation or foreign LLC) is called a Certificate of Authorization. This document may include the following information:
- Entity name
- Fictitious name on file for use in the Commonwealth of Kentucky (if applicable)
- That the entity is authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth
- That the entity’s most recent annual report has been filed
- That all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to the Commonwealth have been paid
- Confirmation that the entity has not filed a Certificate of Withdrawal
Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing FAQs
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What is a Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing (Existence/Authorization)?
A Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence, is an official document issued by the Kentucky Secretary of State’s office. A Certificate of Good Standing confirms that an entity is in existence with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and that it is in compliance with Kentucky business requirements, such as filing annual reports and paying corporation income or limited liability entity taxes.
For foreign entities, a Certificate of Authorization provides evidence that a foreign corporation or foreign LLC is authorized to transact business in Kentucky. Other names for this document include “certificate of status” and “standing certificate”.
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What is a Letter of Good Standing in Kentucky?A Letter of Good Standing is a document issued by the Kentucky Department of Revenue for the purposes of reinstating or reviving a business entity.
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Why is “good standing” important for your business?Being in good standing allows a corporation, LLC, or other statutory entity in Kentucky to maintain the rights and privileges of doing business as that statutory entity. Good standing certificates are required when expanding to other states and may be required for financing, business transactions, and licensing. The consequences of losing good standing can include fines, the inability to file a lawsuit, the inability to do business in other states, and the administrative dissolution of your business.
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When do you need a Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing (Existence/Authorization)?
A Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing (Existence/Authorization) is required when a business is expanding to another state (otherwise known as a foreign qualification) and needs to register in that state as a foreign corporation or LLC. In addition, lenders, investors, and vendors often require a Certificate of Good Standing before doing business with a company. You may need to submit a Certificate of Good Standing to obtain licensure. You may also need a Certificate of Good Standing for other business transactions, such as a merger or acquisition.
Obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing is not an incorporation or LLC formation requirement in Kentucky.
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How do I obtain a Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing (Existence/Authorization)?You can order a Kentucky Certificate of Good Standing online today from CT Corporation or contact us for additional information.
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*State fees are mandatory fees imposed by the state. Price includes online discount automatically applied at checkout. Discount is for new customers only.