Certificate of Good Standing Minnesota
A Minnesota 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 Minnesota guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Minnesota.
Or use a professional service:
ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Minnesota?
You can obtain your Minnesota certificate of good standing by requesting it from the Secretary of State.
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 Minnesota Business is Compliant
To qualify for a Minnesota certificate of good standing, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota ELicensing website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Minnesota state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax.
In Minnesota, both LLCs and corporations may need to pay additional business tax.
Multi-member LLCs must pay Partnership Tax. Corporations and LLCs taxed as C corporations must pay Corporation Franchise Tax. Corporations and LLCs taxed as S corporations must pay S Corporation Tax.
Businesses may also need to pay a minimum fee alongside their taxes depending on their total yearly Minnesota property, payroll, and sales amounts.
Annual Renewals
All Minnesota LLCs and corporations must file an Annual Renewal. This report verifies the business’s basic information including its principal office address and registered agent information.
The Annual Renewal must be filed with the Secretary of State each year by Dec. 31. You can file online, by mail, or in person. There is no filing fee.
Step 2. Order Your Minnesota Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a Minnesota certificate of good standing from the Secretary of State. This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
ORDER A MINNESOTA CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING
OPTION 1: Order Online With the Secretary of State
Order Online- OR -
OPTION 2: Order by Mail or In Person
Download FormFiling Cost: $15 online, $5 by mail and in person
Filing Address:
Minnesota Secretary of State - Certification
Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building
60 Empire Drive, Suite 100
St Paul, MN 55103
Need Help Filing?
Use a professional service to help you order your Minnesota Certificate of Good Standing
Our favorite choice is ZenBusiness ($100 + state fee)
Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Minnesota?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your business in Minnesota, 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
Minnesota 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 Minnesota certificate of good standing by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online, by mail, or in person.
In Minnesota, ordering a certificate of good standing costs $15 for online filings and $5 for mail or in-person filings.
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota certificate of good standing means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
Minnesota businesses often need a certificate of good standing in order to do business outside of Minnesota, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Minnesota 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 Minnesota or get a business bank account.
After ordering your Minnesota certificate of good standing, the Secretary of State will email or mail you your certificate.