Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Wisconsin? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Status. This certificate is an official document issued by the state authorities to confirm that your business is compliant with state regulations and requirements. The Certificate of Status is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Wisconsin LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Status must be obtained.
We will share the in and out of Wisconsin Certificate of Status in this article. We’ll also discuss the various scenarios when you might need this certificate and provide helpful tips to ensure your business remains in good standing with the Wisconsin authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Wisconsin Certificate of Status till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is Certificate of Status in Wisconsin
The Certificate of Status is a document that every business in Wisconsin requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Wisconsin. Whether you form an LLC or any other form of business, you must get this document.
If you take your business to a different state, your Certificate of Status will be a necessary document to be produced. It shows that your business does not have any illegitimate or outlawed activities.
What Information You Have in Wisconsin Certificate of Status
The Certificate of Status consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Status will have-
- The entity type (LLC, Corporation, LLP, LP, or any other registered entity type) when it was formed
- The date of filing the business entity (filing the formation document).
- The current name and address of the business entity
- Whether the business entity exists today
- Name and address of the Resident Agent
- The State where the document is issued
- A declaration that the business entity has paid all the required taxes and complies with all applicable legal requirements.
- A declaration that the business entity met all the requirements to get the document.
Who Should Obtain the Certificate of Status
Any business entity, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a Corporation, a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), a Limited Partnership (LP), or any other registered business structure in Wisconsin is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Status. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Status because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.
How to Obtain Wisconsin Certificate of Status
The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Status, you must fill out the form and send it to the Wisconsin SOS along with the required filing fees. There is some information you will need to enter while submitting the form. Here are the points to add-
Step 1: Get the Form
The first thing you need to do is get the form. The form is available on the state SOS website. You can download the form and mail it or submit it online. The following points are required to mention in the form-
Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the detail of the requester. Provide your full name, address (which can be your business address), and phone number.
Name of Your Business: Provide the exact name of your business. Make sure no spelling mistakes are made. The spelling must be the same as mentioned in the Certificate of Formation. Besides the name, provide the company registration number or file number. The SOS issues this number after you file the Certificate of Formation. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended to share the file number to get the process done quickly.
Details of Return Method: The certificate can be collected in person or by mail from Wisconsin SOS. If you request the document in person, you can take the return in person or by mail. Choose which way you want it.
Copies of the Certificate: You can request the number of copies of the certificate from SOS. There is a box in the form you need to check for multiple copies of this document. You can obtain more than one copy of the Certificate of Compliance for various purposes. It is recommended to get more copies of the certificate for future use.
Fax Copy of the Certificate: You might get a Fax copy before receiving the certificate’s hard copy. This is one of the options available in some of the states. If you want to receive the fax copy of the certificate, you must provide the fax number while filing the form.
Copies of Other Documents: If you want, you can request copies of other documents filed with the SOS. Other documents include the Wisconsin Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation, amendments, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional and you can avoid this. With every copy you request, you must pay a stipulated fee.
Step 2: Submit the Form
You can submit the form online, by mail, or in person, whichever is available and more convenient. Send the form to the State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Wisconsin SOS official website and search for the appropriate form.
Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time
A filing fee must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Status. The amount depends on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might pay an additional fee for that.
Processing Time: The Certificate of Status’s processing time varies from state to state. Also, it depends on the expedited filing as well. It can take a few days to a few months to obtain the Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.
Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Status
Once you submit the form and the necessary filing fee, your forms start processing. The process might take a lot of time. If you do not want to wait, you can check with the Wisconsin SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Wisconsin, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Status.
Why Do You Need a Certificate of Status
The Certificate of Status in Wisconsin is a character certificate of any business. Obtaining this document makes your business legitimate officially. You need this document every now and then while making business decisions. You must obtain the document for the following reasons,
- To get business loans and advances or investors
- To get business bank accounts
- To purchase insurance for business coverage
- To renew licenses & permits
- To set up your business in other states, for example, a Foreign LLC.
- To sell or transfer your business completely or partially to another.
- To get into a legal business contract with other businesses or clients.
The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Wisconsin Certificate of Status is needed.
FAQs
Also Read
- Get Alabama Certificate of Compliance
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- Get Louisiana Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Maine Certificate of Existence
- Get Maryland Certificate of Status
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- Get Minnesota Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Mississippi Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Missouri Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Montana Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Nebraska Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Nevada Certificate of Good Standing
- Get New Hampshire Certificate of Good Standing
- Get New Jersey Standing Certificate
- Get New Mexico Certificate of Good Standing
- Get New York Certificate of Status
- Get North Carolina Certificate of Existence
- Get North Dakota Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Ohio Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Oklahoma Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Oregon Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Pennsylvania Subsistence Certificate
- Get Rhode Island Certificate of Good Standing
- Get South Carolina Certificate of Existence
- Get South Dakota Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Tennessee Certificate of Existence
- Get Texas Certificate of Fact – Status
- Get Utah Certificate of Existence
- Get Vermont Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Virginia Certificate of Good Standing
- Get Washington Certificate of Existence
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- Get Wisconsin Certificate of Status
- Get Wyoming Certificate of Good Standing
Why Wisconsin Certificate of Status is So Important
For businesses, the Wisconsin Certificate of Status is more than just a piece of paper – it is a symbol of legitimacy. By obtaining this certificate, a business is able to prove that it is in good standing with the state, having met all of the necessary requirements and obligations. This can be crucial when entering into contracts, applying for loans, or engaging in other business dealings. Without this certificate, a business may struggle to gain the trust and confidence of potential partners or customers.
Individuals can also benefit from having a Wisconsin Certificate of Status. Whether they are purchasing a home, seeking employment, or applying for a professional license, having this document can provide a sense of security and reassurance. It serves as a symbol of responsibility and reliability, indicating that the individual is in good standing with the state and has met all necessary obligations.
Government agencies also rely on the Wisconsin Certificate of Status as a critical tool in their operations. When conducting audits, investigations, or background checks, agencies may use this certificate to verify the status of businesses and individuals. Without this document, their ability to accurately assess compliance and eligibility could be compromised.
In addition to its practical implications, the Wisconsin Certificate of Status also holds symbolic significance. It represents a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. By obtaining this certificate, businesses and individuals are signaling their willingness to comply with state regulations and uphold the integrity of the system.
Furthermore, the Wisconsin Certificate of Status plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and development. By ensuring that businesses and individuals are in good standing, this document helps to create a level playing field for all stakeholders. It fosters a sense of trust and confidence, which are essential for fostering a thriving business environment.
In conclusion, the Wisconsin Certificate of Status may seem like a small and mundane document, but its importance cannot be overlooked. Whether for businesses, individuals, or government agencies, this certificate serves as a vital tool for establishing legitimacy, promoting accountability, and supporting economic growth. It is a symbol of responsibility and reliability, essential for maintaining trust and confidence in the system. Let us not underestimate the significance of this document, as it holds the key to a more transparent, fair, and prosperous society.
Conclusion
The Certificate of Status is a vital document for any business entity in Wisconsin, as it enables you to expand your operations throughout the United States. It’s essential to provide accurate and truthful information in this document. If you plan to establish the same business in another state, obtaining a Certificate of Status is necessary.