Certificate of Good Standing Pennsylvania
A Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Pennsylvania.
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How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Pennsylvania?
You can obtain your certificate of good standing, known as a certificate of subsistence in Pennsylvania, by requesting it from the Department 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 Pennsylvania Business is Compliant
To qualify for a Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:
Licenses & Permits
To operate your business in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania Department of State website.
State Taxes
Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Pennsylvania state tax. This can include sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax.
Annual Reports
The previous decennial report requirements for Pennsylvania business entities were repealed in November 2022. Starting in 2024, all formal business entities will be required to submit an annual report to the Department of State along with a $7 filing fee (there is no filing fee for nonprofits).
Step 2. Order Your Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing
Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a certificate of subsistence from the Pennsylvania Department of State. This can be done online.
ORDER A PENNSYLVANIA CERTIFICATE OF SUBSISTENCE
Order Online With the Department of State
Filing Cost: $40
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Use a dependable service to help you order your Pennsylvania Certificate of Subsistence
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Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Pennsylvania?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of subsistence to run your business in Pennsylvania, 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
Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing FAQ
A certificate of good standing is a legal document that confirms that your business is compliant with state regulations.
In Pennsylvania, a certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of subsistence.
Certificates of good standing are also known as certificates of status, certificates of existence, or certificates of compliance.
You can get a Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online.
In Pennsylvania, ordering a certificate of subsistence costs $40.
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 Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence 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 Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.
Pennsylvania businesses often need a certificate of subsistence in order to do business outside of Pennsylvania, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.
Pennsylvania businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of subsistence. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Pennsylvania or get a business bank account.
After ordering your Pennsylvania certificate of subsistence, it will be available to view online.