Iowa Certificate of Good Standing

For various legal and business reasons, companies in the state of Iowa who are registered to conduct business in the state may require a special document called a Certificate of Good Standing. The document is easy to obtain by submitting a records request form to the Secretary of State of Iowa.

 

Requesting records like the Certificate of Good Standing form is possible for your own business, but it is also possible for businesses you don't own. For instance, you can obtain articles of formation, conversion documents, registration documents (for companies from out of state), and more for basically any company who is registered in Iowa.

 

In some cases, the Certificate of Good Standing is not actually required to prove good standing (registration in the state of Iowa or compliance with state laws). It may be required as evidence of dissolution or suspension of your company, for example.

 

Once you receive your Certificate of Good Standing, you'll notice that it features a seal from the state of Iowa and a signature from the Secretary of State's office.

 

Go here to get information about fee requirements for obtaining the Certificate of Good Standing form and the records request forms themselves. Use the online business search site to conduct records research.

 

SunDoc can produce a Certificate of Good Standing for you by the next business day if you would like to expedite your request.

 

When Do You Need A Certificate Of Good Standing?

 

You may need a Certificate of Good Standing if you're applying for a business loan or line of credit. Tax matters also can require it - note that you can owe taxes and still be in good standing with Iowa, you just can't be out of compliance with any of the tax process.

 

Additionally, specific licensing requirements might demand a Good Standing Certificate, and you’ll need one if you plan to be involved in a merger or acquisition. Buying or selling your company also requires one. Your Good Standing certification will form an essential part of the legal documentation for your business.

 

Another frequent need for a Certificate of Good Standing is to register to do business in another state (see how SunDoc Filings can help you with foreign qualification). You will have to determine your full documentation requirements, including expirations. Some states for example require certified status to be less than 30 days old, while some allow 60 days.

 

Certificate Of Good Standing Or Certificate Of Status?

 

The Certificate of Good Standing in other jurisdictions may also be referred to as a Certificate of Status or of Existence. In Iowa, it shows that an entity is registered to do business in the state, is in compliance with applicable corporate rules and licensing requirements, and has not been suspended by the state taxing authority, the Franchise Tax Board.

 

How To Get Your Good Standing Certificate

 

In the state of Iowa, you can only order your Certificate of Good Standing by mail or personally in the Sacramento office. Unfortunately, there is not currently a way to order your certificate electronically.

 

Rush service is available for good standing requests in Iowa. Mailed-in requests will take 5 to 15 business days while in person requests are generally available in two business days.

 

Next Steps

 

SunDoc Filings will save you valuable time on your routine business filings, including your request for a Certificate of Good Standing, by expediting your order. Other filing companies may send in your documents by mail, but we always go directly to the Iowa Secretary of State office multiple times each day to hand deliver documents and pick up forms.

 

To talk to a live voice for immediate assistance call us toll-free during business hours at 1-888-595-2747.