How to Get Certificate of Good Standing in Vermont (2024)


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Get Vermont Certificate of Good Standing

The Certificate of Good Standing in Vermont is a significant document that is required if you expand your business to another state. When you file an LLC in Vermont, 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 Vermont 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 Vermont. 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 Vermont 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 Vermont

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

What Information You Have in Vermont 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- 

articles of organization
  • 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 Vermont 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 Vermont Certificate of Good Standing

The Vermont Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Good Standing, you must fill out the form and send it to the Vermont 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 Vermont, if you want to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, you must visit the Vermont SOS. The following link for obtaining a certificate of good standing will guide you the process of getting the certificate.

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 your llc

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 Vermont 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 Vermont Articles 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 Vermont Secretary of State, Corporations Division, 128 State St., Montpelier, VT 05633. for offline filing. You must search the Vermont 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 Vermont. 

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

FAQs

What is a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
A Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is a document issued by the Secretary of State’s office that certifies a business entity is authorized to do business in the state and is compliant with all necessary requirements.
How can I obtain a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
You can request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing online through the Vermont Secretary of State’s website or by mail using the appropriate form.
What information is included in a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
A Vermont Certificate of Good Standing typically includes the entity’s name, type of entity, date of formation, and a statement confirming its good standing with the state.
How much does a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing cost?
The cost of a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it is generally around $25 to $50.
How long does it take to receive a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
The processing time for a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing can vary, but it is typically processed within a few business days.
Why would I need a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
You may need a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing to demonstrate your entity’s compliance with state regulations, to register for foreign qualification in another state, or to secure financing or partnerships.
Can I request a rushed processing for a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
What is the online process for requesting a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
To request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing online, you will need to visit the Vermont Secretary of State’s website, fill out the required information, and pay the appropriate fee.
How long is a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing valid?
A Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is typically considered valid for up to 6 months from the date of issuance.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for an entity that is not in good standing?
No, you cannot request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for an entity that is not in good standing. It must be compliant with all state requirements.
What is the purpose of a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
A Vermont Certificate of Good Standing serves as proof that a business entity is in compliance with state regulations and is authorized to do business in Vermont.
What are the consequences of not having a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
Without a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing, you may not be able to conduct business in Vermont, may face penalties or fines, and may encounter difficulties in securing financing or forming partnerships.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a sole proprietorship?
No, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is typically only issued for registered business entities such as corporations, LLCs, or partnerships.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity?
Yes, you can request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a foreign entity that is registered to do business in Vermont.
How do I know if my business entity is in good standing?
You can check the status of your business entity on the Vermont Secretary of State’s website by performing a search using your entity name.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing over the phone?
No, you cannot request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing over the phone. It must be requested online or by mail.
Can I use a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for international business purposes?
Yes, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing can be used for international business purposes to demonstrate compliance with Vermont state regulations.
Can I request a copy of a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
Yes, you can request additional copies of a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for an additional fee.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a dissolved entity?
No, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is typically only issued for active business entities in good standing.
How can I verify the authenticity of a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
You can verify the authenticity of a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing by contacting the Vermont Secretary of State’s office and providing the certificate number.
Is a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing the same as a Certificate of Status?
Yes, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is often referred to as a Certificate of Status in other states.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization?
Yes, you can request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a nonprofit organization that is registered with the state.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability partnership?
Yes, you can request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a limited liability partnership that is registered with the state.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a professional corporation?
Yes, you can request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a professional corporation that is registered to do business in Vermont.
What happens if my Vermont Certificate of Good Standing expires?
You will need to request a new Vermont Certificate of Good Standing if your current one expires and you still require proof of good standing.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of someone else?
Yes, you can request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing on behalf of a business entity as long as you have authorization to do so.
Do I need a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for every state where my entity conducts business?
No, you only need to request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing if your entity is registered to do business in the state of Vermont.
Can I use a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for legal purposes?
Yes, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing can be used as evidence in legal proceedings to demonstrate your entity’s compliance with state regulations.
Can I request a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing for a trade name or fictitious business name?
No, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is only issued for registered business entities under their official name.
How quickly can I receive a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing?
If requested online, a Vermont Certificate of Good Standing is typically processed and issued within a few business days. If requested by mail, it may take up to a week or more to receive the certificate.

Also Read

In Conclusion

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

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