The Pennsylvania Secretary of State typically processes Subsistence Certificates within two weeks. If the company is NOT in good standing and you are the owner, we’ll notify you and let you know what is required to bring the company into good standing with the state.
What is a Good Standing Certificate?
A Pennsylvania Good Standing Certificate is proof positive that the PA Company named on the Certificate is legally eligible to do business in the state of Pennsylvania. Along with the issuance date and signature of the Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth, a Pennsylvania Good Standing Certificate includes the following information: "I Do hereby certify that."
We recommend getting one as soon as possible because many banks and insurance companies will require a business’s certificate of good standing to do business. A Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence does not have a set expiration date.
Upon receipt of your order, we’ll request the certificate of good standing document. After filing for an LLC, the next step is to prepare an operating agreement and set up a file or binder for your important business records. You can order a certificate of good standing on this page.
The Department is alerting all business entities of this solicitation to prevent businesses from paying more than is needed for a Subsistence Certificate by using a bogus intermediary like PA Certificate Services. Most states allow business entities to get a Certificate of Good Standing, with some offered through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Ohio offers a streamlined way to get your certificate. You’ll need to complete a certificate request form, and mail or fax it in along with the $10 processing fee.
Pennsylvania LLC Compliance
Once all these steps have been taken, your Pennsylvania LLC should be in good standing, and you can provide proof with the certificate of subsistence issued by Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, the Subsistence Certificate for Domestic Filing Entities is for an entity formed in Pennsylvania. It is called a certificate of registration if it is for an entity formed in another state.
A certificate of good standing is needed for several reasons: opening a bank account, applying for a loan, leasing commercial space, or registering a business out of state.
How Good Standing Certificates Work
A certificate of good standing is official certification from the state that a company is legally registered and adheres to all regulations. It shows that a company is trustworthy and credible, which is essential for business expansion and obtaining financing.
Reasons to get one:
- Lenders demand to see it for financing.
- It proves legitimacy.
- It allows opening bank accounts.
- Partners may require it.
What’s Included:
A certificate of good standing certifies a company is properly registered, up-to-date on fees and filings, and legally permitted to operate. It includes:
- Confirmation of registration, tax payments, and compliance.
Getting a Certificate:
Eligible structures generally include corporations and LLCs. Each state handles certificates through the office of the Secretary of State, and the costs are typically under $50.