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State Department of Assessments and Taxation

Good Standing Status

When one is obtaining a license, a license renewal or a loan settlement, the person is often required to obtain a “Certificate of Status” (generally called a “good standing” certificate) from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. On the specific date and time the Department issues a certificate verifying that a business entity is in “good standing,” it means that all documents and fees required by law to be submitted to the Department have been received, and that no other government agency has notified the Department tha​t the entity is delinquent in tax payments.

Additional Certificate Information

  • Certificates are not available for entities that do not have a Resident Agent, have not filed all Personal Property returns or have unpaid penalties.
  • If an entity (business) is not in good standing with SDAT it is recommended that all issues be resolved before purchasing a certificate. 
  • Certificates are not available for trade names, name reservations, sole proprietorships, government entities and special entities such as public utilities, contact the Charter unit to discuss Departmental documentation options. 

If you have further questions about certificates, please email [email protected] or call 410-767-1344.

Purchase a Certificate

Purchase Online

  1. You can obtain a certificate for a business entity registered with the Department by going to the Maryland Business Express website at Maryland eGovernment Services.
  2. Select the either link Business Entity Search, Certificate of Status & Document Order.
  3. Enter the name of the business or department ID number.
  4. Authenticity of Certificates purchased online can be verified on the system by choosing the Verify Certificate(s) of Status​ link.

Online certificate purchase technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact MD Egov support by Email, Live Chat or Phone Support: 410-990-1090, Toll-free: 888-963-3468.  Go to Maryland eGovernment Services Support website.

Purchase by Mail

  1. Send a letter requesting a certificate
  2. Please enclose a check or money order made out to the State Department of Assessments for $20.
  3. If you would like the certificate expedited, you need to pay an additional $20.
  4. Mail to:
    SDAT - Corporate Charter Division
    700 East Pratt Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 2700
    Baltimore, Maryland 21202​

Keeping Your Business in Good Standing

To keep your business in Good Standing with Maryland, you must:

  • File your annual reports every year.
  • Follow all Maryland business laws.
  • Pay all required fees.

Learn more about maintaining good standing status

Steps to Ensure Active and Good Standing Status

Download the Good Standing Checklist - PDF - 510.12 KB

Not in Good Standing or Forfeited business entity

Not in Good Standing means the business entity is not in compliance with one or more
Maryland laws that apply to businesses and their responsibilities in this State. 

Learn more about a Not in Good Standing or Forfeited business entity status - PDF - 238.23 KB