How to Get an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing

Having an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing, also known as a Certificate of Existence, shows that your organization follows all state regulations and that you’re legally permitted to conduct business. It’s not mandatory to request a Certificate of Good Standing to conduct business within the state, but it’s sometimes required for certain transactions.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand the importance of a CGS and how you can obtain one.

What is an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?

An Idaho Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) is proof that your corporation exists in the state of Idaho. It complies with all laws at the state and local levels and is authorized to conduct transactions.

The Idaho CGS contains information such as your business’s legal name, date of formation, and a statement about its “Good Standing” within the state. With the Idaho Secretary of State’s official seal, it may help you apply for loans, renew licenses, meet tax regulations, obtain business insurance, and conduct transactions.

Which Idaho office issues Certificates of Good Standing?

In Idaho, the Secretary of State (SOS) issues a CGS. You can request these certificates under the Business section on their online portal. You’ll need to fill out a request form and pay a $10 fee (as of 2021).

Your business must comply with state laws when requesting a CGS. Non-compliance can result in fines and a rejected request. With the worry free compliance service by ZenBusiness, we can help your business stay in good standing.

What does a Certificate of Good Standing confirm?

An Idaho CGS confirms that your business is a valid entity in the state. It confirms you’ve filed annual reports before the deadline and that the organization’s paperwork is in order. It confirms franchise tax payments are up to date, and there are no outstanding debts. In essence, it confirms your organization is in good standing in the eyes of the state.

The information contained within an Idaho CGS is as below:

• The current legal name of your business
• Date of formation of your business
• A statement mentioning the business is registered under the laws of the State of Idaho
• Confirmation that your business is active on the records of the Corporation Division
• Official seal of the State of Idaho
• Signature of the Secretary of State

Why might a business need an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing?

A CGS is an elective document in Idaho, but in some situations having this certificate might ease the process of conducting business transactions.

Let’s look at scenarios where you might need an Idaho Certificate of Good Standing.

Registering to do business in another state

If you formed your business in Idaho, it makes it a domestic (in-state) entity. In other states, your business will be regarded as a foreign (out-of-state) entity. If you want to expand operations outside of Idaho and into other states, you’ll need to prove that your business complies with state laws in Idaho.

Securing funding

A CGS confirms that your corporation has duly filed its taxes and doesn’t have any outstanding debts. If you’re looking to secure funds, this piece of information can instill confidence in investors or any other financial institutions you’re dealing with.

Opening a business bank account

For tax purposes, it’s good practice to keep your personal and business finances separate. A business bank account will help you effectively keep track of the cash flow and prevent any mix-ups. Banks might require you to produce a CGS before you can open an account with them.

Buying business insurance

Insurance can help protect you from damages and liabilities and provide benefits to your employees. Some of the most common types of insurance policies are workers’ compensation and malpractice insurance. General and professional liability insurance are highly recommended, as well as cyber insurance. An insurance provider might ask for a CGS to assess the financial standing of your business. It’s a good idea to talk to a professional and make sure you get the right insurance to cover your bases.

Contract formation with state/other business

If you want to work with other states and businesses, they might require a CGS to assess your organization’s legal standing. A CGS acts as proof that you’re in compliance with state laws, and this proof could facilitate the process of contract formation.

Selling/transferring part or all of the business

A CGS confirms the legitimacy of your business. This information can prove useful when selling or transferring part or all of your business. A buyer might want to know beforehand what they’re getting into before making a purchase. A CGS might offer that added bit of security to help them decide.

Renewing certain permits and licenses

An Idaho CGS confirms your business as a valid entity in the state. This confirmation may be required in the process of renewing specific state permits and licenses.

What Idaho entities can obtain a CGS?

A business has to be a registered state entity in Idaho before making a CGS request.

Idaho’s formal business entities include general partnerships, limited partnerships (LP), limited liability partnerships (LLP), limited liability companies (LLC), and corporations. Currently, these are the only for-profit business entities authorized by statute and are the only entities that can obtain an Idaho CGS.

How to get the Certificate of Good Standing

You may order an Idaho CGS from the Idaho Secretary of State. The steps involved in the process are:

Make sure your business is compliant

Before you request a CGS, you need to make sure your corporation is compliant with state laws. Your business should be a registered entity. All taxes must have been duly paid, and there shouldn’t be any unpaid taxes or debt.

Permits and licenses should be current. Your annual report filings must be up to date. Filing activity needs to be completed before the due date to stay compliant.

If you’re short on time or want professional help to meet your compliance requirements, get in touch with ZenBusiness for worry-free compliance services.

Request a Certificate of Good Standing

Visit the online portal of the Idaho Secretary of State as mentioned above. You’ll need to fill out the certificate request form. Details such as requester name and address, entity name, registry number, and delivery need to be updated. You can then make the payment of $10 with your credit card.

The form needs to be downloaded, printed, and sent to the Idaho Secretary of State.

Validity of Certificate of Good Standing

The CGS in Idaho doesn’t come with a set expiration date. The validity depends on the state or entity requesting it. For example, banks might request a CGS obtained in the last 60 days.

Send to requesting party

Once you receive the Idaho CGS, you can send it to the party requesting to see the certificate.