Maine Certificate of Good Standing

Do you need to obtain a Certificate of Existence to prove that your company is registered to do business in the state of Maine? The process is quite simple. Obtaining a Certificate of Existence is a common filing request. In addition to being necessary for proving business registration, it may also be needed to show compliance with applicable Maine state requirements or to show that your entity was suspended or dissolved.

 

Filing starts by submitting a records order to the Secretary of State office. You can obtain records request forms as well as information about fees online. Your certificate will be returned to you with an official state seal and an authorized Secretary of State signature.

 

You may retrieve documents from a company that you don't actually own as well as companies you do own. As long as the records are on file, you may retrieve, for example, a certified collection of all recorded filings for any entity, such as articles of formation, registration forms, conversion, and amendments.

 

Use Maine’s online business search to conduct records research, and talk to SunDoc if you need your certificate by the next business day as we can help expedite your request.

 

When Do You Need A Certificate Of Existence?

 

You may need a Certificate of Existenceif you're involved in a merger or acquisition, or if you're buying a company outright, or selling yours. The Good Standing certification will form part of the legal documentation of the entity.

 

Typically, applying for a business loan or line of credit will require Certificate of Existence. Tax matters also can require it - note that you can owe taxes and still be in good standing with Maine, you just can't be out of compliance with any of the tax process. Certain licensing requirements may also ask for Certificate of Existence.

 

Another frequent need for a Certificate of Existence 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 Existence?

 

Sometimes, a Certificate of Good Standing may be referred to as a Certificate of Existence or a Certificate of Status. In the state of Maine, such a document shows that a company is compliant with state licensing requirements and corporate rules and that it is legally registered to conduct business in the state. Finally, it proves that an entity has not been suspended by the Franchise Tax Board (the state taxing authority).

 

How To Get Your Certificate Of Existence

 

The process of ordering a Certificate of Existence is quite simple and straightforward. It involves going to the Secretary of State office in person or submitting a records request form by mail. 

 

For mailed-in requests, expect 5 to 15 business days to process your order. For in-person orders, the process typically takes two business days. Rush services are also available in Maine.

 

Next Steps

 

SunDoc is happy to handle all of your Good Standing request needs as well as all other filing needs you have for you our Maine entity. We save you valuable time by visiting the Secretary of State office multiple times a day to hand-deliver and receive documents in an expedited manner. At the same time, other companies only mail in their forms.

 

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