How to Get Iowa Certificate of Standing


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Get Iowa Certificate of Standing

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

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

What is Certificate of Standing in Iowa

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

The Certificate of Standing consists of very pivotal information related to your business. Following is the information your Certificate of 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 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 Iowa is eligible to obtain the Certificate of Standing. Anyone with a sole proprietorship does not need to obtain the Certificate of Standing because sole proprietorship companies do not have to register their business.

How to Obtain Iowa Certificate of Standing

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa Certificate 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 Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Iowa 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 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 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 Standing in Iowa.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of 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 Iowa SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Iowa, it can take up to a few months to receive the Certificate of Standing.

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Standing

The Certificate of Standing in Iowa 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 Iowa Certificate of Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is an Iowa Certificate of Standing?
An Iowa Certificate of Standing is a document issued by the Iowa Secretary of State that certifies the status of a business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, in the state.
How do I obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing?
You can obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing by submitting a Certificate of Standing form to the Iowa Secretary of State.
How long does it take to receive an Iowa Certificate of Standing?
It typically takes two to three weeks to receive an Iowa Certificate of Standing.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing the same as a Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, an Iowa Certificate of Standing and a Certificate of Good Standing are both official documents that certify a business entity’s status in the state of Iowa.
How much does an Iowa Certificate of Standing cost?
The fee for an Iowa Certificate of Standing is $15.
How do I know if my Iowa business entity is in good standing?
You can check the status of your Iowa business entity by searching the Iowa Secretary of State website.
Do I need an Iowa Certificate of Standing to file taxes?
No, you do not need an Iowa Certificate of Standing to file taxes.
How often do I need to renew my Iowa Certificate of Standing?
An Iowa Certificate of Standing does not need to be renewed.
What information is required to obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing?
To obtain an Iowa Certificate of Standing, you need to provide the name of the business entity, the year of registration, and the business entity’s registered agent information.
What happens if my Iowa business entity is not in good standing?
If your Iowa business entity is not in good standing, it may be subject to revocation.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing required to do business in the state?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not required to do business in the state.
Can I file an Iowa Certificate of Standing online?
Yes, you can file an Iowa Certificate of Standing online through the Iowa Secretary of State website.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing required to open a bank account?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not required to open a bank account.
How do I know if my business entity is in good standing in Iowa?
You can check the status of your business entity in Iowa by searching the Iowa Secretary of State website.
How do I file for a Certificate of Standing in Iowa?
You can file for a Certificate of Standing in Iowa by submitting a Certificate of Standing form to the Iowa Secretary of State.
Can I get an Iowa Certificate of Standing in person?
No, you cannot get an Iowa Certificate of Standing in person. You must submit a Certificate of Standing form online or by mail.
How can I verify my Iowa Certificate of Standing?
You can verify your Iowa Certificate of Standing by searching the Iowa Secretary of State website.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing necessary to transfer ownership of an LLC or corporation?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not necessary to transfer ownership of an LLC or corporation.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing the same as a Certificate of Authority?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not the same as a Certificate of Authority. A Certificate of Authority is an official document that is required for certain types of businesses to legally operate in the state.
What is the difference between an Iowa Certificate of Standing and a Certificate of Existence?
An Iowa Certificate of Standing is a document issued by the Iowa Secretary of State that certifies the status of a business entity, such as a corporation or LLC, in the state. A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Iowa Secretary of State that confirms the formation of a business entity in the state.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing required to obtain a professional license?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not required to obtain a professional license.
Can I get an Iowa Certificate of Standing if I am not a resident of the state?
Yes, you can get an Iowa Certificate of Standing if you are not a resident of the state.
What is the turnaround time for an Iowa Certificate of Standing?
The turnaround time for an Iowa Certificate of Standing is typically two to three weeks.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not the same as a Certificate of Existence. A Certificate of Existence is a document issued by the Iowa Secretary of State that confirms the formation of a business entity in the state.
Can I get an Iowa Certificate of Standing if I have not filed a report in the past few years?
Yes, you can get an Iowa Certificate of Standing even if you have not filed a report in the past few years.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing required to apply for a federal tax ID number?
No, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is not required to apply for a federal tax ID number.
Is an Iowa Certificate of Standing required to register as a foreign entity in Iowa?
Yes, an Iowa Certificate of Standing is required to register as a foreign entity in Iowa.
Can I get an Iowa Certificate of Standing if my business entity is dissolved?
No, you cannot get an Iowa Certificate of Standing if your business entity is dissolved.
What is a Certificate of Standing in Iowa?
A Certificate of Standing in Iowa is a document issued by the Iowa Secretary of State that certifies that a business entity is in good standing and is authorized to transact business in the state.
How do I get a Certificate of Standing in Iowa?
To request a Certificate of Standing in Iowa, you must submit a completed Certificate of Standing Request form to the Business Services Division of the Iowa Secretary of State’s office.
How long does it take to receive a Certificate of Standing in Iowa?
The Iowa Secretary of State’s office typically processes Certificate of Standing requests within 3-5 business days.
How much does a Certificate of Standing in Iowa cost?
The fee for a Certificate of Standing in Iowa is $10.
What information is included in a Certificate of Standing in Iowa?
A Certificate of Standing in Iowa includes the name of the entity, the date of formation or registration, the status of the entity, and the date the Certificate was issued.

Also Read

Why Iowa Certificate of Standing is So Important

One of the primary reasons why the Iowa Certificate of Standing is so important is due to the transparency and credibility it provides. In today’s highly competitive business environment, customers, investors, and creditors all want to ensure that they are dealing with legitimate and trustworthy businesses. By obtaining a Certificate of Standing, a business can demonstrate that it is in good standing with the state, providing reassurance to all parties involved in any business transactions.

Additionally, the Iowa Certificate of Standing is often required when businesses are seeking financing or entering into contracts with other entities. Lenders and partners want to mitigate their risks by ensuring that the business they are dealing with is legitimate and has complied with all relevant laws and regulations. A Certificate of Standing helps to streamline these processes, making it easier for businesses to secure the funding and partnerships they need to grow and succeed.

Furthermore, the Iowa Certificate of Standing plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the state’s business registry. By requiring businesses to regularly obtain and update their Certificate of Standing, the state can ensure that only active and compliant businesses are operating within its borders. This not only protects consumers and stakeholders from fraud and misconduct but also helps to maintain a level playing field for all businesses, regardless of size or industry.

In a larger context, the Iowa Certificate of Standing is also important for promoting economic growth and development within the state. By establishing a clear and transparent process for businesses to demonstrate their legal standing, Iowa can attract more investment and foster a vibrant business environment. Furthermore, businesses that hold a valid Certificate of Standing are more likely to be seen as trustworthy and reliable partners, helping to build confidence and stability in the local economy.

In conclusion, the Iowa Certificate of Standing may seem like a small and mundane document, but its impact reverberates throughout the entire business community. From ensuring transparency and credibility to facilitating financing and partnerships, this document plays a critical role in promoting trust, integrity, and growth in the state of Iowa. By recognizing the importance of the Iowa Certificate of Standing and making it a priority for all businesses, we can help to create a stronger and more resilient economy for years to come.

Conclusion

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

Leave a Comment