Maryland Certificate of Good Standing

Entities registered to do business in the state of Maryland may need to obtain a document called a Certificate of Status for a multitude of business or legal reasons.

 

The Certificate of Status is a formal document, issued by the state of Maryland. You'll need to submit a records order in order to obtain one. Once received, you'll notice that the certificate bears both the authorized signature of the Secretary of State and an imprint of the state seal.

 

Most often, a Certificate of Status is required to prove that a company is registered to conduct business in a given state and that it is in compliance with all necessary state requirements. In some instances, Certificate of Status may also be necessary to show that your company has already been dissolved or suspended. 

 

Finally, you can obtain a Certificate of Status from a company that is not your own. In fact, you can obtain a wide variety of certified information on basically any entity, including a certified collection of all on-record filings: amendments, conversion, articles of formation, or original registrations if companies are from out of state.

 

Check the state website of Maryland for records request forms and fees. The state also has an online business search, where you can research records on your own. If you require a Certificate of Status fast — for example, on the next business day — talk to SunDoc. We can expedite filings on your behalf!

 

When Do You Need A Certificate Of Status?

 

Certificates of Status are needed for a multitude of reasons. 

 

The document itself will make up part of your entity’s legal documentation.

 

You might need certificate of status if your entity plans on:

• Being involved in an acquisition or merger
• Opening a line of credit
• Applying for a business loan
• Selling your company
• Buying a business 
• Handling unique licensing requirements for your industry or business

 

Keep in mind that the document is often needed for tax matters as well. You can still be in good standing with the state of Maryland if you owe taxes, but you must always be in compliance with the tax process.

 

Another frequent need for a Certificate of Status 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?

 

In Maryland, a Certificate of Status is the same as a Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Existence. 

 

The document proves that your entity has not been suspended by the Maryland state taxing authority, that it is in compliance with licensing requirements and applicable corporate rules, and finally, that it is currently registered to conduct business within Maryland state. 

 

How To Get Your Certificate Of Status

 

Certain states offer a way in which you can order a Certificate of Status electronically, instead of only by mail or in person.

 

Requests presented in person can generally be processed by the second business day, while mailed-in requests take 5-15 business days. Maryland does offer a Rush service for Good Standing requests.

 

Next Steps

 

Unlike other filing companies, SunDoc Filings always expedites our routine filings. This includes Certificate of Status requests. We are able to do this by going in person to the Secretary of State office several times a day instead of mailing in our forms. Allow us to save you valuable time by expediting your filings in this way.

 

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