A certificate of good standing in Pennsylvania validates that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was founded lawfully and has been properly maintained.
We will explore the qualifications for good standing and how to get a certificate of good standing in Pennsylvania in our Certificate of Good Standing Pennsylvania guide.
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How Do I Obtain a Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing?
Request your certificate of good standing, also known as a certificate of sustenance in Pennsylvania, from the Department of State.
There are two major processes involved in obtaining your certificate of good standing:
1. Maintain your LLC’s compliance
2. Request a certificate of good standing.
What exactly is a good standing certificate? A certificate of good standing is a state document that confirms your company was created lawfully and has been properly maintained.
Step 1: Ensure that your Pennsylvania business is in compliance.
To be eligible for a Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence, your company must meet the following state compliance requirements:
Permits and Licenses
To run a company in Pennsylvania, you must adhere to federal, state, and municipal licensing requirements. Regulations such as health permits and construction permits are examples of this.
The Pennsylvania Department of State website has further information on state licensing requirements.
State levies
Depending on your company activity, you may be required to register for several types of Pennsylvania state tax. Sales tax, withholding tax, and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax are all examples of this.
Annual Reports
All Pennsylvania companies and LLCs are required to submit a decennial report. This report validates the fundamental details of the company, including its registered office address.
Every ten years, the decennial report is sent to the Department of State for years ending in “1.” (e.g., 2021, 2031, etc.). The cost for filing is $70.
Step 2: Obtain a Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing.
If your company stays in good standing with the state, you may apply for a certificate of subsistence from the Pennsylvania Department of State. This is something that can be done online.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Required in Pennsylvania?
While you don’t always need a certificate of subsistence to run a business in Pennsylvania, there are a few situations where you might. These are some examples:
Purchasing commercial insurance
Applying for commercial loans
Establishing a business checking account
Getting a business license in another state
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