A Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing confirms a business’s valid status. To get one, ensure your business complies with licenses, permits, taxes, and fees. Then visit the Secretary of State’s website to order a certificate for $15. Processing takes two weeks, but an expedited option may be faster.
Why It’s Needed
A Certificate of Good Standing vouches for a business’s compliance. Banks, creditors, and foreign states often request these certificates to verify a company before doing business. While not legally required, a Certificate of Good Standing can help demonstrate your business is properly registered in Massachusetts.
Key Information
The certificate includes:
- The company’s incorporation date
- A verification number to check authenticity
Certificates don’t expire, but individual requesters may set their own expiration dates. Stay compliant, then order a certificate online, by mail, or fax. The fee is $25 and processing takes up to 5 business days. These certificates are commonly required for various business activities such as registering an LLC in another state, obtaining business insurance or loans, or opening bank accounts.