How to Get Wisconsin Certificate of Status


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
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Get Wisconsin Certificate of Status

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

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

What is Certificate of Status in Wisconsin

The Certificate of Status is a document that every business in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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 Status 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 Wisconsin Certificate of Status

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

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

How to Obtain Wisconsin Certificate of Status

The Secretary of State issues this document. To obtain the Certificate of Status, you must fill out the form and send it to the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293 for offline filing. You can also submit the form online. For that, you must go to the Wisconsin 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 Status. 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 Status’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 Status in Wisconsin.

Step 4: Receive the Certificate of Status

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

Why Do You Need a Certificate of Status

The Certificate of Status in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Certificate of Status is needed.

FAQs

What is a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?
A Wisconsin Certificate of Status is a document issued by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions that confirms the current legal status of a business entity in the state.
What is the purpose of a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?
A Wisconsin Certificate of Status is a record of a business entity’s current legal status in the state. It may be required to open a bank account, conduct business with the state, or to provide evidence of corporate existence.
Who can request a Certificate of Status?
Anyone can request a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.
How do I request a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
To request a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin, you can contact the Department of Financial Institutions at (608) 266-8311.
How much does a Certificate of Status cost in Wisconsin?
The cost for a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin is $20.
How long does it take to get a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
It typically takes about 10-15 business days to receive a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.
What information is required to get a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
To get a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin, you will need to provide the business name, entity type, and registered agent information.
Is a Certificate of Status required to do business in Wisconsin?
A Certificate of Status is not required to do business in Wisconsin. However, it may be needed to open a bank account or to provide evidence of corporate existence.
Does a Certificate of Status expire in Wisconsin?
No, a Certificate of Status does not expire in Wisconsin.
How do I update my Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
To update your Certificate of Status in Wisconsin, you will need to contact the Department of Financial Institutions and provide the updated information.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Status and a Certificate of Good Standing?
A Certificate of Status is a document that confirms the current legal status of a business in Wisconsin. A Certificate of Good Standing is a document that confirms that a business has met all of its filing obligations and is in good standing with the state.
How do I renew my Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
A Certificate of Status does not expire in Wisconsin, so there is no need to renew it.
Can I get a Certificate of Status online in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can get a Certificate of Status online in Wisconsin through the Department of Financial Institutions’ e-services portal.
Is a Certificate of Status needed to file taxes in Wisconsin?
No, a Certificate of Status is not needed to file taxes in Wisconsin.
Does a Certificate of Status indicate if taxes have been paid in Wisconsin?
No, a Certificate of Status does not indicate if taxes have been paid in Wisconsin.
Does a Certificate of Status provide any tax-related information in Wisconsin?
No, a Certificate of Status does not provide any tax-related information in Wisconsin.
What do I need to do to maintain a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
To maintain a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin, you must ensure that your business meets all of its filing obligations and is in good standing with the state.
How do I check the status of my Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
To check the status of your Certificate of Status in Wisconsin, you can contact the Department of Financial Institutions at (608) 266-8311.
Can I get an expedited Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can request an expedited Certificate of Status in Wisconsin by contacting the Department of Financial Institutions at (608) 266-8311.
Is an expedited Certificate of Status more expensive in Wisconsin?
Yes, an expedited Certificate of Status is more expensive in Wisconsin and typically costs $50.
What is the process for obtaining a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
The process for obtaining a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin is to contact the Department of Financial Institutions and provide the required information.
How long does it take to process a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
It typically takes about 10-15 business days to process a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.
How do I change the registered agent information on my Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
To change the registered agent information on your Certificate of Status in Wisconsin, you will need to contact the Department of Financial Institutions and provide the updated information.
What other documents are required in order to obtain a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
No other documents are required in order to obtain a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.
Is a Certificate of Status required to open a bank account in Wisconsin?
Yes, a Certificate of Status may be required to open a bank account in Wisconsin.
How do I verify if a business is in good standing in Wisconsin?
To verify if a business is in good standing in Wisconsin, you can contact the Department of Financial Institutions and request a Certificate of Status.
Can I get a copy of an existing Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can get a copy of an existing Certificate of Status in Wisconsin by contacting the Department of Financial Institutions.
What are the consequences of not having a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
The consequences of not having a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin may include not being able to open a bank account or do business with the state.
Who can I contact if I have questions about getting a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin?
You can contact the Department of Financial Institutions at (608) 266-8311 if you have questions about getting a Certificate of Status in Wisconsin.
How can I get a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?
You can get a Wisconsin Certificate of Status by filing a Certificate of Status Form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Is there a fee to get a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?
Yes, there is a $20 filing fee to obtain a Wisconsin Certificate of Status.
How long will it take to receive a Wisconsin Certificate of Status?
It typically takes 7-10 business days to process and receive a Wisconsin Certificate of Status.

Also Read

Why Wisconsin Certificate of Status is So Important

One of the key reasons why the Certificate of Status is so important is the trust and confidence it can instill in customers, suppliers, and other business partners. When a business can present a valid Certificate of Status, it demonstrates to others that the company is in good standing with state authorities, has fulfilled all legal requirements, and is operating in a responsible and professional manner. This can reassure customers that they are dealing with a legitimate and trustworthy business, which can be critical when it comes to building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and suppliers.

Furthermore, possessing a Certificate of Status can also have an impact on a business’s ability to secure funding or enter into important business transactions. Lenders and investors, for example, often look for businesses that are in compliance with state regulations and have their affairs in order before extending credit or making investments. By having a current Certificate of Status, a business can demonstrate to potential lenders or investors that they are a reliable and creditworthy borrower, which can make it easier to secure the funding needed to grow and expand.

Additionally, the Certificate of Status can also be important when it comes to compliance with state laws and regulations. State authorities and government agencies may require businesses to submit their Certificate of Status as part of the regulatory compliance process or when applying for licenses or permits. Without a valid Certificate of Status, a business may find itself unable to operate legally or face penalties and fines for non-compliance. Therefore, staying current with the Certificate of Status is essential for businesses to avoid any issues with regulatory authorities and ensure that they are operating within the bounds of the law.

In conclusion, the Wisconsin Certificate of Status is so important because it serves as a clear indication that a business is operating responsibly, is in good standing with state authorities, and is compliant with all necessary laws and regulations. It can help build trust and credibility with customers, suppliers, and business partners, facilitate access to funding and credit, and ensure smooth compliance with state laws. Therefore, all Wisconsin businesses should make it a priority to obtain and maintain their Certificate of Status to reap the benefits that come with it.

Conclusion

The Certificate of Status is a vital document for any business entity in Wisconsin, 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 Status is necessary.

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