How to Get Illinois Certificate of Good Standing


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Illinois Certificate of Good Standing

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Illinois? One essential document you’ll need in such situations is the Certificate of Good Standing. 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 Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the Illinois LLC filing or a corporation or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained.

We will share the in and out of Illinois Certificate of Good Standing 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 Illinois authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Illinois Certificate of Good Standing till the end. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that every business in Illinois 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 Illinois. 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 Good Standing 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 Illinois Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of Good Standing 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 Good Standing

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 Illinois is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Illinois Certificate of Good Standing

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Illinois 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 Good Standing. 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 Good Standing’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 Good Standing in Illinois.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Good Standing

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 Illinois SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Illinois, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Good Standing.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Illinois 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 Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Illinois Secretary of State that confirms a business entity is in compliance with all applicable state laws and regulations and is authorized to conduct business in Illinois.
What does an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing show?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing shows that a business entity is up-to-date on all taxes and fees owed to the state, has filed all required reports, and has not had their license revoked or suspended.
How long is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing valid?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
How do I obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
You can obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing by submitting a request to the Office of the Secretary of State.
How long does it take to get an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
It typically takes 3-5 business days to receive an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.
What information is required to obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing, you will need to provide the entity name, entity type, and the entity ID number.
How much does an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing cost?
An Illinois Certificate of Good Standing costs $35.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is required in order to register with the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to register to do business in other states?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not required to register to do business in other states, but it may be requested.
What other documents are required when registering to do business in other states?
When registering to do business in other states, you may need to provide documents such as a business license, a certificate of authority, or a certificate of incorporation.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to open a bank account?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not typically required to open a bank account, but some banks may require one.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to apply for a loan?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to apply for a loan.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to apply for a business license?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to apply for a business license.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to renew a business license?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to renew a business license.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a permit?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to obtain a permit.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to enter into a contract?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not typically required to enter into a contract, but some contracts may require one.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to bid on a government contract?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to bid on a government contract.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to file a lawsuit?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not required to file a lawsuit, but it may be requested by the court.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a trademark or a patent?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not typically required to obtain a trademark or a patent, but it may be requested.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to merge or dissolve an entity?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to merge or dissolve an entity.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to close a business?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to close a business.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to sell a business?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to sell a business.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to open a franchise?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to open a franchise.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to apply for a liquor license?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to apply for a liquor license.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to submit an annual report?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not required to submit an annual report, but it may be requested.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to file taxes?
No, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not required to file taxes, but it may be requested.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to file payroll taxes?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to file payroll taxes.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a professional license?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to obtain a professional license.
Is an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing required to obtain a certificate of authority?
Yes, an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing may be required to obtain a certificate of authority.
What information do I need to provide to get an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing?
You will need to provide the business entity’s name and file number in order to get an Illinois Certificate of Good Standing.

Also Read

Why Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is So Important

First and foremost, a Certificate of Good Standing serves as official proof that your business is in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in Illinois. This document confirms that your business is up to date on its taxes, licenses, and filings, ensuring that you are in good standing with the state government. Without this certificate, your company may face roadblocks when trying to enter into contracts, obtain financing, or engage in other business transactions that require proof of compliance.

Furthermore, a Certificate of Good Standing can help bolster your business’s reputation and credibility. When potential clients, partners, or investors see that your company is in good standing with the state, it instills confidence in your business practices and integrity. It shows that you take compliance seriously and operate your business in a responsible manner, which can be a crucial factor in building trust and attracting new opportunities.

In addition to its legal and reputational benefits, a Certificate of Good Standing can also open doors to various opportunities for your business. Many states and countries require this document as part of their registration or licensing process for foreign businesses, making it essential for expanding your business beyond Illinois borders. Without a Certificate of Good Standing, you may lose out on lucrative opportunities to grow your business and reach new markets.

Moreover, having a Certificate of Good Standing can also help protect your personal assets and liability as a business owner. By demonstrating that your business is compliant with all regulations, you can minimize the risk of personal liability in case of legal disputes or financial issues. This certificate serves as a shield that can protect your personal assets and financial security, giving you peace of mind knowing that your business is in good standing with the state.

Overall, the Illinois Certificate of Good Standing is not just a piece of paper – it is a powerful tool that can unlock a world of opportunities and benefits for your business. From legal compliance and credibility to reputation and growth opportunities, this document plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of your business. So, make sure to prioritize obtaining and maintaining your Certificate of Good Standing to reap the full benefits it offers to your business.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Good Standing is a vital document for any business entity in Illinois, 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 Good Standing is necessary.

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