An Ohio certificate of good standing lets you know whether your business is operating legally in the state. This document is required by law to open a bank account or obtain a loan. If you don’t have one, it could affect your ability to do business in Ohio.
The process starts with filing a form called an application for certificate of good standing with the Secretary of State‘s office. You’ll pay $10 to file the form online. Then, you’ll wait about six weeks for approval. Once approved, you’ll receive a certificate of good standing.
Certificates expire every three years. After that time, you’ll have to renew your certificate of good standing. To renew, you’ll pay another $10 fee plus the cost of printing and mailing the paperwork.
Which office issues the Certificate of Good Standing in Ohio?
The SOS issues certificates of good stand to ensure that the organization complies with the law. An organization obtains a certificate of good standing if it meets all the requirements set out by the SOS. In order to receive a certificate of good standing from the SOS, organizations must file certain required documents with the SOS. These include:
• Articles of Incorporation;
• Annual report;
• Bylaws;
• Corporate seal;
• List of directors and officers;
• Records of meetings, etc.;
• Tax returns;
• Other information requested by the SOS.
What does a Certificate of Good Standing confirm in Ohio?
A certificate of good standing confirms that a company meets all state and federal legal requirements. In some cases, it also includes basic contact information such as the company name, address and telephone number. Certificates are usually required by banks, credit card issuers and landlords to verify that a company is legally authorized to conduct business. Many states require that companies renew certificates annually.
A Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) is required for every corporation to keep track of changes in corporate status. A CGS is used to document the following information about a corporation:
* Name change
* Change in address
* Changes in officers
* Date of formation
* Date of dissolution
* Date of reinstatement
Why Should a Business Would Need a Certificate of Good Standing
A CGS is required if you want to establish a bank account, obtain loans, enter into contracts, or sell assets. If you are trying to start up a business, it is important to know what type of business structure you need to operate under. For example, if you plan to open a restaurant, you might choose to incorporate your business rather than operating as a sole proprietorship. In addition, a CGS is necessary if you want to establish credit relationships with banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and others. Without one, you cannot access those types of resources. Finally, a CGS helps ensure that your business complies with local laws and regulations.
Which Ohio entities can get a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS)?
Only registered entities can apply for certificates of good standing. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify, contact us here. We can provide assistance determining if you are eligible.
Some businesses can obtain a certificate of good standing without registering. These include charities, religious organizations, and public benefit corporations. For example, a charity does not have to register because it is exempt from registration under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, a charitable organization must still file annual financial statements with the IRS.
A nonprofit corporation that provides goods or services to the public must register with the Secretary of State. A nonprofit corporation that engages in political activities must register with the Federal Elections Commission.
The Certificate of General Sale (CGS), commonly known as a “franchise,” is one of the most important documents you’ll ever receive from the state of Ohio. Without it, you’re unable to open a business. There are many reasons why the CGS might not be granted, including missing paperwork, unpaid taxes, expired registration, and even a failure to pay the franchise fee.
Contact the Check Secretary of State’s office immediately if you’ve applied for a CGS and haven’t received it within 30 days. They can help you determine what went wrong and how to fix it.
Steps in Getting an Ohio Certificate of Good Standing
A Certificate of Good Standing verifies that your Ohio Limited Liability Company (LLC) was properly formed and has maintained proper records. This document is required by law for most businesses operating in Ohio. If you want to form an Ohio LLC, here are some things you need to know about obtaining a good standing certificate.
The process begins with filing a completed application with the Secretary of State. Once the Secretary of State receives the completed application, it is reviewed by an agent who determines whether the applicant meets the requirements for forming an Ohio LLC. The applicant must pay $50.00 to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing if approved.
You can apply for a Certificate of Good Standing online, by mail, or in person at one of the following locations:
Mail – P.O. Box 85004, Columbus, OH 43280-5000
In Person – Office of the Secretary of State, Room 1701, 200 E. Gay Street, Columbus, OH 43201
Once the Certificate of Good Standing is received, the Secretary of State sends a copy of the document via email to the address listed on the original application.
Compliance officers are responsible for ensuring that companies comply with federal regulations. They do this by reviewing internal documents, checking third party vendors, and monitoring social media sites. These employees often work for larger companies, whereas owners and administrators must check their own operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ohio-certified copies?
Ohio certified copies are a true copy of a public record filed with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. These documents include articles of incorporation, articles of amendment, annual reports, and many others. They are usually signed by a secretary of state employee and contain an endorsement, stamp, and/or certificate.
Certified copies are often used as proof of ownership, filing fees, and other requirements. For example, a certified copy of a corporation’s charter may be needed to open a checking account in another state. A certified copy of a birth certificate may be necessary to receive social security benefits. A certified copy of an arrest warrant may be required to gain employment.
What documents can be certified?
You can typically have most corporate filing certified, including: Articles of formation, articles of amendment, certificate of authority, mergers, annual filings, such as annual report. These are some of the most common types of legal document you’ll encounter while working within the corporate world. There are many more items that fall under the umbrella of “corporate filings,” but we’ve narrowed it down to five of the most common ones.
Where can I obtain Ohio certified copies?
Only the Ohio Secretary of State is authorized to issue certified copies of birth, death, marriage, divorce, annulment, legal separation, adoption, name change, and court records. You must apply for a certified copy of a record directly from the county recorder’s office where the event occurred. If you are requesting a certified copy of a death certificate, please note that it takes up to six months for the document to arrive.
Contact the county recorder’ s office to request a certified copy. For example, if you want a certified copy of a birth record, call the county recorder’ smember of the board of elections. He/she will provide you with the necessary forms and instructions.
James Rourke is a business and legal writer. He has written extensively on subjects such as contract law, company law, and intellectual property. His work has been featured in publications such as The Times, The Guardian, and Forbes. When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family and playing golf.
