Last Updated: February 16, 2024, 2:22 pm by TRUiC Team


Certificate of Good Standing Texas

A Texas 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 Texas guide, we will discuss the requirements for good standing and exactly how to get a certificate of good standing in Texas.

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Business people on bridge celebrating certificate of good standing.

How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Texas?

You can obtain your certificate of good standing, known as a certificate of fact - status in Texas, by requesting it from the Secretary of State.

There are two main steps for getting your certificate of good standing:

1. Keep your LLC compliant

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 Texas Business is Compliant

To qualify for a Texas certificate of fact - status, your business must stay up-to-date with state compliance requirements:

Licenses & Permits

To operate your business in Texas, 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 Texas website.

State Taxes

Depending on your business activity, you will have to register for different forms of Texas state tax. This can include sales tax or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax. Texas does not have a state withholding tax.

Additionally, Texas LLCs and corporations must pay a franchise tax along with their annual report.

Annual Reports

All Texas LLCs and corporations must file an annual report along with their franchise tax. This report summarizes your business’s tax information over the past year. 

The report is filed online each year with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. It is due by May 15. 

Businesses with annualized revenue below $1,130,000 do not pay any tax but must file a “No Tax Due” report. Businesses with annualized revenue greater than $1,130,000 pay a graduated tax that is calculated based on a complex formula.

Step 2. Order Your Texas Certificate of Good Standing

Once your business remains compliant with the state, you can request a texas certificate of fact - status from the Secretary of State. This can be done online, by mail, by email, or by phone.

ORDER A TEXAS CERTIFICATE OF FACT - STATUS

OPTION 1: Order Online With Texas SOSDirect

Order Online

- OR -

OPTION 2: Order by Mail, by Email, or by Phone

Read Instructions

Filing Cost: $15

Mailing Address:

Certifying Team
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711-3697

Email: corpcert@sos.texas.gov

Phone: (512) 463-5578

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Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Texas?

While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of fact - status to run your business in Texas, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:

  • Applying for business loans

Texas 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 Texas, a certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of fact - status.

Certificates of good standing are also known as certificates of existence or certificates of compliance.

You can get a Texas certificate of fact - status by remaining compliant with state regulations and ordering a certificate online, by mail, by email, or by phone.

In Texas, ordering a certificate of fact - status costs $15.

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 Texas certificate of fact - status 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 Texas certificate of fact - status means that the state recognizes your business as both active and compliant.

Texas businesses often need a certificate of fact - status in order to do business outside of Texas, obtain business loans, open business bank accounts, or purchase business insurance.

Texas businesses are not legally required to obtain a certificate of fact - status. However, your business may choose to get one if you decide to do business outside of Texas or get a business bank account.

After ordering your Texas certificate of fact - status online, the Secretary of State will email you within a couple of hours to alert you that the certificate is available to view online. Ordering by mail, by email, or by phone will take about one business day.