How to Get Montana Certificate of Good 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 Montana Certificate of Good Standing

Are you looking to expand your business operations or secure financing for your company in Montana? 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana authorities. We recommend you read the article on how to get Montana 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 Montana

The Certificate of Good Standing is a document that every business in Montana 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 Montana. 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana 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 Capitol, Room 260 ~ PO Box 202801 Helena, Montana 59620-2801 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Montana 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 Montana.

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 Montana SOS if they have expedited filing or not. In Montana, 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 Montana 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 Montana Certificate of Good Standing is needed.

FAQs

What is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing is an official document issued by the Montana Secretary of State that confirms a business is in compliance with all state laws, is current on all taxes and fees, and is in good standing.
How do I obtain a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing for a Montana business, you must submit a written request and a $20 fee to the Montana Secretary of State’s office.
How long does it take to receive a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
It generally takes 1-2 weeks to receive your Certificate of Good Standing.
What information do I need to provide when requesting a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
You will need to provide the business name, mailing address, and contact information.
What are the filing requirements to maintain a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
To maintain a Montana Certificate of Good Standing, you must file an annual report and pay any required fees.
How much does a Montana Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The fee for a Certificate of Good Standing in Montana is $20.
How often must I renew my Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
Certificates of Good Standing in Montana must be renewed annually.
What is the purpose of a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing confirms that a business is in compliance with all state laws, is current on all taxes and fees, and is in good standing.
Can I get a Montana Certificate of Good Standing online?
Yes, you can request a Certificate of Good Standing from the Montana Secretary of State’s office online.
What documents must I submit to obtain a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
To obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, you must submit a written request and a $20 fee.
How do I know if my Montana Certificate of Good Standing is valid?
You can verify the validity of your Certificate of Good Standing by visiting the Montana Secretary of State’s website.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Existence?
Yes, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is the same as a Certificate of Existence.
What does a Montana Certificate of Good Standing prove?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing shows that a business is in compliance with all state laws, is current on all taxes and fees, and is in good standing.
What do I need to do to renew my Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
To renew your Montana Certificate of Good Standing you must file an annual report and pay any required fees.
What does it mean if my Montana Certificate of Good Standing is denied?
If your Montana Certificate of Good Standing is denied, it typically means that the business is not in compliance with state laws, is not current on taxes or fees, or is otherwise not in good standing with the state.
Can I get a Montana Certificate of Good Standing by mail?
Yes, you can submit a written request and a $20 fee to the Montana Secretary of State’s office to receive a Certificate of Good Standing by mail.
How do I find out if a Montana business is in good standing?
You can check the status of a Montana business by searching the Secretary of State’s website.
What is the filing fee for a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
The filing fee for a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is $20.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing required by law?
No, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not required by law.
What is the Montana Secretary of State’s website?
The Montana Secretary of State’s website is https://sosmt.gov/.
How can I check the status of a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
You can check the status of a Montana Certificate of Good Standing by visiting the Montana Secretary of State’s website.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Authority?
No, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not the same as a Certificate of Authority.
Does a Montana Certificate of Good Standing expire?
Yes, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing must be renewed annually.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing required to do business in the state?
No, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not required to do business in the state.
What is the difference between a Montana Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Existence?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing and a Certificate of Existence are the same document, just different names.
Can I obtain a Montana Certificate of Good Standing if my business is registered in another state?
No, you can only obtain a Montana Certificate of Good Standing if your business is registered in Montana.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing required to open a bank account?
No, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not required to open a bank account.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing required to form a corporation?
No, a Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not required to form a corporation.
How do I know if a Montana business is registered with the state?
You can check the status of a Montana business by searching the Secretary of State’s website.
How do I get a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
To request a Certificate of Good Standing in Montana, you must submit a written request to the Secretary of State’s office that includes the name of the business entity, its Montana registered agent, and a $10 filing fee.
How long does it take to get a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
It usually takes two to three business days for the Secretary of State to process your request and issue a Montana Certificate of Good Standing.
What information is included on a Montana Certificate of Good Standing?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing includes the name of the business entity, its Montana registered agent, and the date the certificate was issued.
Is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing required?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not required, but it is necessary for some business transactions, including applying for a loan or registering to do business in another state.
How long is a Montana Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Montana Certificate of Good Standing is valid for one year from the date it is issued.

Also Read

Why Montana Certificate of Good Standing is So Important

A Certificate of Good Standing is a legal document issued by the state government to confirm that a business entity, such as a corporation, limited liability company, or partnership, is compliant with all state requirements. This means that the business is up to date with its taxes, filings, and other necessary documentation. Essentially, it verifies that the business is in good standing with the state and can operate legally within its jurisdiction.

So why is this document so important? First and foremost, a Certificate of Good Standing is often required when conducting business with other entities, such as banks, potential investors, vendors, or partners. It serves as proof that your business is legitimate, compliant, and financially stable, giving credibility to your operations. Without this document, you may encounter difficulties in obtaining credit, financing, or even engaging in contractual agreements with other parties.

Furthermore, a Certificate of Good Standing is essential for maintaining your business’s reputation and trustworthiness. In today’s competitive business landscape, perception matters, and having this document on hand can help instill confidence in your stakeholders that your business is reliable and operating legally. It can also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and professionalism, which can help attract new opportunities and pave the way for growth and expansion.

From a legal perspective, having a Certificate of Good Standing can also protect your business from potential issues down the line. In the event of a dispute or legal challenge, this document can serve as evidence that your business is compliant with state regulations and alleviate any concerns about its legitimacy. It can also streamline the process of resolving any administrative matters or inquiries from regulatory agencies, saving you time, money, and resources in the long run.

Overall, the Montana Certificate of Good Standing is not just a piece of paper – it is a powerful tool that can impact your business’s credibility, reputation, and legal standing. By keeping this document up to date and readily accessible, you can position your business for success and ensure that you are operating within the boundaries of the law. So next time you are reviewing your business documents, don’t forget about the importance of this seemingly small but crucial piece of paper.

Conclusion

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

Leave a Comment