South Carolina Certificate of Good Standing

Many companies who are registered to conduct business in the state of South Carolina may need what's called a Certificate of Existence in order to prove their status. You might also need a Certificate of Existence in order to show that your company was dissolved or suspended or to show compliance with applicable South Carolina state requirements.

 

It is possible to get a Certificate of Existence for a business that is not your own as well. You can even order a certified collection of all on record filings for a given business. This might be a collection of amendments, conversion, registration, and/or original articles of formation for that business.

 

In order to obtain a Certificate of Existence, you must submit a records order to your local Secretary of State office. You can research records using the South Carolina online business search and find information about fees and record request forms here.

 

Once you receive your certificate, it will feature an authorized Secretary of State signature as well as an official seal from the state of South Carolina.

 

When Do You Need A Certificate Of Existence?

 

You may need a Certificate of Existence if you're involved in a merger or acquisition, or if you're buying a company outright, or selling yours. The Certificate of Existence 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 South Carolina, you just can't be out of compliance with any of the tax process. Certain licensing requirements may also ask for good standing certification.

 

Another frequent need for a Certificate of Existenceis 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?

 

Other jurisdictions may use the terms Certificate of Existence or Certificate of Status to refer to the Certificate of Good Standing. It's important to remember that in the state of South Carolina, this document shows three things:

• That your company hasn't been suspended by the state taxing authority of South Carolina — the Franchise Tax Board
• That your company is registered to legally conduct business in South Carolina state
• That your company is in compliance with all applicable corporate rules and licensing requirements in South Carolina

 

How To Get Your Certificate Of Existence

 

Right now, in the state of South Carolina, you cannot electronically order a certificate of good standing. You can, however, go personally into the office in Secretary of State’s office to make your order, or you can order by mail. If you present your request in person, you'll usually get your certificate by the second business day. Mailed-in requests will generally take around 5 to 15 business days. If you need your certificate right away, rush service is available in South Carolina.

 

Next Steps

 

When you need a Certificate of Existence, SunDoc will handle your filing in an expedited manner every time — just as we do with all filings. We do this by going in person to the Secretary of State office every day, whereas other companies simply mail in their filings. At the SOS office, we hand-deliver or pick up our documents. We’ll do this with any and all routine filings you may require, saving you valuable time.

 

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