How Do I Get My Business Back in Good Standing?

Sometimes a business falls into inactive standing with its state of incorporation.

It is possible for an LLC or corporation to lapse. The reasons may range from a check which bounces when trying to pay a filing fee to forgetting to meet an annual report deadline. The entity falls into bad standing. If no actions are taken to bring the entity back into good standing, the business may be dissolved through involuntary dissolution.

Hope is not lost for a dissolved business. It is possible to reinstate a business which has been involuntarily dissolved by its state of incorporation.

If it’s possible, should you reinstate your business? The answer to this question is yes. Let’s learn more about what it means to reinstate a small business.

What to Know Before Reinstating a Business

Prior to reinstatement, it’s important for business owners to understand why their business fell into bad standing.

What if you’re still uncertain about why your business has a non-compliant mark? Contact your local Secretary of State. Inquire into the issue. Learn about the reason behind the dissolution. Once you figure out why you fell out of compliance, it will be easier to reinstate the business.

Tips for Reinstating a Small Business

Reinstating a small business requires doing a bit more than submitting reinstatement forms to the Secretary of State. You will need to file the appropriate paperwork for the cause of why you fell into bad standing.

Let’s say you forgot to file your annual report in time. In addition to filing a reinstatement application, you need to file a delinquent form.

Each state has varying paperwork requirements for reinstatement purposes. This is true of both domestic and foreign entities. Foreign entities may need to follow separate guidelines for reinstatement. Some states may ask for a letter in lieu of a reinstatement application. If changes were made to your business address, you may need to include a statement of change of the principal office and registered office.

Be sure to check in with your specific Secretary of State to get a full list of the forms you are expected to file on behalf of your business. Learn about the appropriate filing methods as well which may include filing online or through the mail.

Paperwork aside, make sure you pay the appropriate fees for reinstatement. There is a filing fee associated with your reinstatement application. In addition, any delinquent forms may require paying associated fees such as leftover or penalty fees. These fees vary from state to state. Set aside a bit of money which can cover these expenses.

Why It’s Good to Reinstate a Business

Some businesses face voluntary dissolution. This means the owner chose to dissolve the company. The reasons may range from wanting to start a new business to determining this company has run its course.

However, businesses which are involuntarily dissolved may see a reinstatement as a second chance to get back into business. They have a better understanding of what causes their company to lapse or fall into bad standing. This allows entrepreneurs to learn from this mistake, avoid making it again, and to better equip themselves for staying in compliance with the state hereafter.

Business owners can get back to doing what they love — and better understand how to stay in good standing.

Reinstate your small business with MyCorporation. Contact MyCorporation at mycorporation.com or give us a call at 877-692-6772.

Deborah Sweeney

Deborah Sweeney is an advocate for protecting personal and business assets for business owners and entrepreneurs. With extensive experience in the field of corporate and intellectual property law, Deborah provides insightful commentary on the benefits of incorporation and trademark registration. Education: Deborah received her Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration degrees from Pepperdine University, and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of West Los Angeles and San Fernando School of Law in corporate and intellectual property law. Experience: After becoming a partner at LA-based law firm, Michel & Robinson, she became an in-house attorney for MyCorporation, formerly a division in Intuit. She took the company private in 2009 and after 10 years of entrepreneurship sold the company to Deluxe Corporation. Deborah is also well-recognized for her written work online as a contributing writer with some of the top business and entrepreneurial blogging sites including Forbes, Business Insider, SCORE, and Fox Business, among others. Fun facts/Other pursuits: Originally from Southern California, Deborah enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Benjamin and Christopher, and practicing Pilates. Deborah believes in the importance of family and credits the entrepreneurial business model for giving her the flexibility to enjoy both a career and motherhood. Deborah, and MyCorporation, have previously been honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s List of the Valley’s Largest Women-Owned Businesses in 2012. MyCorporation received the Stevie Award for Best Women-Owned Business in 2011.