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PA Domestic Entity Certificate of Good Standing or Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence
A Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence for a domestic entity includes the following information:
- LLCs: A Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence for an LLC certifies the entity’s formation date; that the entity is registered as an LLC under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and that the LLC is still in existence on the records of the Department of State.
- Corporations: A Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence issued for a corporation confirms the entity’s formation date; that the entity is registered as a corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and that the corporation is still in existence on the records of the Department of State.
A Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence does not indicate that the domestic entity has paid all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Foreign Entity Certificate of Good Standing or PA Certificate of Registration
For a foreign entity registered in Pennsylvania, a Certificate of Registration is the equivalent of a Certificate of Good Standing and includes the following information:
- Entity name
- A statement that the entity is a registered foreign business entity (ex. Foreign Business Corporation)
- Statement that the entity is registered to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania Certificate of Registration does not imply that the foreign entity has paid all fees, taxes, and penalties owed to the Commonwealth.
Certificate of Good Standing (Subsistence)
$94 +state fees*
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Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence and Certificate of Good Standing FAQs
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What is a Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence?
A Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence (also known as a Certificate of Good Standing) is a document confirming that a business is still in existence on the records of the Department of State. Unlike Certificates of Good Standing issued in other states, a Pennsylvania Subsistence Certificate does not confirm an entity’s active status. It also does not indicate whether the business has fulfilled Pennsylvania “good standing” requirements, such as filing annual reports and paying required fees. The Department of State is responsible for issuing Pennsylvania Certificates of Subsistence (for domestic entities) and Registration (for foreign entities).
Other names for this document include “certificate of existence”, “certificate of authorization”, and “standing certificate”
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Is there a difference between a Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence and a Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing?A Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence (for domestic entities) and Certificate of Registration (for foreign entities) are equivalent to a Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing.
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Why is “good standing” important for your Pennsylvania business?Being in good standing allows a corporation, LLC, or other statutory entity in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Subsistence or Registration Certificate?A Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence is required when your business expands 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 (Subsistence Certificate) before doing business with a company. Depending on the type of business, you may need to submit the equivalent of a Certificate of Good Standing to obtain licensure. You may also need the equivalent of a Certificate of Good Standing for other business transactions, such as a merger or acquisition.
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How do I obtain a a Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence or Registration?You can order a Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence or Registration 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.