Certificate of Good Standing Massachusetts
A Massachusetts certificate of good standing verifies that a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
In our Certificate of Good Standing Massachusetts guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Massachusetts.
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ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?
You can obtain your Massachusetts certificate of good standing by requesting it from the Department of Revenue.
There are two main steps for getting your certificate of good standing:
2. Order your certificate of good standing
What is a certificate of good standing? A certificate of good standing is a state document that verifies your business was legally formed and has been properly maintained.
Step 1. Make Sure Your Massachusetts Business is Compliant
To qualify for a Massachusetts certificate of good standing, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Massachusetts, you must follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines. This can include regulations like health permits and building permits.
You can find out more about state licensing requirements with the State of Massachusetts website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Massachusetts state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax
Annual Reports
All Massachusetts LLCs and corporations must file an annual report. This report verifies the business’s basic information including its principal office address and registered agent information.
The report must be filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth every year on or before the anniversary date of the business’s formation. This can be done online or by mail. The filing fee is $125 for corporations and $500 for LLCs.
Step 2. Order Your Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a Massachusetts certificate of good standing from the Department of Revenue. This can be done online, by mail, or by fax.
ORDER A MASSACHUSETTS CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING
OPTION 1: Order Online With MassTaxConnect
Order Online- OR -
OPTION 2: Order by Mail or by Fax
Download FormFiling Cost: $25
Mailing Address:
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 7073
Boston, MA 02204
Fax: (617) 660-3611
Need Help Filing?
Use a professional service to help you order your Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing
Our favorite choice is ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your business in Massachusetts, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Purchasing business insurance
- Applying for business loans
- Opening a business checking account
- Registering to do business in other states
Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing FAQ
A certificate of good standing is a legal document that confirms that your business is compliant with state regulations.
Certificates of good standing are also known as certificates of status, certificates of existence, or certificates of compliance.
You can get a Massachusetts certificate of good standing by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online, by mail, or by fax.
In Massachusetts, ordering a certificate of good standing costs $25.
Because many banks and insurance companies will want a business's certificate of good standing in order to do business, we recommend getting one as soon as possible.
A Massachusetts certificate of good standing does not have a set expiration date. However, requesters — such as banks, creditors, and foreign business states — often have their own guidelines for a certificate's validity.
Obtaining a Massachusetts certificate of good standing means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
Massachusetts businesses often need a certificate of good standing in order to do business outside of Massachusetts, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Massachusetts businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of good standing. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Massachusetts or get a business bank account.
After ordering your Massachusetts certificate of good standing, the Department of Revenue will either email or mail you the certificate.