A Washington 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 Washington guide, we will go over the qualifications for good standing as well as how to get one in Washington.
How Do I Obtain a Washington Certificate of Good Standing?
In Washington, you may get your certificate of good standing, also known as a certificate of existence, by requesting it 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 Washington business is in compliance.
To be eligible for a Washington certificate of existence, your company must meet the following state compliance requirements:
Permits and Licenses
To run a company in Washington, you must adhere to federal, state, and municipal licensing requirements. Regulations such as health permits and construction permits are examples of this.
State levies
Depending on your company activity, you may be required to register for several types of Washington state tax. Sales tax, withholding tax, and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax are all examples of this.
There is no state withholding tax in Washington, but enterprises must pay a Business and Occupation Tax.
Reports on a Year
Every Washington LLC and company is required to submit an annual report. This report confirms the company’s fundamental facts, such as its primary office location and registered agent.
Every year, the annual report is submitted with the Secretary of State. It is due by the end of the month in which the company was established. It may be submitted either online or by mail. The application cost is $60.
Step 2: Obtain a Washington Certificate of Good Standing.
If your company stays in good standing with the state, you may apply to the Secretary of State for a Washington certificate of existence. This is something that can be done online.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Required in Washington?
While you don’t always require a certificate of existence to operate a company in Washington, there are a few situations when you may. These are some examples:
Purchasing commercial insurance
Applying for commercial loans
Setting up a business checking account
Getting a business license in another state