If you formed your LLC in Massachusetts and need to provide proof of your LLC’s good standing, then you’ll need to obtain a “Certificate of Good Standing” from the Massachusetts Secretary of State.
The cost of a Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Secretary of State is free, or $150 for expedited service. Processing takes up to 5 business days.
Providing proof of good standing for an LLC may be required when:
Read this page to learn how to obtain proof of Good Standing for a Massachusetts LLC.
A Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is a legal document that confirms your Massachusetts LLC’s current existence and valid status in the eyes of the state. It also confirms that all required annual reports have been filed, any fees have been paid, and that the business has not had any major issues with the Secretary of State or IRS.
The process to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Secretary of State is simple and straightforward.
Step 1: Get a Statement of Account
The first step in getting your Certificate of Good Standing is to get a “Statement of Account” from the Massachusetts’s Secretary of State. You can do this online on their website or by mail.
Step 2: Submit the Application for Certificate of Good Standing
Once you have your Statement of Account, you can submit an application for a Certificate of Good Standing to the Secretary of State. You can do this online or by mail.
Step 3: Receive Your Certificate
After submitting your application and paying any fees, you will receive your Certificate of Good Standing in the mail.
There are a few reasons an LLC in Massachusetts might fail to be in good standing, including:
If your LLC has lost its good standing, you can restore it by submitting any required reports, paying any outstanding fees or taxes, and following all other legal requirements. Once this is done, you will then be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State.
No. You must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State that your LLC was formed in.
It depends on the method of filing you choose. If you file online, it typically takes up to 5 business days. Filing by mail will take longer.
It depends. Certain loans and insurance applications may require one, but in some cases, a Statement of Account from the Secretary of State may be sufficient.
Yes, but you must first restore good standing to your LLC by submitting any required reports, paying any outstanding fees or taxes, and following all other legal requirements. Once this is done, you will then be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of State.