An Arizona certificate of good standing (AZ) is a legal document that verifies that your limited liability company (LLC) or corporation was correctly formed and is in good standing with the state.
This Certificate of Good Standing Arizona guide will explain how to get a certificate of good standing in Arizona and the requirements to get a good standing certificate.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing?
The certificate- of good standing, aka “certificate of existence,” confirms that a company is up-to-date with its filings and has no legal issues preventing it from conducting business.
This state document verifies that you have legally formed your LLC or corporation and that your company is properly maintained.
Requirements for Getting an Arizona Certificate of Good Standing
In Arizona, the certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of compliance issued by the Arizona Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. To qualify for an Arizona certificate of compliance, make sure your corporation or LLC is up-to-date with the following state compliance requirements.
Obtain Business Licenses & Permits
Follow federal, state, and local licensing guidelines to operate your business in Arizona in a state-compliant manner. Some examples include health permits, building permits, medical and other professional licenses, etc.
To find more about state licensing requirements, visit the Arizona Department of Revenue website.
Pay State Taxes
Different businesses are subjected to different taxes such as Arizona sales tax, withholding tax, or Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax, etc. Depending on your business activity, you must register for various forms of Arizona state tax.
Timely Submit Annual Reports
All Arizona corporations and LLCs must file an annual report that summarizes their business’s finances over the past year.
The Arizona Corporation Commission requires corporations to submit an annual report. This report is due by the corporation’s filing anniversary date and the filing fee is $45. The Arizona LLCs are not required to file an annual report .
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
Once your business is up-to-date with all filings and compliance requirements, you can order your certificate of Good Standing from the state authority.
The Arizona certificate of compliance is requested from the Arizona Corporation Commission. To order your certificate of compliance online from the Arizona eCorp, click the following link.
You can also apply via mail or in person by downloading the Arizona certificate of compliance using the following link:
Mailing Address
Arizona Corporation Commission
Corporations Division
1300 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
The filing Cost for the Arizona Certificate of Compliance is $10.
Why Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Arizona?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your LLC or corporation in Arizona, there are several instances where you may need to get one. These include:
- Opening a business bank account
- Applying for a business loan or line of credit from a bank
- Purchasing business insurance
- Trying to lease commercial space
- Soliciting funds from potential investors
- You want to register your LLC or other business in another state as a foreign or out-of-state LLC
- You want to Transfer or domesticate your business to another state
- You’re selling your business, and the buyer wants proof that the company is in good legal standing
- You are contracting with another company
- You need to show compliance with government regulations in any other situation
FAQs on Arizona Certificate of Good Standing
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