A Louisiana certificate of good standing confirms that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was founded lawfully and is being properly maintained.
In our Certificate of Good Standing Louisiana tutorial, we will go over the qualifications for good standing as well as how to get one in Louisiana.
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How Do I Obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing?
You may get your Louisiana certificate of good standing from the Secretary 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 Louisiana business is in compliance.
To be eligible for a Louisiana certificate of good standing, your company must meet the following state compliance requirements:
Permits and Licenses
To run a company in Louisiana, you must adhere to federal, state, and municipal licensing requirements. Regulations such as health permits and construction permits are examples of this.
The Louisiana Secretary of State’s website has more information on state licensing requirements.
State levies
Depending on your business activity, you may be required to register for various types of Louisiana state tax. Sales tax, withholding tax, and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax are all examples of this.
Reports on a Year
Every Louisiana LLC and corporation is required to file an annual report. This report confirms the company’s fundamental facts, such as its primary office location and registered agent.
The report is filed with the Secretary of State online. It is due every year on or before the anniversary of the company’s formation. The fee for filing is $30.
Step 2: Obtain a Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing.
Once your company is in good standing with the state, you can apply to the Secretary of State for a Louisiana certificate of good standing. This can be done online or by mailing or faxing a written request.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Required in Louisiana?
While you don’t always need a certificate of good standing to run a business in Louisiana, 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