Discover the essential steps to keep your LLC in good standing and maintain a thriving business.
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Starting and maintaining a business requires more than just passion and hard work. For those who have formed a limited liability company (LLC), it’s crucial to understand how to keep the LLC in good standing.
In this article, we’ll explore what it means for an LLC to be in good standing, the reasons it’s important, and provide a guide to help you maintain your LLC’s good standing.
When we say an LLC is in “good standing,” it means that the business is compliant with all the legal requirements and obligations imposed by the state. This includes filing necessary documents, paying fees and taxes, maintaining accurate records, and adhering to specific regulations. Being in good standing is vital for the LLC’s credibility, legal protection, and ability to conduct business smoothly.
There are quite a few reasons an LLC will need (and want) to stay in good standing. Let’s walk through them.
In short, good standing isn’t just a “stamp of approval” from the state. It’s an essential part of keeping your business stress-free and moving in the right direction.
Keeping an LLC in good standing doesn’t have to mean you just hope for the best. Stick to these best practices for business compliance, and you’ll be well on your way to staying in good standing. Learn more on business compliance definition here.
Whenever there are significant changes in your LLC, such as a change in business name, address, or ownership, it’s important to file Articles of Amendment with the state. This helps ensure accurate and up-to-date information, helping you stay in good standing.
A registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC. It’s crucial to keep the registered agent’s information current with the state to ensure proper communication and compliance.
Many states require LLCs to file annual or biennial reports to update their information and confirm ongoing compliance. Failing to file these reports on time can result in penalties or even the loss of good standing. To learn more about about annual reports, see our annual reports definition page.
To maintain good standing and protect your personal liability, it’s essential to keep your business and personal finances separate. Maintain separate bank accounts and clearly document all transactions related to your LLC.
Certain licenses and permits are necessary for conducting specific types of business activities. It’s crucial to renew these licenses and permits promptly to help ensure compliance and avoid any disruptions.
If your LLC operates under a DBA name (see doing business as definition for more), it’s important to renew the DBA registration as required by the state. This helps maintain accurate records and demonstrates your commitment to compliance.
Criminal charges against the LLC or its members can have a severe impact on its good standing. It’s crucial to address any legal issues promptly and take necessary actions to resolve them. A proactive approach is best.
Complying with tax obligations is vital for maintaining good standing. Ensure timely filing and payment of federal, state, and local taxes. Additionally, make estimated quarterly tax payments to avoid penalties.
Recommended: How to Close an LLC after Bankruptcy
ZenBusiness is here to assist you at every step of your LLC journey so you can stay compliant easily. With our LLC formation service, we make the process of starting your business seamless and hassle-free. And our worry-free compliance and annual report services help you stay compliant with ease, allowing you to focus on what you do best: growing your business.
Need a Certificate of Good Standing? We can help with that, too.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 700,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
To stay in good standing, your business needs to fulfill all the legal requirements and obligations set by your state. This includes timely filing of necessary documents, paying fees and taxes, maintaining accurate records, and adhering to specific regulations. Keeping your registered agent information up to date, renewing licenses and permits, and separating business and personal finances are also crucial for maintaining good standing.
When your business is in good standing, it means that it’s compliant with all the legal requirements and obligations imposed by the state. This includes being up to date with filings, fees, taxes, licenses, and permits. Being in good standing enhances your business’s credibility, maintains its liability protection, and allows for smooth operations and opportunities such as obtaining loans, expanding into other states, or securing licenses and permits.
Several factors can lead to a business not being in good standing. Failure to meet filing deadlines, neglecting to pay fees or taxes, not renewing licenses or permits, and not maintaining accurate records can all result in a loss of good standing. Additionally, criminal charges against the business or its members can also cause it to fall out of good standing.
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