A West Virginia certificate of good standing confirms that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was founded lawfully and is being properly maintained.
We will explore the qualifications for good standing and how to get a certificate of good standing in West Virginia in our Certificate of Good Standing West Virginia guide.
Table of Contents
How Do I Obtain a West Virginia Certificate of Good Standing?
In West Virginia, you may receive 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 West Virginia business is in compliance.
To be eligible for a West Virginia certificate of existence, your company must meet the following state compliance requirements:
Permits and Licenses
To run a company in West Virginia, you must adhere to federal, state, and municipal licensing requirements. Regulations such as health permits and construction permits are examples of this.
The West Virginia One Stop Business Portal 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 West Virginia state tax. Sales tax, withholding tax, and Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax are all examples of this.
Reports on a Year
Every West Virginia 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.
The report must be submitted with the Secretary of State by July 1 of each year. It may be submitted either online or by mail. The application cost is $25.
Step 2: Request a West Virginia Certificate of Good Standing.
Once your company is in good standing with the state, you can apply to the Secretary of State for a West Virginia certificate of existence. This can be done through the mail, email, fax, phone, or in person.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Required in West Virginia?
While you don’t always need a certificate of existence to operate a company in West Virginia, 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
