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Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing

Starting a company in Pennsylvania is just the first stage in a very long and complicated road that, with a little luck, ends in professional success. But businesses don’t run themselves; they must go through a continual series of adjustments, large and small, to keep operations on the right path. A big part of this process is ensuring that the business remains compliant with state laws regarding periodic filings with regulatory agencies. When a business is compliant with all mandatory filings, it is said to be in good standing. 

If you’re a business owner in Pennsylvania, you can turn to FastFilings to obtain a valid Certificate of Good Standing that you can use to prove your compliance with state law.

Every state has some form of a Certificate of Good Standing, although the specific term can vary. It is alternatively called a Certificate of Existence, Certificate of Authority, Certificate of Status, and a number of other names. In recent years the state of Pennsylvania has taken to calling it a Certificate of Subsistence (or Subsistence Certificate), while “Certificate of Good Standing” is an older term still used informally in the state. Both terms will be used on this page. 

So how do you get one of these certificates? Simple—at FastFilings. Our easy-to-use ordering platform offers the easiest way to request a Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing. It takes literally just a few minutes to input all necessary information. Your Good Standing Certificate will be sent to you shortly.

Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing

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What Is a Certificate of Good Standing in Pennsylvania?

A Certificate of Good Standing is a one-page document that is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State. It contains several pieces of data relevant to the business in question: its exact name, its business structure (e.g., LLC or corporation), and a statement that it remains in legal existence as of the date of the certificate. The Good Standing Certificate also features the seal and signature of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Reseller Permits
Seller’s Permit and Resale Certificate

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

Although you can get a Certificate of Good Standing/Subsistence from the Pennsylvania Department of State, the easiest option is to request one right here at FastFilings. Our simple online ordering form has been optimized for ease of use. All you need to do to start the process is spend a few minutes inputting some basic business information. 

To be considered in good standing in Pennsylvania, a business must not have been dissolved, canceled, withdrawn, or merged with another entity.

A Certificate of Good Standing is available to the following types of domestic entities:

  • Corporations
  • Limited partnerships (LPs)
  • Limited liability companies (LLCs)
  • Limited liability partnerships (LLPs)

Foreign entities cannot get a Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing. Instead, they must apply for a Certificate of Registration.

Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing?

These certificates are not required to form a business or maintain daily operations. They are, however, commonly required for certain specific types of business transactions. These include:

  • Applying for a business loan or a payment processing account
  • Renewing a business license  
  • Establishing credit  
  • Buying insurance   
  • Obtaining funding from investors
  • Conducting a business merger
  • Selling your business to other entity
  • Opening a new branch in another state

A Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing does not have an expiration date. Nevertheless, it is often the case that a business entity will ask for a certificate that has been issued within a certain time frame—for example, within the past few months. 

Apply for a Sellers Permit
What Documents Do I Need?

How to Make Sure Your Pennsylvania Business Is Compliant

It’s important to stay current with your filing requirements. Depending on what type of business structure you operate under, you may be required to file an annual report or annual registration with the state of Pennsylvania. For instance, any foreign or domestic LLP or restricted professional LLC is expected to file an annual registration by April 15 of every year. Be sure you are aware of the specific filing requirements that apply to your business. 

Failure to fulfill these obligations could result in serious penalties, including revocation of your business status.

How FastFilings Can Help with Your Pennsylvania Certificate of Good Standing

With FastFilings, you have easy access to a simple, convenient platform for requesting a valid Certificate of Good Standing that can be used for various business purposes to prove that your Pennsylvania-based business is compliant with state registration requirements. We’re a private document filing service that has years of experience in helping businesses obtain the permits and certificates they need. 

You don’t have to figure out how to operate a government website—our ordering system will walk you through the ordering process, and you won’t even leave FastFilings.com. You’ll have a Certificate of Good Standing in no time. Before you begin, gather your business documents for reference so you can ensure that accurate data is inputted into the form.

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