How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts (2025)

Get Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Massachusetts, you must submit a handful of documents to the Secretary of State. In case you take your business beyond the state border, you need this additional document, commonly known as the Certificate of Good Standing.

In this article, LLCBuddy editors share the ins and outs of Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing. You’ll also learn what the uses of this document are other than having a foreign LLC out of state. We shared how to get the Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of the most important documents your business needs. Whether it is the LLC filing or a corporation filing in Massachusetts or any other form of business, the Certificate of Good Standing must be obtained. Let’s dive in and get your business one step closer to achieving its goals!

What is Certificate of Good Standing in Massachusetts

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that every business in Massachusetts requires to obtain. This document states that the company (LLC, Corporation in Massachusetts, Partnership, etc.) complies with the State government. In other words, the business has fulfilled all the legal requirements in Massachusetts. 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, 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. Besides, to restore or reinstate an LLC in Massachusetts after dissolution, you must obtain this document.

What Information You Have in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing

The Massachusetts Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Massachusetts 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

In Massachusetts, for an LLC, to obtain the document, one must sign-up to the MassTaxConnect portal. On the homepage, you will find the option of Request a Certificate of Good Standing. Click on it and provide the necessary information to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing.

The following points are required to be mentioned in the form-

Details of The Requester: The first information you need to provide is the details 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 that you 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 Massachusetts 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 that more copies of the certificate be obtained 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 Massachusetts Certificate of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for corporations, LLC amendment, corporation amendment, and other registered documents with the SOS. This is optional, and you can avoid this. You must pay a stipulated fee for every copy you request.

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 William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Room 1717, Boston, MA 02108 for offline filing. You must search the Massachusetts SOS official website for the appropriate form.

Step 3: Filing Fee and Processing Time

A filing fee of $25 must be paid to the SOS to obtain the Certificate of Good Standing. The amount might be more depending on the number of copies you request. If you request other document copies, you might have to 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 Massachusetts.

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 Massachusetts SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts 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.
If your LLC is dissolved for any administrative reasons and you want to restore it, you must obtain the Certificate of Good Standing for reinstatement.

The document is required as much as the formation document. Hence, obtaining the Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

A Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is a document that confirms a business entity’s legal existence in the state and its compliance with all requirements.

Why would I need a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

You may need a Certificate of Good Standing to conduct business in other states, secure financing, enter into contracts, or for other business transactions.

How can I obtain a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

You can request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website or by mail.

What information do I need to provide to request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

You will need to provide the name of the business entity, its identification number, and any other required information.

How long does it take to receive a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

The processing time for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but you can typically expect to receive it within a few business days.

Is there a fee to obtain a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, there is a fee to request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing, which can vary depending on the method of request and any expedited processing fees.

Can I request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for any type of business entity?

Yes, you can request a Certificate of Good Standing for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities registered in Massachusetts.

What is the validity period of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

A Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is typically valid for a specific period, such as 60 or 90 days, so be sure to check the expiration date.

Can I verify the authenticity of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can verify the authenticity of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing by contacting the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office.

What should I do if my Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is lost or damaged?

If your Certificate of Good Standing is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement copy from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for an additional fee.

Can I expedite the processing of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you may be able to expedite the processing of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee, depending on the available options.

Are there any specific requirements for requesting a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you must be up to date on all filings and payments in Massachusetts before requesting a Certificate of Good Standing.

How can I use a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

A Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing can be used to prove your business’s good standing and compliance with state requirements for various purposes.

Can I request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you can request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website if you have the required information.

What is the processing time for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing requested online?

The processing time for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing requested online is typically quicker than by mail, and you may receive it within a few business days.

How can I pay the fees for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing request?

You can pay the required fees for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing request online using a credit card or by mail with a check or money order.

Can I request a copy of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for another business entity?

Yes, you can request a copy of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for another business entity if you have the necessary authorization and information.

Can I verify the status of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing online?

Yes, you may be able to verify the status of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.

Are there any restrictions on using a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

A Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is typically used for official business purposes only and may not be used for fraudulent or illegal activities.

Can I submit additional documentation with my request for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you can submit additional documentation with your request for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing if necessary, such as proof of authorization or changes in business status.

What happens if my Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing expires before I use it?

If your Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing expires before you use it, you will need to request a new one to provide updated proof of good standing.

Can I request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing by phone?

No, you cannot request a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing by phone, but you can do so online or by mail.

Can I request expedited shipping for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

Yes, you may be able to request expedited shipping for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee during the online request process.

What should I do if there are errors on my Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing?

If there are errors on your Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing, contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office to request a correction.

Can I get a refund if my request for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is denied?

No, refunds are typically not provided if your request for a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is denied due to noncompliance with state regulations or requirements.

Is a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?

Yes, a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Existence in other states or jurisdictions.

Can I request multiple copies of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing at once?

Yes, you can request multiple copies of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing at once by indicating the quantity needed in your request.

How can I contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office for assistance with my Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing request?

You can find contact information for the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office on their website if you need help with your Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing request.

How much does a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing cost?

The cost of a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing varies depending on how you choose to obtain it and any additional services you may require. The standard fee is typically around $10-$50.

Do I need a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing to qualify for business loans or contracts?

Yes, many lenders and businesses require a Massachusetts Certificate of Good Standing as part of their due diligence process to ensure that your business is in good standing with the state and authorized to do business.

In Conclusion

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

While forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation in Massachusetts, it is necessary to have some documents filed with the State authority. The Certificate of Good Standing is one of them. In some cases, if the business gets shut down or dissolved due to administrative reasons, this document helps the owners retrieve their business in the future. In this article, we shared DIY ways to get the document, but you can always hire a professional to get that for you.