A Maine certificate of good standing (AL) 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 Maine guide will explain how to get a certificate of good standing in Maine 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 a Maine Certificate of Good Standing
In many states, the certificate of good standing is known as a certificate of compliance. In Maine, it is called the certificate of existence issued by the Maine Secretary of State. To qualify for a Maine 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 Maine 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 State of Maine website.
Pay State Taxes
Different businesses are subjected to different taxes such as Maine Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax, withholding tax, or sales tax, etc. Depending on your business activity, you must register for various forms of Maine state tax.
Timely Submit Annual Reports
All Maine corporations and LLCs must file an annual report that summarizes their business’s finances over the past year.
The Maine Secretary of State requires your business to submit an annual report. The Maine LLC annual report filing fee is $85 and is due each year by June 1.
How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Standing in Maine?
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 Maine certificate of compliance is requested from the Maine Secretary of State. To order your certificate of compliance online from the Maine Secretary of State, click the following link.
The filing Cost for the Maine Certificate of Compliance is $30.
Why Do I Need a Certificate of Good Standing in Maine?
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate of compliance to run your LLC or corporation in Maine, 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 Maine Certificate of Good Standing
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