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Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for a Domestic LLC or Corporation
A domestic LLC, corporation, or other statutory entity in Massachusetts may request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of the Commonwealth. This document includes the following information:
- Entity name
- Formation or incorporation date
- All required annual reports have been filed and fees paid
- The entity has not filed Articles of Dissolution
- The entity has legal existence and is in good standing with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A domestic entity may also request a “certificate of legal existence” that provides the following information: entity name; date of incorporation or formation; and entity has legal existence.
Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for a Foreign LLC or Corporation
An out-of-state LLC, corporation, or other entity that is registered to do business in Massachusetts may request a good standing certificate that includes the following information:
- Entity name
- State of organization (domestic state)
- Date of incorporation/formation
- Date of qualification
- All required annual reports have been filed and fees paid
- The entity is still qualified to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Massachusetts (Mass) Certificate of Good Standing FAQs
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What is a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?
A Certificate of Good Standing provides evidence that a business entity is in compliance with state “good standing” requirements, such as filing an annual report and paying necessary fees. The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is responsible for issuing good standing certificates.
Other names for this document include “certificate of existence” and “certificate of status”.
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What is the DOR Certificate of Good Standing and/or Tax Compliance?
A Certificate of Good Standing and/or Tax Compliance is a separate document issued by the Department of Revenue (DOR) in Massachusetts. This document provides evidence that a business has filed and fully paid its Massachusetts taxes under Chapter 62C of the Massachusetts General Laws.
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Why is “good standing” important for your business?
Being in “good standing” with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts allows a statutory entity (such as a corporation or LLC) to maintain the rights and privileges of doing business in the state. A business may need to provide a Certificate of Good Standing (or the equivalent) when expanding to other states. A good standing certificate can also be required for financing, business transactions, and business licensing.
The loss of good standing can lead to fines, the inability to file a lawsuit, not being able to expand to other states, and even the administrative dissolution of a business.
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Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts for my LLC or corporation?
A Certificate of Good Standing is frequently required when expanding to other states. For example, a Massachusetts corporation wishing to open an office in New Jersey, would need to furnish a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing (as well as obtain a New Jersey registered agent) when registering as a foreign corporation with the State of New Jersey.
Lenders, investors, and vendors can request a good standing certificate before doing business with a company. The document may also be required for licensure or for certain business transactions, such as a merger or acquisition.
Massachusetts does not require a Certificate of Good Standing when forming a new LLC or corporation, although it may be necessary to obtain one for the reasons listed above.
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How do I get a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?You can order a Massachusetts 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.